Fragrant Hills Park
Xiangshan Park, Beijing’s famed autumn foliage sanctuary, has enchanted visitors for centuries with its fiery maple groves and imperial history. Originally an imperial hunting ground during the Jin Dynasty (12th century), it transformed into a Qing Dynasty retreat under Emperor Qianlong. Today, it’s renowned for its annual Red Leaf Festival, ancient temples, and panoramic vistas of Beijing’s western hills.
Historical Overview
The park’s roots date to the Jin Dynasty’s “Xiangshan Imperial Garden,” later expanded by Qing emperors as a Buddhist sanctuary. In 1745, Emperor Qianlong commissioned the Glory Hall and Xiangfu Temple, solidifying its status as a cultural landmark. After 1949, it became a public park, hosting the first Red Leaf Festival in 1989. The park also preserves the Slide Railway (1922), China’s oldest surviving rail ride, built to transport coal but repurposed for tourists.
Structural Layout
The park spans three zones:
Red Leaf Zone: A 10,000-tree maple forest glowing crimson in autumn.
Temple Zone: Lianhua Temple (Ming Dynasty) and Xiangfu Temple ruins (Jin Dynasty).
Recreational Zone: The Glory Hall, Xianglu Peak, and the Slide Railway.
Key structures include the Bell Tower (Qing Dynasty), Jade Ray Pavilion, and Eyrie Pavilion (offering city views).
Major Attractions
Red Leaf Viewing: Stroll the 2,000-meter “Maple Avenue” (mid-Oct–early Nov) for peak colors.
Lianhua Temple: A 15th-century Ming temple with a 700-year-old gingko tree and Buddha statues.
Xiangfu Temple Ruins: Jin Dynasty stone carvings and a 10-meter-tall “Cloud Master” statue.
Glory Hall: A Qing-era pavilion with exhibits on Xiangshan’s imperial history.
Xianglu Peak: Hike 557 meters for 360-degree vistas of Beijing and the Great Wall.
Slide Railway: A 1922 funicular (now pedal-powered) descending to the park’s east gate.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
East Gate → Red Leaf Zone → Glory Hall → Bell Tower → Exit via North Gate.
- Culture Route (4 hours):
Add Lianhua Temple, Xiangfu Temple ruins, and the Slide Railway.
- Adventure Route (5–6 hours):
Hike Xianglu Peak, explore the Eyrie Pavilion, and visit the Jade Ray Pavilion.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via “Xiangshan Park” WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at all gates; limited queues.
- Prices:
Peak Season (Apr–Nov): ¥15 (adults), ¥7.50 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (Dec–Mar): ¥10 (adults), ¥5 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
Subway: Line 10 to Bagou Station (Exit B), transfer to Bus 563 or 331.
Xijiao Line: Direct to Xiangshan Station (10-minute walk to East Gate).
Bus: Routes 318, 360, 698, or 563 to Xiangshan Park Stop.
Taxi: Direct to East Gate (closest to Red Leaf Zone).
Best Time & Tips
Crowds: Avoid weekends; visit weekdays (8 AM–10 AM for solitude).
Weather: Mid-October–early November for red leaves; spring for peonies.
Essentials: Wear comfy hiking shoes; bring layers (temperatures drop at Xianglu Peak).
Prohibited: Drones, smoking, and feeding wildlife.
