Zhongshan Park, Imperial altar turned public park near Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The 23-hectare Zhongshan Park contains multiple pavilions, stone archways, and the central Altar of Earth and Harvests featuring a symmetrical square terrace.
The Yongle Emperor established the site in 1421 as the Altar of Land and Grain, which transformed into a public park in 1914 and received its current name in 1928.
The park preserves ancient sacrificial structures including the Five-color Soil altar, Sacrificial Kitchen, Sacrificial Storehouse, and Animal Sacrifice Pavilion for ceremonial practices.
The park maintains seasonal hours, operating from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM during summer months and 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM in winter, with specific schedules for exhibitions.
The greenhouse displays 39 tulip varieties gifted by the Princess of Holland in 1977, adding international flora to the traditional Chinese landscape.
Location: Donghuamen Subdistrict
Inception: 1421
GPS coordinates: 39.90830,116.38800
Latest update: March 25, 2025 11:56
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.
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