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Beijing Xiangshan Park
Located in the western suburbs of Beijing, Xiangshan Park (Fragrant Hills Park) is a famous forest park combining natural landscapes with the elegance of traditional Chinese imperial gardens.
About 20 kilometers from downtown Beijing, Xiangshan Park covers an area of approximately 160 hectares. With its lush forests, historic temples, mountain paths, and seasonal scenery, it is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Beijing.
The park’s highest point is Incense Burner Peak (Xianglu Peak), which rises about 557 meters above sea level. The peak resembles a traditional incense burner, giving the mountain its name — Xiangshan, meaning “Fragrant Hills.”
A Historic Imperial Garden with Over 800 Years of History
Xiangshan has a history of more than 800 years.
A park was first established here in 1186 during the Jin Dynasty. Later, emperors of the:
* Jin Dynasty
* Yuan Dynasty
* Ming Dynasty
* Qing Dynasty
continued to renovate and expand the area.
In 1745, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty ordered large-scale construction and created Jingyi Garden, adding 28 scenic sites surrounded by walls. The garden became one of the famous imperial resorts around Beijing.
However, Xiangshan suffered serious destruction during historical conflicts. The Anglo-French Allied Forces damaged the area in 1860, and the Eight-Nation Allied Forces caused further destruction in 1900.
After extensive restoration, Xiangshan regained its former beauty and became an important cultural and natural attraction in Beijing.
Xiangshan Park and Modern Chinese History
Xiangshan Park also holds an important place in modern Chinese history.
In March 1949, the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was established at Xiangshan.
Shuangqing Villa, located inside the park, was once the residence of Mao Zedong, who worked here during the early period of the founding of New China.
Xiangshan was officially opened as a public park in 1956. After years of reconstruction and improvement, it has become one of Beijing’s most famous scenic areas, attracting visitors throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Xiangshan Park
One of the greatest attractions of Xiangshan Park is its beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Spring – Flowers and Fresh Greenery
In spring, the mountain is covered with blooming flowers and fresh green vegetation, making it an ideal time for hiking and nature walks.
Summer – A Cool Mountain Escape
With dense forests and refreshing mountain air, Xiangshan provides a peaceful retreat from Beijing’s summer heat.
Autumn – Famous Red Leaves
Autumn is the most popular season at Xiangshan. The mountain becomes covered with brilliant red maple leaves, creating one of the most famous autumn landscapes in Beijing.
The Xiangshan Red Leaves Festival attracts large numbers of visitors every year.
Winter – Snow-Covered Landscapes
After snowfall, Xiangshan offers beautiful winter scenery with quiet mountain paths and traditional buildings covered in snow.
Main Scenic Areas and Hiking Routes
Visitors can explore Xiangshan Park through three main sightseeing routes:
Northern Route
The northern route features:
* Glasses Lake
* Cascade Cave
* Fine-Day Pavilion
* Jianxin Pavilion
* Zhao Temple
* Glazed Pagoda
* Geyun Bell
This route combines natural scenery with historic cultural sites.
Central Route
The central route includes:
* Tingxue Pavilion
* Purple Mist Pavilion
* Wangfeng Pavilion
* Zhisong Garden
* Lotus Lawn
* Yuhua Villa
* Incense Burner Peak
* Chongyang Garret
This is one of the best routes for enjoying mountain views.
Southern Route
The southern route offers:
* Green Lake
* Green Pavilion
* Gem Rock
* Red Leaves Scenic Area
* Sermon Pine
* Xiangshan Temple Ruins
* Shuangqing Villa
* White-Pine Pavilion
It is a great choice for visitors interested in both history and natural landscapes.
Incense Burner Peak – The Best Viewpoint of Xiangshan
Incense Burner Peak (Xianglu Peak) is the highest point in Xiangshan Park and one of the most popular destinations for hikers.
Visitors can:
* Hike through forest trails
* Enjoy panoramic mountain views
* Overlook Beijing’s skyline
* Experience the beauty of nature away from the city
For travelers who prefer a more comfortable journey, a cable car ride of about 18 minutes takes visitors to the peak while offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Why Visit Xiangshan Park?
Xiangshan Park is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience:
Beijing’s imperial garden culture
Beautiful mountain scenery
Famous autumn red leaves
Historic temples and villas
Hiking and outdoor activities
A peaceful escape from the city
With its combination of natural beauty, royal history, and cultural heritage, Xiangshan Park is one of the best places to enjoy Beijing’s landscapes in every season.
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