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The Green Lung of Beijing: Ecotourism in the Fragrant Hills

Category: Ecotourism / Urban Nature Escapes / Forest Parks
Region: Northern China — Beijing Municipality

About the Destination

Just 25 kilometers from central Beijing, the Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) offer city dwellers and travelers a refreshing escape into nature. Known as the “green lung” of the capital, this forested park is a rare blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with maple groves, pine-covered slopes, ancient temples, and traditional pavilions scattered along its eco-paths.

Once an imperial garden during the Qing Dynasty, the area is now a protected park with a strong emphasis on ecological preservation and sustainable public access. Especially vibrant during autumn, when red maple leaves blanket the hillsides, the park’s well-maintained trails allow for low-impact hiking and nature walks. The Fragrant Hills are a perfect day trip for those seeking calm, clean air, and forest tranquility near the capital.

Good to know
Best travel time: Mid-October to early November (autumn colors), or spring for blooming trees and clear skies

Getting there: Accessible by metro + public bus or electric taxi from central Beijing in under 1 hour

Hiking tips: Trails vary from paved walkways to dirt paths — wear comfortable shoes and avoid weekends if you prefer solitude

Sustainability: The park promotes waste sorting, limits vehicle access, and maintains native vegetation through ecological gardening

Cultural insight: The park blends Confucian, Taoist, and imperial traditions — take time to notice architecture, inscriptions, and stone carvings
China
China

Online Guide:3-Day Nature & Culture Walk in the Fragrant Hills

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing and Introductory Nature Walk
Settle into Beijing and transfer to a guesthouse or eco-hotel near the Fragrant Hills Park. In the afternoon, take a relaxed walk along the South Gate path, passing through pine forests and quiet lakes. Stop by the Tranquility Green Lake (Jingcui Lake) and enjoy the natural sounds of birds and wind in the trees.

Day 2: Maple Trails and Historic Sites
Start your day early with a hike on the Fragrant Hill’s main trail, leading to the Incense Burner Peak — the park’s highest point, offering panoramic views of Beijing’s western suburbs. On the way down, visit the Zhao Temple and Bright Temple (Zhao Miao), a former imperial residence turned peaceful sanctuary. In the afternoon, explore lesser-known forest trails where red maples dominate the landscape in autumn.

Day 3: Eco-Gardens and Forest Bathing
Spend your final morning walking through the Botanical Gardens adjacent to the park, featuring native Chinese flora and quiet greenhouse paths. End the journey with a short session of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) in a designated quiet zone. Return to central Beijing for departure or onward travel.

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