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Photo: Charlie fong 冯成, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Jingshan is another former imperial garden with some imperial garden architecture. A popular next stop after leaving the Forbidden City from the north gate, this 23-hectare (57-acre) park is built around Jingshan, the artificial hill created with the soil dug to build the Forbidden City's moat. Literally meaning "Prospect Hill", it is also variously known as Coal Hill or Feng Shui Hill. Those who make the climb from the park entrance to the pagoda on top of the 88-meter (289-foot) peak will be rewarded with a great view over the Forbidden City they just walked through.
Jingshan Park is an imperial park covering 23 hectares immediately north of the Forbidden City in the Imperial City area of Beijing, China. The focal point is the artificial hill Jingshan. Formerly a private imperial garden attached to the grounds of the Forbidden City, the grounds were opened to the public in 1928. The park was formally established in 1949. It is listed as a Key State Park and is administratively part of Xicheng District in downtown Beijing.
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Various events are held here.
中南海
This former imperial garden centered on two lakes is now the headquarters of China's government and ruling party. The compound is not to the public, but you can take a photo in front of the distinctive south gate and revolutionary slogans fronting West Chang'an Avenue. You can also see the back of the compound from the south side of Beihai Park, from which it is separated by a bridge.
恭王府花园 Gōngwángfǔ Huāyuán
The mansion displays the life of princes during the Qing dynasty. The garden is packed with Chinese tourists. The mansion stages Peking Opera and magic shows now and then.
梅兰芳纪念馆 Méilánfāng Jìniànguǎn
Museum showing the life of Mei Lanfang (1894-1961). Mei was the greatest star of Peking Opera, acting for more than 50 years, primarily playing female roles. Furniture as well as costumes and other opera stuff are exhibited here.
后海 Hòuhǎi
A large area north of Beihai Park that encompasses 3 adjacent lakes (Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai) enjoyed by locals for a long stroll along the lakes. The quiet lake area turns into a busy nightlife hub around the crossing point of the eastern end of Houhai and Qianhai.