香山公园

Gazing up at Xianglu Peak, can you smell the incense? Not literally, of course. But the name “Xiangshan,” or Fragrant Hills, comes from this peak, Xianglu Feng – Incense Burner Peak. Fragrant Hills Park, or Xiangshan Park as it’s sometimes called, is nestled at the foot of the Western Hills of Beijing. The park’s history stretches back to 1186, during the Jin Dynasty. Imagine, over 800 years of history etched into these very grounds. Emperors of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties expanded the park, adding their own touches to this landscape. Then, in 1745, the Qianlong Emperor, a man known for his appreciation of beauty and tranquility, transformed the park. He added halls, pavilions, gardens, and bestowed upon it a new name: Jingyi Garden, the Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure. Tragically, the park wasn’t immune to the tides of history. In 1860 and 1900, foreign troops ravaged the park, damaging many of its precious relics. This destruction followed the burning of the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace. Yet, Fragrant Hills Park persevered. Since 1949, the Chinese government has worked tirelessly to restore the park to its former glory. Their efforts have paid off. Today, Fragrant Hills Park stands as one of Beijing’s ten most famous parks. While the park offers stunning views year-round, autumn is truly magical. The smoke tree leaves transform the hillsides into a fiery tapestry of red. Thousands flock to the park each year, drawn by this breathtaking display. Two main routes wind through the park, each offering unique perspectives. The northern route leads you past Spectacles Lake, a serene body of water divided by a bridge. You’ll also encounter the Study of Reading Heart, a Ming Dynasty gem nestled within the larger park. Further along lies Bright Temple, a Tibetan-style lamasery built for the sixth Panchen Lama’s visits to the Qianlong Emperor. Although partially burned down, the temple’s remaining glazed-tiled archway and pagoda still evoke its former grandeur. The southern route takes you to Tranquility Green Lake and the historic Shuangqing Villa. This villa holds significant historical weight. It served as the residence of Chairman Mao Zedong and a meeting place for the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Ultimately, your journey culminates at Xianglu Peak. From this vantage point, you can take in the panoramic beauty of Fragrant Hills Park, a testament to the enduring power of nature and the resilience of history.