Coal Hill

From ( http://www.cnn.co.uk/TRAVEL/CITY.GUIDES/WTR/internat.profiles/ip.beijing.html )

Coal Hill (Jing Shan)—Coal Hill was formed from the soil excavated to create the moat around the Forbidden City. There the last Ming emperor hanged himself in 1644 as rebels approached the city. Located just north of the Forbidden City, the hill is now a park with the Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion at its summit. Nice flowers in season, and good for strolling. Plan to spend at least half a day on the grounds. Daily 5:30 am-9:30 pm in summer, 7 am-7:30 pm in winter. 5 yuan. Phone 6887-4060 or 6887-4825.

10/03/2000 8:45am

Yesterday we visited a number of places.

One of the highlights of the day was climbing to the top of Coal Hill. I don't understand why the name Coal Hill. In Chinese the name is Scenic Hill, which makes a lot more sense. Even though the view was obstructed by the overcast weather and some smog, it was still very nice to see Beijing from this scenic hill. It was also nice seeing all these other Chinese on holiday celebrating Oct 1st National Day--51st Anniversary since the birth of People's Republic of China.

View from the top of Coal Hill.

The eaves of one of the pagoda.

The Forbidden City from the top of Coal Hill.

By now you know that I like to take pictures of Chinese roofs.

The Forbidden City from the top of Coal Hill.

While the delegates are on the professional program, the five of us guests are playing tourists.

At the bottom the Coal Hill. Strangely enough the Chinese name for this place is Scenic Mountain.

Beautiful red and yellow flowers were everywhere in public places in honor of the 10/1 National Day.

We began our slow ascent of the short but steep Coal Hill.

Almost there.

We made it to the top and were rewarded with a nice view of the city--if only it was a little more clear.

Janet was admiring a pagoda on the way down. I wonder if her picture turned out?

Click the thumbnail to see the full image.

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