Opposite the northern gate of theForbidden City is the Jingshan Park. This park was once an imperial garden during the Ming and Qing dynasty, and was surrounded by the red walls of the Forbidden city. Jingshan Park has a dramatic history and dramatic views, If you climb the hill on a clear day, you can see a spectacular views of the Forbidden city and Beijing.
Jingshan Park, with a history of over 800 years, was first built in the Jin Dynasty, During the Ming Dynasty (1420 A.D), an artificial hill was created using earth from the newly constructed palace moat. On the slope of Jinshan Hill there used to be a tree on which the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, hanged himself in desperation. The original tree is no more. The one now growing on the spot was planted in 1981. In spring and autumn visitors go to the Jingshan Park in droves to marvel at shows of flowers and miniature landscapes.
