Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park (明城墙遗址公园) is a historical site located in the heart of Beijing, China. The park covers an area of 3.3 square kilometers and contains the ruins of the city walls built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history.
The Ming City Wall was constructed to defend the city of Beijing against invading forces and was completed in the 15th century. The wall was over 25 kilometers long and featured watchtowers, gates, and moats. Today, only 1.5 kilometers of the wall remains, but it still offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
The park was opened to the public in 2002 and has since become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city wall, climb to the top of the watchtowers for panoramic views of the surrounding area, and learn about the history of Beijing through exhibits and multimedia displays.
In addition to the historical attractions, the park also features a variety of recreational activities, including cycling, jogging, and picnicking. It is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city and offers a unique perspective on Beijing’s past and present.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Ming City Wall Ruins Park
- Vlog about Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | The park is free, but you need to pay 10 RMB to ascend the wall |
| Opening Hours | The green area is accessible throughout the day, and the walls are open from 8.00 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-010-65270574 |
Location and Transportation
Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park is located in front of Beijing Raiway Station, in the Dongcheng district of Beijing, China, stretching along the former Ming city wall from Chongwenmen Gate in the west to Dongbianmen Gate in the east, and is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and subways. The address of its main entrance is No. 9, Chongwenmen East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.
Bus: Take bus 17, 20, 29, 39, 43, 44, 63, or 142, get off at Dongbianmen Stop, and you will see one of the south entrances in front of you.
Subway: The nearest subway station to the Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park is Chongwenmen on lines 2 and 5. After getting out of the station from Exit F, you will be standing at the west entrance of the park.
Highlights of Ming City Wall Ruins Park
Ruins of the City Wall
The Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park is a historical site that preserves the remnants of the ancient city wall that once surrounded Beijing during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The wall was originally built in the early 15th century and measured over 23 kilometers in length, with a height of up to 12 meters and a width of 15-20 meters.
Today, the park offers visitors a chance to explore the remaining sections of the wall, which are scattered throughout the park and provide a glimpse into the city’s past. Visitors can walk along the top of the wall, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding city, or explore the various gate towers and other structures that have been reconstructed within the park.
Deshengmen Gate
Deshengmen Gate is one of the most iconic and well-preserved gates in the Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park. It was originally built in 1437 during the Ming Dynasty and served as the northern entrance to the city. The gate consists of a large tower with two side wings and a massive archway that allowed entry for carriages and pedestrians. Today, visitors to the park can explore Deshengmen Gate and climb to the top of the tower for an incredible view of the surrounding area.
Recreational Activities
The Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park offers visitors a range of recreational activities to enjoy. One of the most popular activities is walking or cycling along the ancient city wall. Visitors can rent bicycles at the park entrance and explore the various sections of the wall, enjoying stunning views of the city from the top.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, there are several areas within the park that are perfect for a picnic or relaxation, including the grassy area near Deshengmen Gate.
In addition to these activities, the park also hosts cultural events and performances throughout the year, such as traditional music and dance performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and art exhibitions. The park is a great place to immerse oneself in Chinese culture and history while enjoying a range of recreational activities.
Vlog about Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Views on the Wall: The open space available on the city wall is relatively small, and a round trip can be completed in about 10 minutes. While on the wall, you can enjoy views to the west overlooking Beijing Railway Station and the bustling train activities. To the east, you can see landmarks such as the CBD’s China Zun skyscraper. Views to the north and south reveal residential areas.
Exploring the Corner Tower: The corner tower located at the easternmost point of the wall has three floors. The first and second floors currently feature simple exhibitions. The first floor displays various images of plum blossoms, while the second floor showcases models and descriptions of nine gates of old Beijing. However, the third floor is currently closed to the public without any exhibitions.
Enjoying Refreshments: At the northwest corner of the city wall, there is a small café. Having coffee at this café while perched atop the ancient city wall can evoke a sense of time and space convergence. It offers a unique experience.