Here at Xiangshan Park lies the cliff. What stories do these rocks hold? Xiangshan Park is also known as Fragrant Hills Park. It sits on the east side of the Western Hills. The park is 25 km from Beijing City center. This large royal park boasts hills and forest covering 160 hectares.
Xiangshan Park is one of Beijing’s ten most famous parks. There are two stories behind the name Xiangshan. One says the peak looks like a three-legged incense burner on misty days. Xianglu Shan means Incense Burner Hill. Another story claims the name comes from the scent of apricot blossoms all over the hill. Xiang means fragrant.
Many tourists visit Xiangshan Park in autumn. They come to see the red smoke tree leaves. The fiery leaves create a spectacular sight. But Xiangshan Park offers more than just natural beauty. Abundant cultural relics and ancient buildings dot the landscape. Terraces, pavilions, and pagodas are scattered throughout the park.
Visitors can explore Xiangshan Park via two main routes. The north route features Yanjing Lake. This lake looks like spectacles with two pools. Jingxin Zhai is known as the park inside Xiangshan Park. Bright Temple or Zhao Miao is also on the north route. It is a large lamasery complex built in 1780. It served as the residence for the sixth Panchen Lama when he visited Emperor Qianlong.
The south route includes Jingcui Lake. This is also known as Tranquility Green Lake. You will also find the ruins of Fragrant Temple. The Anglo-French Allied Army and the Eight-Power Allied Forces burned and ransacked it. Shuangqing Villa is also on the south route. This villa holds significance in Chinese modern history. Chairman Mao Zedong lived here. It was the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party when they entered Beijing.
Xiangshan Park harmonizes with nature. It is an ideal place for strolls and relaxation. The park has various trees some old and rare. With 98% forest coverage the park has high levels of negative oxygen ions. The hills reach only 557 m in altitude. Climbing is quite good here. Tourists and Beijing citizens enjoy climbing. Birds sing streams flow and leaves flutter. Squirrels play among the green.
Xiangshan Park has a long history. It was first built in 1186 during the Jin Dynasty. Later it expanded during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Emperor Qianlong ordered the addition of halls pavilions and gardens in 1745. He renamed it Jingyi Garden which means a Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure. Unfortunately foreign troops damaged many relics in 1860 and 1900. This happened after the Summer Palace and the Yuanming Yuan burned. The Chinese government has restored and developed the park since 1949.
One of the must-see points is Shuangqing Villa. It is attractive for its place in Chinese history. It was once Mao Zedong’s residence. It also served as an early headquarters for the Central Committee. Red Leaves Festival occurs every Mid-October to early November. This is the park’s busiest time.
Consider visiting Xiangshan Temple. It is at the south hill foot near Shuangqing Villa. First built in the Tang Dynasty this temple is the origin of Xiangshan’s culture. Be cautious of the many steps in this area. Heshun Gate is another place to see red leaves. It sits on the south hillside 980 feet above the ground. Yuhua Xiu has a broad field of vision. Xiangwu Ku offers a classical garden environment on the hillside.
To reach Xiangshan Park take subway line 10 to Bagou Station. Then transfer to the Western Suburban Line. Get off at Xiangshan Station. Walk southwest around 900 meters to the ticket office. Or take line 4 to Beigongmen Station. Take bus 563 to Xiangshan Gongyuan Dongmen Station. From there walk westward about 600 yards to the gate.
The fragrant mist clinging to the cliff here adds to the mystical atmosphere. It is a perfect spot to reflect on the history and beauty surrounding you. Let the essence of Xiangshan Park linger in your memory.