Taoranting Park is home to numerous pavilions that mimic styles from all over China.

     Situated in the southeastern corner of Beijing's historic Xuanwu District (now administratively merged with Xicheng District), Taoranting Park has been a public green space from as early as the third century BC. While the park occupied the suburbs of the Jin Dynasty capital of Dadu (1115-1234), it played a more central role in public life during later dynasties.

    During the Qing Dynasty, the park was the only one in Beijing that was open to the public; the others were reserved for royalty. In addition, the park's namesake, Taoran Pavilion, sits on a small hill, offering a view over the rooftops of the city -- an excellent panorama considering that buildings were not allowed to be taller than those of the palace.

   Taoran Pavilion, meaning "joyous pavilion," is one of China's four famous historical pavilions and a historically favorite spot of poets and scholars. 

   Originally built in 1695, it was reconstructed after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Jiang Zao, a secretary in the Ministry of Works, built the pavilion along with a kiln near the adjoining Temple of Mercy. The original inscription in Jiang's calligraphy still hangs inside the temple. The inscription "Taoran" ("Joy") comes from a work by famous Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi which inspired the name of the park

    Cibei Temple, or the Temple of Mercy, was constructed in the center of the park during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and houses Buddhist stone scripture pillars from the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Today, the temple's rooms hold memorials to famous revolutionaries who once conducted secret meetings in the adjoining Taoran pavilion.

    The pavilion and temple have long been a favorite hangout for imperial officials and scholars visiting the capital to study for the imperial examination. In 1898, Kang Youwei, Liang Qichao and Tan Sitong came here to plan the Reform Movement, marking the beginning of the pavilion's revolutionary life. Sun Yat-sen attended political meetings in the pavilion during the Republic of China's early years. The height of progressive activity, however, was on August 6, 1920, when five progressive societies met in the pavilion. The attendees included Li Dazhao and Mao Zedong.

    Despite the park's exciting and long history, it was not particularly beautiful until 1952 when the People's Republic of China transformed the park's stale, overgrown pond into a scenic lake and began maintaining the gardens.

    Trails meander through the park's various gardens, punctuated with old-style pavilions mimicking famous ones from all over China. A large, clear lake surrounds the central island, which holds the Taoran Pavilion, Cibei Temple and several martyrs' tombs. The park's various islands are connected by old-style stone bridges.

     Boat rentals on the lake are a popular choice for visitors, but the fun doesn't stop at the water. The park is a favorite for kite-flying, and people can be found playing cards or musical instruments. The view from Taoran Pavilion doesn't reveal the sprawling city like it once did. The park is now surrounded by new, tall buildings which create the illusion of an urban backyard.

     Rarely do public parks have both historical importance and great beauty, but Taoranting Park's reputation has been immortalized in the words of scholars and poets, and again in China's revolution. Enjoy the season's warm days with promenades through the park's gardens and escape from the sunshine in one of the old pavilions