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. Taoran Pavilion, meaning "joyous pavilion," is one of China's four famous historical pavilions and a historically favorite spot of poets and scholars.[China.org.cn/Photo by Wang Qiong]