Jingshan Park Beijing: The Best View of the Forbidden City

After visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing, don't leave the area just yet.

Walk across to Jingshan Park (景山公园).

For only RMB2, you can climb to the top of Jingshan Hill and get one of the best views in Beijing — looking directly over the entire Forbidden City.

We visited Jingshan Park immediately after exploring Gugong, and I definitely recommend doing the two together.

Jingshan Park Is Right Opposite the Forbidden City

This is what makes Jingshan Park so convenient.

The park sits directly north of the Forbidden City, almost perfectly aligned with Beijing's historic central axis. It was once part of the imperial garden associated with the palace.

Since visitors normally finish their Forbidden City route at the northern side, Jingshan Park is a very natural next stop.

Basically:

Forbidden City → Exit → Jingshan Park → Climb up → See everything you just walked through

And suddenly you realise just how enormous Gugong actually is.

The Best View of the Forbidden City

The main reason I recommend coming here is the view.

Climb towards Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭) at the highest point of Jingshan Park.

From here, you get a panoramic view looking south across the Forbidden City.

All those courtyards, gates and golden rooftops you spent hours walking through suddenly line up in front of you.

The official Beijing tourism guide also identifies Wanchun Pavilion as the park's highest point and one of the best places to overlook the Forbidden City and Beijing's Central Axis.

For photos alone, it's worth the climb.

Jingshan Park Ticket Price

And this might be one of the best-value attractions in Beijing.

Regular adult ticket: RMB2

Yes. ¥2. 😂

The official Beijing park information currently lists admission at RMB2 for adults and RMB1 for discounted tickets. During certain exhibition periods, however, the adult price can temporarily increase to RMB10.

You can also purchase tickets at the park entrance, which makes this an easy spontaneous addition after visiting the Forbidden City.

How Long Do You Need at Jingshan Park?

You don't need to dedicate half a day here.

I'd allocate around:

45 minutes to 1.5 hours

depending on how slowly you walk and how long you want to stay at the viewpoint.

There is some uphill walking involved, but the reward is that huge panoramic view over central Beijing.

Visit Jingshan Park After the Forbidden City

If you're already planning to visit Gugong, I would almost treat Jingshan Park as part of the same itinerary.

Do the Forbidden City first.

Then head north to Jingshan Park.

Climb to the viewpoint.

And look back at everything you just explored.

After spending hours inside the Forbidden City, this is where you finally get to see the whole thing.

For RMB2, it's an easy recommendation.

→ Read my Forbidden City Beijing (Gugong) Guide