Guilty Chinese Scholartree, Historical tree in Jingshan Park, Beijing, China.
The Guilty Chinese Scholartree, a pagoda tree specimen in Jingshan Park, grows on elevated grounds near the Forbidden City. The current tree was planted in 1996 and serves as a focal point within the park's landscape.
The original tree witnessed a tragic event in 1644, when Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming dynasty ended his life after rebel forces under Li Zicheng captured Beijing. Since then, new trees have been planted at this spot to preserve its historical meaning.
The tree connects Beijing's imperial past with today, drawing visitors interested in Chinese dynasties and historical turning points. People come to feel that link to the Ming period and understand what happened here.
The tree sits on a hilltop in Jingshan Park with clear views of the surrounding old city and the Forbidden City grounds below. Visiting early in the morning helps you experience the space with fewer crowds.
The name reflects an old legend about a debt or guilt tied to this place, explaining why the tree carries this poetic designation across different sources. This naming choice mirrors the somber history woven into the spot.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
