When is the best time to visit Fragrant Hills for the red leaves?

Mid-October to early November is peak, when the smoke-bush trees turn fiery red. This is also when over two million visitors arrive, so go on a weekday morning, not a weekend. The park is open year-round and pleasant in spring and summer too, but autumn foliage is the photo-iconic reason most travelers come.

Do I have to hike to the top of Fragrant Hills?

No. The hike to the 557-meter Incense Burner Peak takes about 90 to 120 minutes one way, but a chairlift cuts it to roughly 18 minutes. Many visitors ride up and walk down. Bring layers, as the summit runs several degrees cooler and windier than central Beijing.

How do I get to Fragrant Hills Park?

It's in the western hills, about 28 km from central Beijing. Take subway Line 16 to Beianhe Station, then bus 360, or take a taxi (45 to 60 minutes from the center). Allow 4 to 5 hours for the visit, and budget extra travel time during peak autumn weeks when roads clog.

Fragrant Hills Park, Beijing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Royal hunting park in the western hills — most famous for the red maple foliage that draws millions every October.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 香山公园 (Xiāng Shān Gōng Yuán)
Opening hours: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
Time needed: 4-5 hours
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November (peak red leaves), weekdays only
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 40 Maimai St, Haidian District, Beijing · 海淀区买卖街40号

See Fragrant Hills Parktickets & tours

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Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) is a 188-hectare park in the western hills, 28 km from central Beijing, that was a Qing imperial hunting ground and now Beijing's most famous autumn foliage destination. The smoke-bush (huanglu) trees turn brilliant red each October-early November and the park sees more than 2 million visitors during peak weeks. The hike to the 557-meter summit (Incense Burner Peak, Xianglu Feng) takes 90-120 minutes one way; a chairlift cuts it to 18 minutes. The Biyun (Azure Cloud) Temple within the park is a major Buddhist site with a Vajra Throne Pagoda and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall — Sun's body was kept here in 1925 before its eventual move to Nanjing. Year-round park, but October-November is the photo-iconic visit. Avoid weekends — Beijingers descend in busloads. Reach via subway Line 16 to Beianhe Station then bus 360, or by taxi (45-60 min from center).

Highlights

Red Maple Foliage (红叶)Smoke-bush trees turn fiery; mid-Oct to early Nov is peak
Incense Burner Peak Summit557m; 90-120 min hike up, or 18 min chairlift
Biyun (Azure Cloud) TempleBuddhist complex with Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Avoid Autumn Weekends2M+ visitors in peak weeks; weekday mornings are essential
Bring LayersSummit is 5-10°C cooler than central Beijing; windy

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Skip autumn weekends entirely; weekday mornings are the only realistic way to enjoy peak foliage.
▸Ride the chairlift up and walk down to save your legs and still get the views.
▸Pack a warm layer; the summit can be 5 to 10 degrees cooler and windy even on mild days.
▸Most crowds chase the red leaves and ignore Biyun Temple's Vajra Throne Pagoda; it's worth the detour.
▸The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall inside Biyun Temple is a quiet, history-rich corner few foreign visitors find.
▸Arrive near opening; the lower red-leaf viewpoints jam up by late morning in October.
▸Bring cash for tickets and the chairlift; the park area is cash-only.

Photos

What travelers say (5 reviews)

Olivia M.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Spectacular in late October when the maple leaves turn red. The Biyun Temple at the peak is the highlight.

2025-10-22

香山红叶迷·Xiaohongshu·5/5

10月底到11月中红叶最美！周末人爆满，建议工作日去。索道可以省力气。

2025-11-08

Henry T.·Google Maps·4/5

Far from central Beijing — 1 hour by Didi. Pair with Summer Palace, both are in northwest suburbs.

2026-02-26

Jenny P.·TripAdvisor·4/5

Cable car saves you the 90-min uphill hike. Bring water — limited vendors past the entry plaza.

2025-12-04

AutumnHiker·YouTube·5/5

Mao stayed at the Shuangqing Villa here in 1949 before founding the PRC. Historic plus scenic.

2025-10-31

Frequently asked questions about Fragrant Hills Park

When is the best time to visit Fragrant Hills for the red leaves?: Mid-October to early November is peak, when the smoke-bush trees turn fiery red. This is also when over two million visitors arrive, so go on a weekday morning, not a weekend. The park is open year-round and pleasant in spring and summer too, but autumn foliage is the photo-iconic reason most travelers come.
Do I have to hike to the top of Fragrant Hills?: No. The hike to the 557-meter Incense Burner Peak takes about 90 to 120 minutes one way, but a chairlift cuts it to roughly 18 minutes. Many visitors ride up and walk down. Bring layers, as the summit runs several degrees cooler and windier than central Beijing.
How do I get to Fragrant Hills Park?: It's in the western hills, about 28 km from central Beijing. Take subway Line 16 to Beianhe Station, then bus 360, or take a taxi (45 to 60 minutes from the center). Allow 4 to 5 hours for the visit, and budget extra travel time during peak autumn weeks when roads clog.