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).
Address
40 Maimai St, Haidian District, Beijing
海淀区买卖街40号
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
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Mid-October to early November (peak red leaves), weekdays only
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: need taxi
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
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