🍂 “Where the Red Leaves Whisper: An Autumn Stroll Through Xiangshan Park”

#chinatravel Lose yourself in Beijing’s hillside escape — a forest of stories, colors, and imperial echoes. ⸻ 🏞️ About Xiangshan Park (Fragrant Hills Park) Originally built in 1186 during the Jin Dynasty, this massive park lies on the western edge of Beijing, tucked against the foot of the Western Hills. It’s a mix of forest trails, ancient temples, pagodas, and royal gardens — a popular escape for locals, especially during October and November for leaf-viewing season (红叶季). ⸻ 💡 Pro Tips for Visiting • Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7–9 AM) in mid to late October — that’s peak red-leaf season, but also peak crowd season. Avoid weekends if possible. • Must-See Spots: • Fragrant Hill Temple (香山寺): A peaceful Buddhist temple inside the park. • Spectacles Lake (眼镜湖): Great for photos. • Incense Burner Peak (香炉峰): The highest point — tough climb but the panoramic view of Beijing is worth it. • Bring Water & Snacks: The park is huge (160 hectares), and while there are food vendors, they may be seasonal. • Hike-Ready Shoes: Lots of stone steps and inclined paths — don’t underestimate the climb!