A small imperial garden immediately north of the Forbidden City, built around an artificial hill that provides the best view of the palace complex available. From the Wanchun Pavilion at the summit, the Forbidden City's yellow-tiled rooftops extend due south in perfect symmetry to Tiananmen Square, with the modern city rising beyond. The walk up takes about ten minutes on gentle paths; the view is worth every step.
The park is popular with locals for morning exercise, especially older residents practising tai chi and ballroom dancing on the flat areas below the hill. Entry is cheap and the crowds are manageable except on national holidays.