Fragrant Hills Park

Address: Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan Park), Haidian District, Beijing, China

Fragrant Hills, commonly called Xiangshan Park, is a large wooded park and imperial garden area in Beijing’s Haidian District known for its forested hills, temples and landscaped pavilions. It is especially famous across China for its autumn foliage and traditional garden architecture.

The park offers a network of trails, terraces and viewing platforms that lead to scenic high points and historic religious buildings. Visitors frequently use the paths, stairways and a cable car to reach summit viewpoints and to see the seasonal maple and oak colours.

The site contains several historic structures and garden features that reflect Qing dynasty and earlier landscaping for imperial use, and parts of the park have been preserved as public recreational space. Management maintains paths, signposting and visitor services during peak seasons.

Fragrant Hills lies to the northwest of central Beijing in Haidian District and is reachable by road and public transport; it forms a green, hilly backdrop to the city and connects to other suburban parklands.

• Best time for foliage: Peak autumn colours typically occur in late October and early November, attracting photographers and daytrippers from Beijing.
• Access to summit: A cable car provides a direct route from the park entrance to higher viewpoints, reducing a strenuous uphill walk for many visitors.

What to See#

• Incense Burner Peak: A forested hilltop known as Incense Burner Peak with walking trails and lookout points that provide views over the surrounding wooded slopes and the city beyond.
• Historic temples and pavilions: An ensemble of historic temples and pavilions within the park that date to imperial-era landscaping and are focal points for visitors and pilgrims.

Approximately 20-30 km northwest of central Beijing. Public buses and tourist shuttle buses run from central stations; taxis are also a practical option depending on traffic. The park has several entrances with cable car access to higher viewpoints.

• For the autumn colours, go in late October to early November when the red of the maples is at its best.
• Take the cable car (if operating) for views over the imperial villas and the city sprawl.