The 2008 Xiangshan Red Leaves Festival officially started today. Time to leave the stress, routines, and pollution behind and breathe some fresh and sweet air at Fragrant Hills.
The name of the hills was not derived from the aroma around the area as you may have imagined, but rather the shape of the hills. Looking at the hills from certain distance and use some imagination, you can see a faithful worshipper burning incense at the peak of the hills.
The best time to visit Fragrant Hills is in autumn when the leaves, mainly on Sumac and Maple trees turn red. The whole Xiangshan Park is covered in this warm and passionate color, embellished with green, yellow, grey, and the color of the earth.
Lots of native Beijingers come to the Park every year to collect red leaves on the ground. Some who live in the neighborhood climb the hills every morning as a form of exercise.
The Fragrant Hills Park, also known as Garden of Congenial Tranquility, used to be one of Emperor Qianlong’s favourite country retreats. It was built in 1186 by the Emperor of the Jin Dynasty as a place for Buddhism worship. In 1860 and 1900, the park was severely damaged by war and fire, and was rebuilt in 1949.
The park is located west to Haidian district, 25 miles from central Beijing. Best use public transportation to get there for you wouldn’t want this beautiful place to be surrounded with gas. It’s called Fragrant Hills after all.
Use the following buses: 331, 360, 634, 714, 696, 698, and 318, and try to avoid weekends.
For more information please visit Xiangshan Park.
Photos courtesy of blacart.
So beautiful red leaves
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