The Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan gongyuan) is located 20 kilometers
northwest of Beijing and not far from the Summer Palace. The
name of the park derives not from the fresh air or aroma in
the area, but in the shape of the hills themselves. If you
look close enough (and with a bit of imagination thrown in)
you can just make out the shape of an incense burner at the
peak of the hills.
The Fragrant Hills Park is also known as the Garden of Congenial
Tranquility. However it is generally pretty busy here unless
you escape the crowds and head into the woods. Take a chair-lift
or hike up the peak itself for great views of the surrounding
countryside. Once you reach "Incense burner peak" and, if you are feeling fit and brave, head off on some of
the marked trails and delve into the woodlands.
The
hills and woods were a favorite country retreat of the emperors.
The building of Temples began here in the Jin Dynasty (1186
A.D.) and by the Qing Dynasty, (1745 A.D.) 28 had been erected
in the Garden of Congenial Tranquility. In 1860 and again
in 1900, the Garden was seriously destroyed by fire and many
of the temples and halls ruined. Today, only some of the buildings
have been restored. When the Central Committee of the Communist
Party moved to Beijing from Hubei, Mao made Double Purity
Villa his residence here. Inside the Villa are various displays
and cultural relics. However, it's the views of the countryside
which are the most attractive thing about the Park. From Ghost
Fear peak on a fine day, (Ghosts apparently fear heights !)
one can see the Yongding River, Luding Bridge, Prospect Hills,
Summer Palace, Yuquan Hill and the outskirts of the Beijing city.
In
autumn, the red leaves decorating the trees on the hillside
add an extra special glow to the area.In fact, many Beijingers
come here every year to collect red maple leaves (see the
picture above) which they believe are auspicious (red is a
symbol of good luck and happiness).
Another
one of the Park's attractions are the donkey rides! Not for
the faint hearted!
Open
from 6 am to 7 pm, every day.
How to get to Fragrant Hills Park: bus No. 333, 360 or 318. |
