Fragrant Hills Park

Another point of interest in the park is the Shuangqing Villa, once the residence of Mao Zedong and also an early site for the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. It is also known for I M Pei's work - the Fragrant Hills Hotel.
 

Best Place to Admire Autumn Foliage in Beijing

Every autumn, Fragrant Hills Park (香山公园, Xiangshan Park) in Beijing transforms into a sea of fiery red, golden orange, and warm amber hues, attracting thousands of leaf-peepers and nature lovers. Renowned as the best place in Beijing to admire autumn foliage, Xiangshan is more than just a scenic park—it's a seasonal spectacle steeped in botanical beauty and historical charm.
 

The Red Leaves of Xiangshan

The breathtaking red leaves of Xiangshan Park come from over 100,000 trees, encompassing 14 species across 8 plant families. Among these, the most prominent is the Chinese smoketree (Cotinus coggygria, or 黄栌 in Chinese), which accounts for nearly the entire population of red-leaf trees in the park. Other species include Acer mono (five-lobed maple), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), Acer palmatum (Japanese maple), Diospyros kaki (persimmon), and more than 30 additional varieties, each contributing to a staggered and prolonged foliage season.

The magical transformation occurs due to the biochemical changes in the leaves. During spring and summer, chlorophyll dominates, making leaves appear green. As temperatures drop and the difference between day and night grows in autumn, chlorophyll production halts, and existing chlorophyll breaks down. Carotenoids, anthocyanins, and other pigments become more prominent, giving the leaves vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and even deep purple.
 

When to See the Red Leaves

The red leaf season typically begins in early October and lasts until mid-November, with the peak foliage period falling between mid-October and early November. The best hours to visit are between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. For a more striking viewing experience, it's recommended to observe the leaves with the light behind you (backlighting) to enhance the vividness of their colors.
 

Best Spots for Viewing Red Leaves in Xiangshan Park

To fully appreciate the beauty of the red leaves, visitors are advised to combine close-up and panoramic perspectives. At the beginning and end of the season, a close-up view under the trees allows you to see the intricate color changes. During the peak period, the hillsides appear ablaze with color and are best appreciated from higher vantage points.

Here are five top locations in Xiangshan Park to enjoy the red foliage:

Xianglu Peak (香炉峰): The highest point in the park offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of the entire red-leaf forest area.

Qingweiliao (青未了): Located near the East Gate, this site is part of the “Twenty-Eight Scenic Spots of Jingyi Garden” and offers both panoramic and up-close views.

Sen Yuhu (森玉笏): Nestled in the heart of the red leaf area, this location places you right among the colorful trees—ideal for immersive experiences and photography.

Geyun Zhong (隔云钟): From here, you can enjoy a distant view of the red-draped southern hills.

Liuqiting (流憩亭): Surrounded by dense red-leaf forests, this tranquil spot is perfect for resting while taking in the autumn splendor.
 

Recommended Routes to Enjoy Xiangshan’s Red Leaves

1. Ancient Trail Eco Exploration Route

• Route: East Gate → Jingcui Lake → Cuiwei Pavilion → Shuangqing Villa → Xiangshan Temple → Langfeng Pavilion → Heshun Gate → Yutai Gate → Xianglu Peak

Highlights: This trail blends rich historical charm with stunning nature. It was once the imperial path for emperors to climb the hill. Ideal for middle-aged and young travelers who enjoy hiking while soaking in cultural and natural landscapes.

• Duration: About 2 hours
• Tip: Be prepared for moderate physical activity.

2. Time-Saving Scenic Route

• Route: East Gate → Laosonglin (Old Pine Forest) → Yuhuaxiu → Xiangwuku → Mountaintop

Highlights: Designed for senior travelers or those with limited time, this route allows a quick yet rewarding visit to the heart of the red foliage area.

• Duration: About 40 minutes
• Tip: Gentle slopes and shorter distance make it a comfortable option.

3. Aerial View Cableway Route

• Route: Enter from the North Gate → Walk south 5 minutes → Take the cable car to Xianglu Peak

Highlights: The cable car offers a breathtaking aerial panorama. To the north, you’ll see Biyun Temple and its ancient pagodas. To the south, a sweeping carpet of red leaves. To the east, you can gaze down upon Beijing city itself. It’s a unique blend of nature and urban vistas that feels like stepping between worlds.

• Duration: 17 minutes by cable car
• Tip: Suitable for all ages, especially those who want a relaxed yet scenic experience.

4. Scenic Loop Around the Mountain Route

• Route: East bank of Jingcui Lake → Qingweiliao → South Mountain Wall → Full circuit to Xianglu Peak

Highlights: This trail recently opened a full walking path from Jingcui Lake to Xianglu Peak. From Qingweiliao, you can gaze north at the golden pagodas of Biyun Temple and south across the entire slope of Xiangshan covered in blazing red leaves. Many iconic Xiangshan red leaf photographs were taken along this route.

• Duration: About 2.5 hours
• Tip: Best for young and energetic travelers looking to fully explore the park.

How to Get to Fragrant Hills Park‌

Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan Gongyuan) is located approximately ‌20 kilometers west of Beijing’s city center‌, nestled in the scenic Xishan Mountain area.

‌By Metro + Walking‌
‌Metro Line Xijiao (Western Suburbs Line)‌: Take Line Xijiao to ‌Xiangshan Station‌, the terminal station. From there, it’s a ‌10-minute walk‌ to the park’s east gate16.

‌By Bus‌: Several bus routes connect central Beijing to the park:

• ‌Route 563‌: Stops at ‌Xiangshan East Gate‌.
• ‌Route 331/360 Fast‌: Connects from ‌Zhongguancun‌ or ‌Summer Palace‌ areas.
• ‌Route 698‌: Direct service from ‌Beijing Railway Station‌.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing‌: A taxi from central Beijing (e.g., Tiananmen Square) takes ‌30–40 minutes‌, costing around ‌CNY 60–80‌ depending on traffic1.