Jingshan Park in autumn, with its red walls and golden ginkgo trees complementing each other, is an excellent place to enjoy the fall scenery.

Preparation

• Tickets: 2 RMB, can be purchased on-site or booked in advance on relevant travel platforms.

• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM (peak season from April to October).

• Transportation: Take Metro Line 8 to Shichahai Station, exit A, then about a 15-minute walk to the park.

Itinerary

• Morning: It is recommended to enter from the west gate. Upon entering, you will see persimmon trees full of fruit, immersing you in the autumn atmosphere. Then climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion, a 360° unobstructed viewing platform where you can overlook the entire Forbidden City, Beijing’s central axis, and see the White Pagoda in Beihai Park nestled among the colorful trees. The flying eaves of the Bell and Drum Towers look especially ancient under the autumn sun. The cross mark at the foot of Wanchun Pavilion is the geometric center of Beijing city, a great spot for photos.

• Noon: After descending from Wanchun Pavilion, you can dine at the park’s restaurant or nearby snack streets such as Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, which is close to Jingshan Park and offers various Beijing specialties like Peking duck and zhajiang noodles.

• Afternoon: Visit the site where Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself, marked by an ancient locust tree, a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Then tour Shouhuang Hall, the Qing Dynasty royal ancestral worship site, with its photogenic red walls and yellow tiles, and relatively fewer visitors, making it ideal for photography.

• Evening: If you didn’t get a satisfying view from Wanchun Pavilion in the morning, you can climb it again in the evening. From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM is a great time to watch the sunset, seeing the golden glow spread over the Forbidden City and experiencing the charm of "Beijing’s most beautiful viewing platform."

Notes

• It takes only 10-15 minutes to climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion. The path is not steep and suitable for all ages, but safety should still be observed.

• Wanchun Pavilion is crowded year-round. If you want to take portraits, it is recommended to visit on weekday mornings.

• There is a cultural and creative shop inside the park where you can buy Jingshan-exclusive souvenirs as keepsakes.