Beijing in perspective: The view from Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park puts these figures into perspective. The park, positioned just north of the Forbidden City in Dongcheng Central, comprises flower-filled gardens, ornate gates, and meandering pathways. At the center, a 47.5-meter (100 foot) high hill, topped with brightly colored and elaborately decorated pavilions, overlooks the Forbidden City.

I visited Jingshan Park on a whim within my first few days in Beijing. After a late start to a Saturday, I didn't have enough time to explore the Forbidden City itself, but still wanted to catch a glimpse of it. Despite the large weekend crowd, an entrance fee of only 2 Yuan and a great view made Jingshan Park worth the visit.

The climb to the hill's peak was both brief and enjoyable, with plenty of stairs to make the steeper parts manageable. The hill, one of the only elevated landforms in the otherwise flat Beijing, is man-made, a pile of earth left from digging the Forbidden City's moat.

At the east side of the park, visitors can find a gnarled old tree marking the spot where the Chongzhen Emperor, the last Ming emperor, hung himself. A sign there explains that the Chongzhen Emperor and his advisor were fleeing the palace as rebels stormed the gates.

From Jingshan Park's center peak, Beijing can best be put into context. I am from a tiny farming town in the United States, and my experience with large cities and lengthy history is limited.

On a day with little smog, seeing the Forbidden City from above is awe-inspiring. The complex is sprawling and intricate, and the roofs gleam when the sun is low. Even with the hordes of tourists walking through the labyrinthine structure, the view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park is a picturesque glimpse into centuries of history.

Perhaps more impressive to me, at least was the view of Beijing city. Here, one can get a 360 degree view of Beijing, which stretches beyond the horizon in every direction. The narrow hutong neighborhoods, modern city skyline, towering apartment buildings, temple spires, and the glistening Beihai Lake are all visible.

Beijing is huge. It's ancient. I've only managed to fully appreciate this from the hill in Jingshan Park.