Jingshan Park and Beihai Park

On a beautiful day off I enjoyed two historic parks that the royal families used to enjoy over 550 years ago!
Jingshan Park overlooks the Forbidden City. The hill is the focal point, and was built from the dirt that was excavated from the Forbidden City moat.

http://www.beijingguide2008.com/jingshan_park_beijing/jingshan_park_beijing.html

http://www.chinaplanner.com/gardens/imperialgarden/imp_jian.htm This flat area that currently has shrubs and plants was once used for bow and arrow training for the royal sons of many emperors!

This sculpture dates back to the early 1400's.

On my way to the top, this is one of the 5 pavilion buildings.

View from the top looking North. Along the horizon you will see the first tall building to the left of the middle of the picture, this is the Pangu Hotel near the Olympic Green. The Olympic Tower is located just right of the center of the picture, but it is harder to pick out.

To the West is Beihai Park, you can see the lake and white pagoda in the picture.

The Forbidden City to the South! Check out the layout of over 900 rooms! To the right along the horizon you can pick out the National Theater by the glimmering egg shape.
Where is this made and how do I buy one???

Off to Beihai Park for a stroll around the lake and to check out the pagoda!!

http://www.kinabaloo.com/bh3.html

On my way to the island!
These four Kings of each direction oversee the entrance steps to the pagoda.
Picture of Jinshang Park pavilion on the top of the hill. Notice the modern buildings in the background. There is a huge balance between old and new in Beijing.

View from the North end of the lake back towards the pagoda.