Jingshan Park, the highest point in Beijing, was built in 1179 during the Jin Dynasty. It is located directly to the north of the Forbidden City's Shenwu Gate.


Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion

Inside Jingshan Park, an area of approximately 57 acres, is Jingshan Hill which rises to a height of 48 metres, and from its top visitors can see (on that rare, clear-air day) the entire city of Beijing.


Looking south toward the Imperial Palace.

Jingshan Hill was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and was initially called "Longevity Hill" and then later was named "Zhen Hill". In later periods coal was piled at the foot of the hill and it became known as "Mei Shan" (Coal Hill). However in 1655 during the Qing Dynasty the name was changed to Jingshan Hill, the name by which it is known today.



On the summit of Jingshan Hill five scenery viewing pavilions were built, and from these the visitor can clearly see the layout of the Forbidden City. The highest pavilion is called Wanchun Pavilion (Ten thousand springs pavilion), and there are four other pavilions, two each on the east and west sides respectively of Jingshan Hill. Each of these pavilions contained a copper Buddha symbolizing the five kinds of tastes: acid, spicy, bitter, sweet and salty. However, in 1900 the Allied Forces of the Eight Powers looted four of these five Buddhas, and the fifth one was destroyed. (During the same visit, the invading forces also destroyed much of the Summer Palace, including the Long Pavilion.) The replacement Buddhas now seen in each pavilion were made in 1999.