subject: Fragrant Hills Park, A Wonderland In China [print this page] The Fragrant Hills Park, also known as Xiangshan Park, is one of the most esteemed areas of parkland in the environs of Beijing. An expansive area of forest and hills encompassing 160 hectares, the park is noted both for its cultural relics and breathtaking natural scenery. The parks tallest peak is Incense Burner Peak, Xianglu in the native language.
First constructed in 1186 during the Jin Dynasty, the extent of the park was expanded in the time of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Emperor Qianlong decreed that numerous pavilions, halls and gardens be constructed, and provided it with a new name, the Garden of Tranquillity and Pleasure (Jingyi Garden). Sadly, in the years 1860 and 1900, after the Old Summer Palace and its successor the Summer Palace were set on fire, foreign troops destroyed many precious relics in Fragrant Hills.
Restoration work commenced in 1949 and today, after a half century of renovation, the park once again looks resplendent and claims a place among the ten most renowned parks in Beijing. Perhaps the parks most alluring feature is seen during the autumn, when the hills of the park turn fiery red with the smoke tree leaves. The Red Leaves Festival which occurs from mid-October to early November is the period when the most people visit the park. The cable car ride available at the park is an excellent way to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the area.
Exploring the park on foot is another option available to the visitor. Selecting the south route will take you to such attractions as Shuangqing Villa, Tranquility Green Lake, Fragrant Temple and Incense Burner Peak. The ascent to the latter is not easy, but is worth a try. Shuangqing Villa is renowned as the former residence of Chairman Mao Zedong.
Meanwhile, taking the north route will lead the traveller to the Study of Reading Heart (a picturesque area of parkland), Spectacles Lake (a scenic lake with a bridge), and Bright Temple, an expansive lamasery compound in the Tibetan style, which was the residence of the Panchen Lama when he made visits to the court of Emperor Qianlong.
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