Situated in the east part of western hills, 28 kilometers (17 miles)
northwest of the city, it is very large, made up of hills and forest covering
160 hectares (395.4 acres). Both its natural sceneries and cultural relics are
abundant. Xianglu Peak (Incense Burner Peak), 557 meters (1827.4 feet) high, is
its highest peak.
Best places to see red leaves:
1. Tranquility Green Lake (Jingcui Lake) - Walk 5 minutes from the east
gate, you will arrive in the lakeside. It is the nearest from the entrance. The
lake area is surrounded by hills in three directions, so, you need to find a
good point of view to see and take pictures.
Best time to see red leaves: circa October 25 - November 9
2. Fragrant Hills Temple (Xiangshan Temple)
The temple is in the south hill foot close to Shuangqing Villa. First built
in Tang Dynasty, the temple is the origin of Fragrant Hill's culture. Be
cautious of many steps in this area.
Best time to see red leaves: circa October 18 - November 2
3. Heshun Gate:
It is on the south hillside, 300 meters above the ground. It is close to
the red leave trees.
Best time to see red leaves: circa October 25 - November 9
4. Yuhua Xiu:
This is the largest flat area in it and the road to it from the east gate
is even, within 20 minutes' walk along the middle road. There is broad field of
vision.
Best Time to see red leaves: October 18 - November 4
5. Xiangwu Ku (literally Fragrant Mist Cave)
It has classical garden environment on the hillside. It takes over half an
hour to climb up to this place.
Best time to see red leaves: October 15 - November 4
Recommended red leaves watching routes:
Route 1: East gate - Jingcui Lake - Shuangqing Villa - Xiangshan Temple -
Heshun Gate - hill top
Tips: The route takes about two hours. Need to climb up the hill.
Route 2: East gate - Yuhua Xiu - Xiangwu Ku - hill top
Tips: This is a meek route and suitable for family going together.
Route 3: North gate - cable car station - hill top
Tips: It is 5 minutes' walking distance from the north gate southward to
the cable car. By cable, you can get to the hill top nearly 20 minutes later.
You can have a bird-eye view of Biyun Temple (Temple of Azure Clouds) and
overlook the red leaves afar.
Source: Visit Haidian
