Covering an area of 24 hectares (60 acres), the Zhongshan Park lies west of Tiananmen Gate. About a thousand years ago, this park used to be the site of Xingguosi (Temple of National Revival) in the northeastern part of the city of Yanjing (Yan Capital, the old name of Beijing) during the Liao and Jin dynasties (9l6-l234). The original buildings vanished long ago, but some of the ancient cypresses still survive. During the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424), when Beijing was made the capital in 1420, the Taimiao (Imperial Ancestral Temple) and the Shejitan (Altar of Land and Grain) were built. The altar was erected in 1421. In 1914, it was converted into the Central Park, and in l928 it got its present name: Zhongshan Park, in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Since l949, it has greatly improved both in natural beauty and in recreational facilities. 

The Music Hall in the park, an amphitheatre with round pillars, is an ideal place for the lover of music. Many well-known and popular dramas presented and concerts are frequently held. During late spring and early summer, the peonies are in full blossom; many of them are rare and valuable species. 

The western section of the park is the busiest. Here, in the midst of the cypress grove, are many pavilions and artificial rockeries, as well as a hall of entertainment and a ground for riding on an electric horse. In the cypress grove itself, colorful lights are hung, under which the tourist may drink tea, listen to music, play chess or simply chat on summer evenings. 

The park is also well known for its great variety of flowers and goldfish, ancient halls and cypresses, the charming pavilions, summer houses and grotesque rock gardens. The park attracts millions of visitors each year. 

Admission Fee : USD0.50/adult, USD0.25/child, excluding special exhibitions
Opening Hours: 
May--Oct, 06:00-22:00, Last Entry 21:00 
Nov--Feb, 06:30--20:30,Last Entry 19:30 
Mar--Apr, 06:00--21:00,Last Entry 20:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: 1-2 hour(s)