Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan)

Beijing's autumn pilgrimage: a forested imperial hunting park in the western hills that turns scarlet with smoke-tree leaves from mid-October to mid-November. Entry is just 10 CNY. Gorgeous and genuinely local year-round — but during red-leaf season weekends, half the city is on that hill with you.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What else is in the park besides leaves?

Biyun Temple near the north gate with its Indian-style pagoda and 500 arhat hall, Zhao Miao (a Tibetan-style temple built for the 6th Panchen Lama), and the villa where Mao Zedong lived in 1949 before moving into the city. The temples alone justify a spring visit.

When exactly do the leaves turn at Fragrant Hills?

Usually mid-October through mid-November, peaking early November — the park runs a Red Leaf Festival across those weeks. The color comes mostly from smoke trees (huanglu), not maples. Check the park's foliage index announcements before committing to the trip.

How hard is the climb to the summit?

Incense Burner Peak (Xianglu Feng) is 557 meters — a solid 1.5-2 hour climb on stone paths, steep in stretches; locals nickname the last section 'Guijianchou' (even devils fear it). A chairlift runs to the top if you'd rather ride one way.

How much does Fragrant Hills cost?

10 CNY in peak season, 5 off-peak; a combined ticket with Biyun Temple (Temple of Azure Clouds) runs about 15 CNY. The chairlift is separately charged and prices vary by season.

Is Fragrant Hills worth it outside autumn?

Yes — it's a proper mountain park with clean air, real hiking, and blossoms in April, and outside foliage season it's mostly local hikers doing their morning constitutional up the peak. Summer offers shade and 5-degree-cooler air than downtown.

What's the view from the top?

On a clear day you see the whole western plain of Beijing, with the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake glinting in the middle distance. After rain or wind is when it's worth it; on a hazy day you're looking at milk.

How do I get to Fragrant Hills by public transport?

Line 10 to Bagou, transfer to the Western Suburban tram line to its terminus at Xiangshan, then walk about 10 minutes to the east gate. Budget over an hour from central Beijing. The tram itself gets packed on foliage weekends.

How bad are the crowds during red-leaf season?

On peak-season weekends, legendarily bad — queues for the chairlift, human traffic jams on the main trail. Go on a weekday, arrive at opening, or honestly consider Badachu or the Botanical Garden next door for similar color with less combat.

Nearby in Ask Beijing

• Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)Park7.56 km · 95 min walk
• Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace)Park9.63 km · 120 min walk
• WudaokouNeighborhood12.78 km · 160 min walk
• Guanyuan Bird and Flower MarketMarket16.03 km · 200 min walk
• National Palace Museum (Capital Museum)Museum16.13 km · 202 min walk