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Qinghui Pavilion lies at the highest point of Ritan Park. [Photo by Bao Xinguo/Asianewsphoto] |
Ritan Park was first built in 1530, originally as a place for emperors of the Ming Dynasty and the Qing dynasties to hold ceremonies to worship the god of sun. At first, the altar was a white stone table, with red glaze on its top, representing the sun. When holding the ceremony, every sacrificial utensil must be in red and the emperors must wear red clothes. Nowadays, its area has quadrupled in size, with thousands of trees and vast grassland. To the east, there are ancient cypresses. To the west, you will find cherry blossoms. Fountains, rockeries and vinery, all things are reshaped to resemble either the sun, or the spring waters, or birds and fish. What a nice place to walk in.
The scenery of Ritan Park is wonderful and the restaurants are good. Xiheyaju at the east gate of the Park and the Ritan Assembly Hall at the south gate are both worth visiting.
You would benefit by reading some material concerning the China Ancient Sun Worship before touring Ritan Assembly Hall.
Address: No. 6 Ritan North Road, Chaoyangmenwai, Chaoyang District
How to get there: Take bus 43, 403, 120, 28 to station Fangcaodi
