Fragrant Hills Park
香山公园
A Qing dynasty imperial garden at the foot of the Western Hills. In autumn the hills are covered with smoke tree red leaves, making it Beijing's most famous spot for red-leaf viewing and hiking.
Fragrant Hills was the site of the Qing dynasty's Jingyi Garden. Its main peak, Incense Burner Peak, nicknamed 'Ghost-Shy Peak,' is about 575 meters above sea level and takes about an hour to climb on foot, though you can also take the cable car. The park contains the Hall of Diligent Governance, Fragrant Hills Temple, the Zhaomiao Glazed Pagoda and the Shuangqing Villa. The red-leaf season runs from mid-October to early November, when smoke trees and Chinese maples change color together. Weekends are extremely crowded, so go on a weekday morning. Entrance costs about 10 yuan, and advance real-name reservation is required. Nearby are the Beijing Botanical Garden, with the Reclining Buddha Temple, and Biyun Temple. Get off at Fragrant Hills Station on the Western Suburban Line and walk to the park.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct 06:00–18:30; Nov–Mar 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- China National Botanical Garden (North) & Wofo Temple
- Badachu Park
- Shougang Park
- Summer Palace
- Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
- Peking University
- Central Radio & TV Tower
- Marco Polo Bridge & Wanping Fortress