“Gang of Four” may not mean anything to you today. But within these walls of the Jing Ming Building, critical decisions occurred. The Jing Ming Building holds secrets within its walls. This imperial garden, a serene escape, whispers tales of dynasties and power plays.
Jingming Garden was originally built in the Jurchen Jin dynasty. It was once called Lotus Palace and Jade Spring Pavilion. Imagine emperors strolling through the garden. Envision them seeking solace by the Jade Spring. Qianlong himself declared it “the best spring in the world.”
Later, Yanhua Temple was erected during the Ming dynasty. It was a place of worship and reflection. The Clean Heart Garden then emerged during the Qing dynasty. Kangxi renamed it Jingming Garden.
Sadly, the Anglo-French Allied Force and the Eight-Nation Alliance caused destruction. They burned down the Jing Ming Building complex in 1860 and 1900. After the 1911 Revolution, it transformed into the Jade Spring Hill Water Company. It even opened to the public for a time.
After the People’s Republic of China formed, the garden was renovated. Jing Ming Building became a summer retreat for national leaders. This is where the plan to arrest the Gang of Four was formulated.
Jingming Garden achieved recognition. It became a Beijing cultural relics protection unit. The State Council listed it in the 6th batch of National Key Cultural Relic Protection Units on May 25, 2006.
Look around. Notice the historical details. Jade Hill Tower stands tall. It has an octagonal shape and seven steps. Its height reaches 47.7 meters. People know it as “Jade Hill Tower Shadow”. Huazang Tower is another striking structure. It is a white marble stone tower with dense eaves.
Chengzhao Pass features crenelations. These connect with a height beyond six meters. Lanka Cave holds esoteric Buddhism bas-reliefs. They adorn the precipices with artistic value. These features make Jing Ming Building truly special.
Take a moment. Breathe in the air. Feel the history that permeates this place. From imperial garden to a site of pivotal political decisions, the Jing Ming Building stands as a silent witness. It bridges the past and the present in Beijing.