Zhongshan Park, Imperial altar turned public park near Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Zhongshan Park is an urban park built on the grounds of a former imperial altar near the Forbidden City in Beijing. The site features a large central altar with a square terrace, surrounded by pavilions, gateways, and gardens arranged according to traditional Chinese architectural principles.
The site was founded in 1421 as the Altar of Land and Grain by the Yongle Emperor and served for imperial rituals for centuries. After the 1911 revolution, it became a public park in 1914 and received its current name in 1928.
The park is named after Sun Yatsen, founder of modern China, and visitors can observe how the layout follows traditional rules for sacred spaces with pavilions arranged around the central altar. The design reflects beliefs about connecting earth and heaven through ritual spaces.
The park is easily reached on foot from the Forbidden City and has several entrances on different sides. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when fewer visitors are in the park.
A greenhouse displays around 40 varieties of tulips gifted by the Princess of Holland in 1977, bringing an unexpected European touch to the traditional Chinese landscape. This international flower collection stands out against the timeless imperial architecture surrounding it.
Location: Donghuamen Subdistrict
Inception: 1421
GPS coordinates: 39.90830,116.38800
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41
Beijing offers photographers a mix of imperial palaces, Buddhist temples, traditional hutongs, and contemporary architecture. The city combines the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Forbidden City with modern structures like the CCTV Headquarters and Bird's Nest stadium. Historic sites such as the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace stand alongside the 798 Art Zone and Sanlitun's bars. From the Bell and Drum Towers to the National Centre for the Performing Arts, this collection includes locations across multiple districts. Nanluoguxiang Hutong and Yandaixiejie Hutong showcase traditional alleyways, while Beihai Park and Jingshan Park provide elevated viewpoints. Temples like Yonghe and Fayuan, plus the ruins of the Old Summer Palace, add to the city's architectural variety for social media content.
Forbidden City
873 m
Zhongnanhai
723 m
Tiananmen
284 m
Great Hall of the People
555 m
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong
866 m
The Palace Museum
843 m
National Museum of China
794 m
National Centre for the Performing Arts
668 m
Hall of Supreme Harmony
875 m
Monument to the People's Heroes
662 m
Xinhuamen
814 m
Meridian Gate
538 m
Imperial Ancestral Temple
515 m
Gate of China
859 m
Gate of Supreme Harmony
674 m
East Glorious Gate
862 m
Beijing Shejitan
241 m
Huangshicheng
813 m
West Glorious Gate
580 m
Xijiaomin Xiang
737 m
Forbidden City Concert Hall
719 m
China Numismatic Museum
846 m
中国农工银行旧址
829 m
Site of Continental Bank Beijing Branch
858 m
Red Guard Liaison Station of Beijing Universities and Middle Schools
515 m
Ice Storehouses
898 m
CAAC Ticket Office
806 m
Changpu River Park
809 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes