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Zhongnanhai

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

An evening view of Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of China's central government, taken from the southeast side.

Zhongnanhai

Zhongnanhai is a very special place in Beijing. It is right next to the famous Forbidden City. Long ago, it was an beautiful garden. Today, it is where important leaders work.

The name Zhongnanhai means “Central and Southern Seas.” This is because there are two lakes called the Central Sea and the Southern Sea inside the area. These lakes are part of a bigger lake named Taiye Lake.

Many important buildings and gardens are in Zhongnanhai. Leaders have offices and meeting spaces there. There are also lovely gardens to walk in and old buildings that tell stories from the past.

Zhongnanhai has a long and interesting history. It started in very old times and was used by emperors from the Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty. Today, it remains a quiet and important place for China.

Images

Map showing the layout of important buildings in Zhongnanhai, the central government compound in Beijing.
Map showing the location of Zhongnanhai in Beijing, China.
A detailed 1950s topographic map of Beijing, China, showing the city's landscape and features from mid-20th century.
A traditional garden pavilion located in Zhongnanhai, China.
Ambassador Karakhan traveling to an audience in Beijing, China in 1924
Historical photo from 1954 showing Chinese leaders in formal dress at Zhongnanhai
A 1967 satellite view of Zhongnanhai, the historic leadership compound in Beijing.
A beautifully designed indoor space inspired by traditional Chinese architecture.
A historical photograph of a building in Peking (Beijing), part of a collection showcasing the city and its surroundings.
Historical photo of the First National People's Congress meeting outside the Huairentang building.
A view of Zhongnanhai, a historic government complex in China.
President George W. Bush and his father, former President George H. W. Bush, meet with China's President Hu Jintao in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Related articles

Beijing
Ming dynasty

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Zhongnanhai, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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