The best view of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park
by 小宇0923
Oct 26, 2023
Jingshan Park! For just 2 yuan, you can climb to the highest point in the capital and watch the sunset turn the red walls of the Forbidden City golden.
📍Jingshan Park Address: No. 44 Jingshan West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
⏰ Opening Hours: 6:00-20:30 (Peak season 4.1-10.31), 6:30-19:00 (Off-season 11.1-3.31)
📸 This is the correct way to enjoy a 360° god’s-eye view! All four directions are stunningly beautiful.
South Center Spot:
Facing the Shenwu Gate of the Forbidden City, shoot with a telephoto lens to capture even the tiny beasts on the rooftops clearly! 💯
Symmetrical aesthetics at its best, a dream come true for central axis lovers!
East Magical Spot:
From Zhoushang Pavilion, capture the CBD of Guomao and the red walls of the Forbidden City in one frame.
The ultra-modern lines of China Zun × 600-year-old architecture create an incredible time-travel vibe! 🤩
West Classic Spot:
From Fulan Pavilion, shoot the White Pagoda in Beihai Park, naturally framed by tree branches.
Add a filter casually and it looks like a National Geographic masterpiece! 🌄
North Stunning Spot:
From Wanchun Pavilion looking north, buildings along the central axis line up one after another.
Tradition and modernity perfectly blend under the sunset, maximum historical feel! 🏯
👟 Lazy Climber’s Guide! A 10-minute easy route
🚇 Subway Riders:
Line 8, “National Art Museum Station” Exit A, 10-minute walk
Line 6, “Nanluoguxiang Station” Exit C, 5-minute shared bike ride direct
🚗 Drivers:
Navigate to “Jingshan West Street Parking Lot”
8 yuan/hour, recommended to arrive before 7 AM for parking spots
✨ Smart Entrances & Exits:
Exit the Forbidden City through the South Gate directly
If you want to explore the hutongs, exit from the East Gate, 2-minute walk to Nanluoguxiang
⚠️ Listen up! Pitfall Avoidance Guide (Learned the hard way)
1️⃣ Ticket Reform:
Price stays at 2 yuan
Must book in advance on the “Changyou Park” app
2️⃣ Golden Shooting Time:
☀️ Summer 18:30-19:00
❄️ Winter 16:50-17:10
Reserve your spot 1 hour early! Arrive 5 minutes late and it’s a sea of people 🙄
3️⃣ Must-Have Gear:
Folding stool (essential for securing your spot)
Polarizing filter (to eliminate glass reflections)
Telephoto lens (5x zoom on phone is enough)
🎁 Hidden Perks:
Free stamp at the East Gate Visitor Center
Borrow ancient costumes for 30 minutes at Shouhuang Hall for photos
The latte art at Shan You Li Coffee near Shenwu Gate is stunning
💫 Seasonal Special:
November: Ginkgo Avenue turns golden
Every Friday/Saturday: Central axis lighting show is a breathtaking spectacle
Post by LottaKokko | Oct 16, 2025























