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Fragrant Hill is located in the western suburbs of Beijing's Haidian District, 25 kilometers from the city center. Its summit, Xianglu Peak, stands at an altitude of 575 meters. In 2012, it was awarded the title of "World Famous Mountain," becoming the fifth Chinese mountain to be designated a World Famous Mountain, following Mount Tai, Mount Huang, Mount Lu, and Mount Emei.
Fragrant Hill, also known as Jingyi Garden, boasts a rugged terrain, lush green peaks, abundant springs, lush forests, and verdant ancient trees. The park boasts over 260,000 trees of various types, including over 5,800 ancient and renowned trees, with a forest coverage rate of 98%. Fragrant Hill is most famous for its stunning red foliage. In late autumn, the dazzling crimson leaves blanket the hills, earning it the distinction of being one of Beijing's "New Sixteen Scenic Spots."
The main attractions of Xiangshan Park include "Clear Snow on the Western Hills", one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing, "Biyun Temple" which combines the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties, "Hall of Five Hundred Arhats" which is the only remaining wooden gilded ghost-seeing temple in China, "Zongjing Dazhao Temple" which was the palace to welcome the Sixth Panchen Lama, "Jianxinzhai" which is an elegant courtyard with Jiangnan characteristics, and Shuangqing Villa, the first place where Mao Zedong and the CPC Central Committee lived and worked after entering Beijing.
September to November is the best time to visit, as the red leaves blanket the Xiangshan Mountains after the Frost Descent, creating a particularly enchanting scene. Other seasons are also great for hiking and visiting historical sites.
4-5 hours
5 yuan/person
Peak season (April 1st - November 15th): 06:00-18:30
Ticket sales time:
April 1st - June 30th: 06:00-18:30
July 1st - August 31st: 06:00-19:00
September 1st - November 15th: 06:00-18:30
Off-season (November 16-March 31): 06:00-18:00
Ticket sales hours: 06:00-18:00
Xiangshan (Fragrant Hill) has a long history as a royal garden, with significant cultural importance in Chinese history. It served as a retreat for emperors of the Qing dynasty. The hill is not only a natural beauty but also an important site for Buddhist culture, with ancient temples and historical landmarks.
Xiangshan is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, about 20 kilometers from the city center. It is accessible by bus, taxi, or metro. The nearest metro station is Xiangshan Station (Line 4), from where you can take a short walk to the park entrance.
Xiangshan is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during autumn (September to November) when the foliage is at its peak or during spring when the flowers are in bloom. Weekdays are less crowded, so it’s ideal to visit then.
The entrance fee to Xiangshan is approximately 10 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and some online platforms offer advance ticket sales, especially for tours or during peak seasons.
It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance for general entry, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn) or if you plan to join a guided tour. Booking a few days in advance is usually sufficient.
You can explore Xiangshan in 3 to 4 hours. If you plan to hike the trails and visit the temples, it might take longer, especially if you wish to take in the views and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, especially during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides in English can also be found at the entrance.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the hill, where you can capture panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The Red Leaves Valley is also a fantastic spot for photos, especially in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red.
Start by visiting the Fragrant Hill Temple at the base of the hill, then hike up to the Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the city. Afterward, stroll through the Red Leaves Valley and explore the Longquan Temple for a peaceful conclusion to your visit.
Night visits are not typically available, as Xiangshan is a natural park with limited nighttime activities. However, some special events may take place during festivals or peak seasons, such as autumn foliage tours. It’s best to check the schedule in advance.
Xiangshan can get crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays, especially during the off-season months (late autumn to early spring).
Basic facilities like toilets and water stations are available throughout the park. There are also small rest areas and tea shops where visitors can relax. Shops near the entrance sell souvenirs and snacks.
The main paths and areas around the entrance are accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the trails leading up the hill can be challenging, with steep steps and uneven terrain. It’s advisable to use the park’s shuttle service if you have mobility concerns.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay or Alipay) are accepted at Xiangshan. It’s recommended to carry some cash for small purchases, although mobile payments are widely used in Beijing.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the entrance of the park, offering traditional Chinese meals and snacks. For a wider selection, you can explore nearby areas in Beijing’s western suburbs.
Vegetarian and some vegan options are available at restaurants in the area, particularly in the park's eateries. Halal food options are more limited, but they can be found in certain local restaurants near the entrance.
There are several hotels near Xiangshan, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range accommodations. You can find options in the nearby Haidian District or Beijing’s western suburbs.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance selling local crafts, traditional Chinese items, and Fragrant Hill-themed souvenirs like postcards and small gifts.
After visiting Xiangshan, you can easily take a taxi or use public transport to nearby attractions like the Summer Palace or head back to central Beijing. The park is well-connected to the city's transportation network.
