Beijing, my hometown, the city I love - Part II

I want to thank all who have viewed and took the time commenting on my earlier post about the city of Beijing. Here are a few more pictures focusing on another park in Beijing, Jingshan Park. It is a small one and not as famous as Forbidden City or Summer Palace. But I do like this one since it is at the center of the city and only a couple miles from my childhood home. Actually it is immediately north of the Forbidden City on the central axis of Beijing, and west of Beihai Park (see photos from my earlier post).

Jingshan is an artificial hill constructed during the Ming Dynasty entirely from the soil excavated in forming the moats of the Imperial Palace and nearby canals. It's not the Great Wall, but is still impressive considering that all of this material was moved only by manual labor and animal power. Jingshan consists of five individual peaks, and on the top of each peak there lies an elaborate pavilion. These five peaks also draws the approximate historical axis of central Beijing.

The last emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen, committed suicide by hanging himself here in 1644. Well, that's another long story.

The wall surrounding the park. In China red is the color of the auspicious, signifying reunion, health, happiness, harmony, peace and prosperity. The color red is usually used for the walls of ancient palaces.

The center peak of the park, standing only 45.7-metre high.

Stairs leading to the peaks, giving me a peaceful feeling.

The pavilion at the top of center peak. As you can see, a good photo spot.

The view of Forbidden City from the center peak. It was a cloudy day and the north gate was under construction. You can still see those buildings in Forbidden City.

The view of Beihai Park from the center peak. You can see the White Dagoba in the distance.

One of the pavilions in lower peaks.

The ceiling of one of the palivions. A crane is considered auspicious in China. It is one of the symbols of longevity.

The stone tablets mark the place where Chongzhen committed suicide.

Chongzhen hang himself here. The original tree died and this is the new tree planted on the same spot.

Jingshan is especially a popular place for elderly people socializing and gathering. One can often find elderly folks dancing, singing opera and doing other cultural activities early morning here.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Thank you for stopping by.