East of Tiananmen Area
On July 20, 2005, a very humiid day, I visited the Changpu Park, which is located at the east side of the Foribidden City. The park was renovated and open to public in 2003. From the name “Changpu” (meaning calamus), we know there was the moat of the Forbidden City going through in history.
There is no admission fee for this lovely park, it is a ideal place after a long walk around the Tian”an Men Square or Forbidden City, quiet and clean.
Here is the river.
At the end of the west side of the park, a pavillion and a bridge are both perfect place to overlook to the roof of the Forbidden City.
At the north bank of the river, there is a Museum of Imperial City Art. Admission Fee: 20 yuan
Going to the north side, behind a very grand gate, there is a very nice courtyard restaurant. The renovation of the house and decoration are just excellent. As apparently it is not the lunch time, few visitors coming, give me a good chance to take some photos.
About 100 meters away in the north of this park, I visit a big palace like building, called Royal Archives, free of charge go into it. The main building is not open to public, and other building comes as are gallery.
Then going further to the north, at the same side of the street, I find a area filled with just recently renovated courtyard houses, not like the old ones, there are two stories building. After chatting with the local residents, I get to know this area is just renovated, and some original families just returned after the renovation. Each of these houses are consisted of 4 seperate two stories building for each family, with private toillet, shower, running water and gas, but the neighbours share the same yard in the middle of the house.
The garage for this area goes under ground, here is the entrance.
Just in the walking distance, there is a Budhist temple called “Pudu Temple”, there is a long story of this temple, and today it”s yard is opened as a square for local people.
Some decoration on the wall of the new houses.
A mini car parking in the hutong.
