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Beijing's Fragrant Hills Park, located at 40 Maimai Street in Haidian District, is an imperial garden with distinctive mountain and forest characteristics. Opened as a People's Park in 1956, the park boasts a rich tapestry of trees, boasting a forest coverage rate of 96%. The park boasts over 5,800 ancient and valuable trees alone, representing a quarter of Beijing's urban area. Fragrant Hills Park is one of the areas in Beijing with the highest concentrations of negative oxygen ions. In the past, emperors would frequent the park every summer and autumn, hunting and cooling off. It was a popular summer retreat and a natural oxygen bar.
The park boasts numerous cultural relics and historical sites, including "Clear Snow on the Western Hills," one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Beijing, and "Biyun Temple," a temple embodying the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The red leaves of Xiangshan are particularly renowned, having been named one of the "New Sixteen Scenic Spots of Beijing" in 1986, representing the capital's most vibrant autumn scenery. Furthermore, since 1989, the park has hosted an annual Red Leaf Cultural Festival dedicated to viewing the red leaves, attracting large numbers of visitors.
North temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate;
Autumn is the best time to visit and see the red leaves
Shuangqing Villa
Located midway up the southern slope of Fragrant Hill, the villa was named "Shuangqing" by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, after two springs flowing through the courtyard. The Shuangqing Villa exhibition is divided into two sections: "Mao Zedong in Shuangqing" and "Exhibition of Mao Zedong's Activities in Shuangqing."
Biyun Temple
Construction began in 1331, the second year of the Zhishun reign of the Yuan Dynasty. The temple faces east and sits west, following the mountain's contours. The layout of the entire temple is based on six courtyards, with a pair of courtyards in the north and south. Each courtyard utilizes a separate, enclosed architectural style, with the halls stacked one after another along the mountainside. The interlocking, spiraling structure is truly captivating. The pair of stone lions standing before the mountain gate, the two generals Heng and Ha, the clay sculptures within the halls, and the murals on the gable of the Maitreya Buddha Hall are all treasures of Ming Dynasty art. It is known as the premier temple in western Beijing.
Qinzheng Hall
Located inside the park's east gate, the Diligent Administration Hall was built in 1745, the tenth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign. It was where the Qing emperors handled state affairs and met with ministers during their stay at Jingyi Garden in Xiangshan. It is the first of the 28 scenic spots in Jingyi Garden.
It is recommended to spend half a day
Adult ticket: 10 yuan
Children's ticket: 5 yuan
April 1st - June 30th (peak season): 06:00-18:30
July 1st - August 31st (peak season) 06:00-19:00
September 1st - November 15th (peak season): 06:00-18:30
November 16th - March 31st (off-season) 06:00-18:00
Biyun Temple opening hours: 8:30 to 16:30 all year round
Shuangqing Villa opening hours: 8:30-16:00, closed on Mondays
Fragrant Hills Park, located in the western outskirts of Beijing, is known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The park dates back to the Yuan Dynasty and was expanded during the Qing Dynasty. It is home to many temples, pavilions, and natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for both cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The park is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, approximately 20 km from the city center. You can reach the park by taking the Beijing Metro Line 4 to the Fragrant Hills Station, or by taking a taxi. There are also buses that run from central Beijing to the park.
The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the autumn season when the park is filled with vibrant colors. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
The entrance fee to Fragrant Hills Park is approximately 10-15 RMB for general admission. The cable car ride to the hilltop costs extra. Tickets can be purchased onsite, or online through local travel websites.
Tickets are not usually required to be booked in advance unless you are visiting during peak seasons or holidays. It is recommended to book tickets a day or two in advance during high tourist seasons.
To fully explore Fragrant Hills Park, including hiking the trails, visiting the temples, and enjoying the scenery, plan to spend about 3-4 hours. If you want to take the cable car and relax by the lakes, a half-day visit is ideal.
Guided tours are available at the park, primarily in Mandarin. Some tours may offer English-speaking guides, but it’s best to check availability in advance.
Fragrant Hills Park typically closes by 6:00 PM, so night visits are not possible. Special light shows or events are not frequently held, but occasional festivals or cultural events may take place during peak seasons.
The park can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays, especially in autumn. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The park is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and families with children. However, some parts of the park have steep slopes, so it might be more difficult for those with mobility issues. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or if the payment systems are down.
Vegetarian options are available at the park’s restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but there are nearby restaurants outside the park that offer halal dishes.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional Chinese crafts, paintings, and small trinkets. You can also find some locally made snacks and teas as souvenirs.
