Wanchun Pavilion

万春亭

Wanchun Pavilion is located at the highest point of Jingshan Mountain and is the base point of the north-south axis of Beijing. It is known as the commanding height on the central axis of Beijing and the first place to view the scenic spots in Beijing.
The Wanchun Pavilion enshrines Vairocana Buddha, the Dharmakaya of Sakyamuni Buddha. The pavilion's painting is called the "Xuanzi Large Dotted Golden Dragon Brocade Fangxin", which is the highest level of painting in the Chinese royal family.
From here you can overlook the entire city of Beijing. To the south you can see the panoramic view of the Forbidden City; to the north you can see the Bell and Drum Tower on the central axis; to the west you can see the White Pagoda of Beihai, and to the southeast you can see Zhongnanhai.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Jingshan Park, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区景山公园内)

  • History: Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭) was built in the Ming Dynasty (明代) and reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty (清代). It sits at the top of Jingshan Hill (景山), the highest point inside the old city of Beijing. Historically, it served as a royal scenic pavilion, where emperors could overlook the entire Forbidden City (故宫) and central Beijing.

  • Architecture: A traditional Chinese octagonal pavilion with glazed-tile eaves and colorful dougong (斗拱, bracket sets), it is an outstanding example of imperial garden architecture. The pavilion features multiple layers of overhanging roofs and is beautifully decorated with red pillars and green tiles.

  • Cultural Value: The pavilion symbolizes longevity and eternal spring (“万春” meaning “eternal spring”). It is one of the five main pavilions on Jingshan Hill. Today, it is regarded as the best vantage point to view the axis of Beijing, especially the Forbidden City aligned perfectly with it.

  • Other Information: The pavilion is a cultural and photographic highlight. Many tourists climb here to admire sunrise, sunset, and panoramic city views. It is also associated with the tragic history of Emperor Chongzhen (明思宗崇祯皇帝), who committed suicide near Jingshan Hill in 1644 after the fall of the Ming Dynasty.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 06:30 – 20:00 (summer); 06:30 – 19:00 (winter)

  • Ticket Price:
    Jingshan Park Entry: ¥2
    Discounted (students, seniors): ¥1
    Children under 1.2m: Free

  • Best Photo Spots:
    – From Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭) platform overlooking the Forbidden City (故宫)
    – Sunset views over Beihai Park (北海公园)
    – Panoramic skyline of central Beijing

  • Time Reference: 40 minutes – 1 hour to climb up and enjoy views; 1.5–2 hours if exploring the entire Jingshan Park.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    The Peninsula Beijing (北京王府半岛酒店)
    Waldorf Astoria Beijing (北京华尔道夫酒店)
  • Mid-range:
    Hotel Kapok Beijing Forbidden City (北京木棉花酒店)
    Beijing Jingtailong International Hotel (北京京泰龙国际大酒店)
  • Budget & Boutique:
    Peking Youth Hostel (北京青年旅舍, Nanluoguxiang)
    Beijing 161 Beihai Courtyard Hotel (北京161北海四合院酒店)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
    Zhajiangmian (炸酱面, soybean paste noodles)
    Luzhu Huoshao (卤煮火烧, Beijing-style stewed offal with bread)
    Tanghulu (糖葫芦, candied hawthorn skewers)
  • Famous Spots:
    Quanjude Roast Duck (全聚德烤鸭, Qianmen area)
    Bianyifang Roast Duck (便宜坊烤鸭, Hademen)
    Huguosi Snack Street (护国寺小吃街, ~1.5 km)
    Black Sesame Restaurant (黑芝麻餐厅, near Houhai)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Panoramic postcards of the Forbidden City from Wanchun Pavilion
  • Beijing cloisonné (景泰蓝)
  • Chinese paper-cuttings (剪纸)
  • Peking Opera masks (京剧脸谱)
  • Snacks like Beijing-style preserved fruits (果脯)

Transportation

  • By Subway: Line 8 → Shichahai Station (什刹海站), exit C, 10–15 min walk
  • By Bus: Routes 58, 101, 103, 109, 124, 128 → Jingshan East Gate Stop (景山东门站)
  • By Taxi: About 20 minutes from Tiananmen Square (天安门广场), ~¥25
  • By Bicycle: Public bike stations available near Jingshan Park gates.

Nearby Attractions

  • Forbidden City (故宫博物院) – ~500 m south, 10 min walk
  • Beihai Park (北海公园) – ~700 m west, 10 min walk
  • Shichahai (什刹海) – ~1.5 km northwest, 20 min walk
  • National Art Museum of China (中国美术馆) – ~1.2 km east, 15 min walk

Tips for Visitors

  • Best time to visit: Morning (clearer views) or sunset (for photography).
  • Bring a camera with a zoom lens for panoramic city shots.
  • The climb is short but steep; wear comfortable shoes.
  • Spring and autumn are ideal seasons with pleasant weather and less smog.
  • Try to enter from the south gate of Jingshan Park for a direct path to Wanchun Pavilion.
  • Prepare for crowds during weekends and holidays.
  • No food vendors inside Jingshan Hill, so bring water and snacks.

Recommended Itineraries

  • Route 1: Half-Day Imperial Highlights
    Morning: Forbidden City (故宫博物院)
    Afternoon: Walk to Jingshan Park (景山公园), climb Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭)
    Evening: Dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck (全聚德烤鸭, Qianmen)
    (Transport: Walking)
  • Route 2: One-Day Culture & Lakes
    Morning: Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭) for panoramic view
    Midday: Beihai Park (北海公园)
    Afternoon: Walk to Shichahai (什刹海) area for hutong exploration
    Evening: Dinner at Huguosi Snack Street (护国寺小吃街)
    (Transport: Walking + short bus rides)
  • Route 3: 2-Day Historical Tour
    D1: Forbidden City (故宫) → Jingshan Park (景山公园, Wanchun Pavilion) → Beihai Park (北海公园)
    D2: Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) → National Art Museum of China (中国美术馆) → Shichahai Hutongs (什刹海胡同)
    (Transport: Subway + walking)

User Reviews

By Mitsuki Tachii |

I got up early to watch the flag-raising ceremony, and then immediately rode my bike to Jingshan Park. There were very few people in the morning, only two or three tourists, and the rest were old Beijingers who got up early to exercise. From the rising sun, I saw the bright sunshine and the golden Forbidden City complex, which was beautiful~ It’s a pity that my camera is not good enough to capture its beauty~ After getting off Jingshan and having breakfast, I just happened to go to the Forbidden City, perfectly avoiding group tourists~ By the way, I took two photos of the corner tower and Shenwu Gate. The area around the Forbidden City in the morning is really amazing👍

By Smart Chicken |

Jingshan Park is located right behind the Forbidden City. It is surrounded by mountains, adjacent to Beihai in the west and the Forbidden City in the south. It overlooks the capital and was once located in the center of the imperial city. There are five pavilions built from east to west on Jingshan: Zhoushang Pavilion, Miaoguan Pavilion, Wanchun Pavilion, Jifang Pavilion, and Fulan Pavilion. One pavilion is higher than the other. Wanchun Pavilion is located at the highest point of Jingshan and has the best view of the Forbidden City. To the east of Wanchun Pavilion stands a large stone with the inscription "The First Place to See the Scenic Spots in Beijing" by Luo Zhewen. Standing in front of Wanchun Pavilion is the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in Chinese history, the world's largest wooden structure ancient building complex, and the Forbidden City, the first of the five largest palaces in the world. When the weather is clear and the air is transparent, you can see the entire Forbidden City and the skyline of Beijing.

By Yuhao |

Wanchun Pavilion is located in the south of Fubiting Pavilion in the Imperial Garden. It was built in the 15th year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty (1536). Wanchun Pavilion and Qianqiu Pavilion are a pair of buildings with the same shape and structure, with only slight differences in the caisson painting. The specific difference lies in the top of the pagoda. There are cloud patterns (or flame patterns) on the top of the pagoda of Wanchun Pavilion, while there are no cloud patterns on the top of Qianqiu Pavilion.

By Chu Yunfei QQ |

Wanchun Pavilion is a square pavilion building at the highest point of Jingshan Park, located on the central axis of Beijing, overlooking the Forbidden City and the surrounding scenery. When clouds appear in the sky, Wanchun Pavilion will be crowded with people, and there is basically no place to stand. People are so crowded that you can hardly put down your camera.

By DrZou |

Wanchun Pavilion is located at the highest point of Jingshan Mountain and is the base point of the north-south axis of Beijing. It is known as the commanding height on the central axis of Beijing and the first place to view the scenic spots in Beijing.

By Ace Danny✨ |

It is well known that Wanchun Pavilion overlooks the Forbidden City. With the good weather, it is really great! There are already many uncles carrying cameras and snapping photos like crazy.

By Eye Color Mirror |

Climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion and look over the center of the city. You can also see the crowds in the Forbidden City. The ancient colors are rich and mysterious. The mist in the distance has not yet dissipated, and it is as hazy as a light ink painting.

The surrounding scenery can be seen at a glance. This place was once the commanding height of the capital.



Appreciate the magnificence of Beijing's Central Axis, and the picture scroll of the long river of history and the imagination of the highest decision-making in the strategic planning will naturally flood into your eyes and thoughts.

Looking down at the Forbidden City and Beijing city from the emperor's perspective, one feels as if he is the only one who can look down on the world.

As the sky gradually cleared up, more and more photography enthusiasts rushed with their cameras and short distances to seize favorable terrain.

By Honkan |

This is recognized as the best place to have a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. The Buddha is on top, facing south, blessing the land of China, the Forbidden City, and every shining point on the central axis with mysterious and kind grace.

At dusk, the light is blurred and soft, like the eyes of a girl, rippling and full of affection. Mist is steaming the horizon, and in the shadows, the Forbidden City is jumping like a mirage under the Wanchun Pavilion, showing the distant figure that history has endowed this great palace with in a playful way.

By Favorite glutinous rice dumplings |

At the Wanchun Pavilion in the middle of the Wufang Pavilion in Jingshan, you can indeed take a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. It is quite shocking to the naked eye. The emperor was really extravagant~~ He enclosed such a large area~~

It's really worth climbing up to take a look~~The mountain is not high~~

By SugarSunnys |

It's perfect to have a panoramic view of Beijing and the Forbidden City. It's easy to climb up. Come to Jingshan Park for an outing.

By ahbear |

At Wanchun Pavilion, standing on the central axis of the capital, overlooking the entire Forbidden City, looking around, there may be a moment when you think of "All under heaven is the king's land; all within the four seas are the king's subjects"!

By Smile |

Wanchun Pavilion is located at the middle peak of Jingshan Mountain. The relative height of the middle peak is 45.7 meters. It is the highest and best viewing point on the north-south central axis of Beijing. Standing on the top of the Wanchun Pavilion, you can see the panoramic view of the Forbidden City, with a large golden building in front of you. Looking down, you can also see the Wanchun Pavilion in the Imperial Garden of the Forbidden City. The weather is good today and the visibility is OK. Standing here and looking at the Forbidden City is magnificent. Looking west from the Wanchun Pavilion is Beihai Park, and you can clearly see the White Pagoda of Beihai Park. Under the Wanchun Pavilion is the Beijing City Center Point Sign. This is the center of Beijing City.

By Jennifer |

Wanchun Pavilion overlooks the entire Forbidden City. I think I have truly seen the Forbidden City only up to this point. The crooked tree where Emperor Chongzhen committed suicide still stands in the garden. If you are interested, you can go and have a look...

By Red Guard Wuhan |

This is a main building on the top of Jingshan Park. Standing here you can see the whole view of the Forbidden City.

By Cayla's mom |

Many tourists take selfies at Wanchun Pavilion to take a photo with the entire Forbidden City.

There are also many foreigners among them.

By Feeney |

I heard that you can see the whole Forbidden City from Wanchun Pavilion on the top of Jingshan Park. Without further ado, let's head to the highest point. The red brick and yellow tile Forbidden City is in full view, which is spectacular! It's a pity that the light was not good when taking pictures, otherwise it would be better. On the other side of Wanchun Pavilion, you can see the new look of modern Beijing. It is worthy of being called "the first place to see the beauty of Beijing"! There are Buddha statues enshrined in Wanchun Pavilion, which are solemn and sacred.

By Jiang, Xiaobai |

You can overlook the entire Forbidden City. Photography enthusiasts will come here with their cameras to take pictures. It is a great place worth visiting.

By Highbury Flutter |

The most famous thing about Jingshan Park is that you can overlook the entire Forbidden City from the Wanchun Pavilion on the top of the mountain.

Our legs were weak after walking all day, and I almost cried when we were climbing up to Wanchun Pavilion. But when we got there, all our tiredness was gone, and the view of the Forbidden City was so shocking.

My broken phone can’t capture the desired effect, so I just want to strongly recommend that everyone should go.

Especially at sunset, the Forbidden City gradually becomes less crowded, and you should not miss the scenery after the crowd is cleared.

By Alone with the wind |

User Avatar

The most famous places in Jingshan Park are the "Wanchun Pavilion" at the highest point, the five symmetrical pavilions, and the place where Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty hanged himself.

Not bad, worth going!

Follow the wind and be casual 1212 reviews

The most famous places in Jingshan Park are the "Wanchun Pavilion" at the highest point, the five symmetrical pavilions and the place where Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty hanged himself.

As soon as you enter the scenic area, you will see a mountain path with steps. Most tourists climb up the steps without hesitation, ready to climb.

"Wanchun Pavilion is located on the middle peak of Jingshan Mountain, which has a relative height of 45.7 meters and is the highest and best viewing point on the north-south central axis of Beijing.

I think most of the tourists who come to the top of Jingshan Mountain don't take a close look at these five pavilions, right?

They all rush to climb to the top to overlook the Forbidden City and the central axis of Beijing in the north.

Indeed, there is no more ideal viewing point in the capital than this one!

It is said that when it snows, both the Forbidden City and the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan are crowded with people. Especially in the Wanchun Pavilion, it is so crowded that it is almost impossible to get a seat.

The far end of the central axis is the Bell and Drum Tower, and the crossroads in the middle is the Di'anmen intersection (the original Di'anmen tower was demolished at the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China). Now the central axis in a broad sense has been extended far northward from the Drum Tower.

By Walking little dumpling |

The Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park is the best place to see the whole Forbidden City. I highly recommend this place. The ticket to Jingshan Park is also cheap, it seems to be only two yuan.

By Lost House |

When you are in a bad mood, you can stand on it and look down. Your mood will instantly improve. Try it.

By Old saying |

The Wanchun Pavilion is located in the center of the Five Pavilions in Jingshan Park. It is also the tallest of the five pavilions and the best viewing point for viewing the Forbidden City and Beijing city scenery.

By Spring Water 2015 |

Wanchun Pavilion is located at the highest point of Jingshan Mountain. Although Jingshan Mountain is not very high, its location allows people who come here to enjoy a 360-degree view of Beijing, which attracts countless tourists every day to take in the beautiful scenery of Beijing. Standing on the observation deck of Wanchun Pavilion, you can see the White Pagoda of Beihai and the boats sailing on the water, the National Grand Theater, the layout of the Forbidden City, and even the big words "Forbidden City Museum" clearly. If it is sunset on a sunny day, you can see the glazed tiles on the roof of the palace emitting golden light under the refraction of the setting sun.

Wanchun Pavilion was built in 1750. It has three-story eaves with pointed corners, a yellow glazed tile roof, and brackets and roof ridges painted in blue and lake green as the main colors. The building itself is very exquisite. While you are attracted by the surrounding scenery, don't forget to appreciate Wanchun Pavilion.

By Xuanyuer |

I must write a few words about watching the sunset at Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan.

Jingshan is actually the backyard of the Forbidden City, and Wanchun Pavilion is the highest point of Jingshan. Climbing up and looking far, you can see the Forbidden City and the White Pagoda in one glance. The setting sun shines on every tile of the Forbidden City, shining with golden light and extremely gorgeous. Young and old, Chinese, foreign, white, and yellow people gathered here to watch this most glorious moment written by nature and mankind. Countless flashes kept flashing.

By Night |

Wanchun Pavilion is a must-visit place for tourists to Jingshan Park. From here, you can overlook the entire central city of Beijing. Looking out from Wanchun Pavilion, you can see the panoramic view of the Forbidden City to the south; to the north, you can see the Bell and Drum Tower on the central axis; to the west, you can see the White Pagoda of Beihai; to the southeast, you can see Zhongnanhai

By Handsome Coke |

From Wanchun Pavilion, you can see the magnificent palaces of the Forbidden City to the south, the Bell and Drum Tower on the central axis to the north, and the White Pagoda of Beihai to the west.

By A_Do |

It is the highest point in Jingshan Park. It seems that you can overlook the entire Palace Museum. How can it be described as magnificent?

By Floating Years |

The pavilion in Jingshan Park is the center of the Wufang Pavilion. From it you can see the entire Forbidden City.

By Thule Wang |

Simply put, from here, you can see almost the entire core area of ​​Beijing. It is right at the center of Beijing's old city, and it also crosses the north-south central axis. Both the view angle and the height are good enough. However, it is also because this place is quite suitable for photography that Wanchun Pavilion is always crowded with people, especially in the afternoon and evening. You will find a lot of lenses facing the west to shoot the sunset. At that time, you may just take out your camera and record the beautiful sunset.

By Happy Potato Chips |

A great place to overlook the Forbidden City. It has a panoramic view. It is even better when the weather is good. The center of Beijing is right under the Wanchun Pavilion.

By float |

The majestic Wanchun Pavilion, with three eaves and four corners and yellow tile roof

The best place to view the capital's beautiful scenery, overlooking the magnificent scenery of the capital.

By Dream Clothes |

Standing at the highest point of Jingshan, Wanchun Pavilion, you can see the entire Forbidden City to the south, the White Pagoda of Beihai Park to the west, and the CCTV Big Pants Building to the east. To the north is the Shouhuang Palace.