Zhongshan Park

#aprilblooms #zhongshan Park 🏞️ What is Zhongshan Park? • Zhongshan Park (中山公园, Zhōngshān Gōngyuán) is a famous public park located in central Beijing, right next to the Forbidden City’s south gate (Tiananmen Gate). • It’s named after Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), the “Father of Modern China,” who helped overthrow the last imperial dynasty. ⸻ 🏛️ History • The park area used to be part of the imperial gardens of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. • It was called the Altar of Earth and Harvests (Shejitan, 社稷坛), where emperors performed important religious ceremonies to honor the gods of earth and agriculture. • In 1928, after the fall of the Qing dynasty, the park was turned into a public space and renamed Zhongshan Park in honor of Sun Yat-sen. ⸻ ✨ Main Features • Altar of Earth and Harvests: A large, beautiful stone platform where ancient rituals were held. • Historical Pavilions: Gorgeous traditional Chinese structures, like the Double Ring Pavilion and Stone Archways. • Gardens and Flowers: • Famous for its spring tulip displays and flower exhibitions. • Has quiet tree-lined paths, ponds, and decorative gardens. • Cultural Exhibitions: Sometimes hosts art displays, flower shows, and cultural events. ⸻ ☀️ Atmosphere • Very peaceful compared to the busy Tiananmen Square right outside. • Popular among locals for morning exercises like tai chi, singing, and dancing. • A great place to relax after visiting the Forbidden City. ⸻ 📍 Location and Access • Address: Just west of Tiananmen Square, adjacent to the Forbidden City’s south entrance. • Subway: Easily reachable by Tian’anmen West or Tian’anmen East stations (Beijing Subway Line 1). • Entrance Fee: Very inexpensive (around 10 RMB), and sometimes free for seniors or children. Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -