Zhongshan Park

Beijing Zhongshan Park, an ancient, elegant and solemn park, is located to the northwest of Tiananmen Square and adjacent to the Forbidden City. Originally it was a site of imperial sacrifices, named the Altar of Land and Grain (Shejitan) in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. In 1914 it was named Central Park. Dr. Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), China's first revolutionary leader bringing about the first republic in 1911, was temporarily placed in the park after his death. To memorize this great man, the site was renamed Zhongshan Park in 1928.

Covering an area of 218,000 square meters (260,700 square yards), Zhongshan Park is a beautiful environment, with a strong and influential culture. Entering from the south gate and passing by the magnificent Peace Safeguarding Arch erected during wartime, you will see a solemn bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen with a height of 3.4 meters (11 feet).
 Going forward to the center of Zhongshan Park you can see the main structure, the ancient Altar of Land and Grain (Shejitan). It was first built as a temple in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and rebuilt as Xingguo Temple by the Liao (907-1125) and Yuan (1271-1368) Dynasties. In 1421 it was reconstructed as the Altar of Land and Grain (Shejitan) by Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty. It is a three-level square terrace built of white marble. The upper platform of the altar is paved by soil in five colors, so it is also called the Five-Color Soil Altar. It is a symbol of both imperial power and good harvests.

To the southwest of the altar are the Imperial Storehouse and the Imperial Kitchen. The former is used to place articles related to sacrifices, such as shrines, memorial tablets for gods, sacrificial utensils and so on. The latter is a place to prepare offerings and to store kitchen ware. Not far from the Imperial Storehouse and Kitchen, the Butchering Pavilion is also available for butchering animals for sacrifices.
 Passing through the Altar of Land and Grain (Shejitan) and heading due north, tourists come to Zhongshan Hall, which was originally named the Worship Hall, where emperors worshiped, when there is bad weather. The coffin of Dr. Sun Yat-sen was once placed there, which is why it is now called Zhongshan Hall. It is believed to be the most intact building of the Ming Dynasty.
 To the southeast of Zhongshan Hall lies the Forbidden City Concert Hall. It was built in 1942 and now covers an area of more than 4,000 square meters (4,783 square yards). It is a modern multi-functional and international level theater with both Chinese and Western characteristics. It is also an ideal place to appreciate classical music.
 Zhongshan Park also houses other beautiful spots, which create a quiet and beautiful environment. The attractive Evergreen Garden accommodates rockeries, flowerbeds, potted landscapes etc. Tanghua Greenhouse is a hothouse for cultivating flowers, where various rare flowers can be seen. Huifang Garden provides a place for an orchid fair, which attracts many tourists.

There are ancient cypresses flourishing in Zhongshan Park, most of which were planted in the Ming Dynasty. Seven of the cypresses are said to have been planted during the Liao Dynasty. They have a history of more than 1,000 years. Tall and straight, they can almost not be embraced by three or four people. There is also an amazing sight of a couple tree: a locust tree and a cypress entwined with luxuriant foliage.1. Take Subway Line 1 and get off at the Tiananmen West Station. Walk southward for 400 meters (437 yards) to find the gate.
2. Take Bus 1, 5, 52, Sightseeing Bus Line 1, Sightseeing Bus Line 2 or Night Line 1, and then get off at the Tiananmen West Station. Walk one minute eastward to the south gate of the park.
3. Take Bus 5, Sightseeing Bus Line 1 or Sightseeing Bus Line 2 to Nanchang Street, and then walk northward to find the west gate of the park.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search

Admission Fee	CNY 3; A combined ticket for Tanghua Greenhouse and Huifang Garden: CNY 5; CNY10 during the Tulip Fair ( late March to mid-May)  Note: Free for children who are under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) or under 6 years old; Half-price tickets for the minors aged 7-18 and the old over 60
Opening Hours	Zhongshan Park: April to May & September to October : 6:00 – 21:00; stop entering at 20:30 June to August : 6:00 – 22: 00; stop entering at 21:00 November to March: 6:30 – 20:00; stop entering at 19:00 Tanghua Greenhouse, Huifang Garden and Exhibition Hall inside the park: Apr. - Oct.: 8:00 – 18:00; stop entering at 17:30 Nov. - Mar.: 8:30 - 17:00; stop entering at 16:30

 Nearby Attractions:
 Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace, symmetrically opposite Zhongshan Park: grand buildings and pretty gardens
 Tiananmen Square, the heartland of Beijing: the largest central square in the world