Known to be one of China’s most ancient citadels, Beijing is an aspiring and modern city. Set amidst its soaring skyscrapers and neon lights lay snippets of its glorious past. From its strong hold of being an empire since the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, Beijing hold many historic and cultural attractions.
Chinese gardens and parks are famous for its distinct style and layout. Each plant, pavilion and temple has meaning ithat can be considered a point of reflection. Needless to say they are all beautiful and inspiring. Fragrant Hills Park situated 10 kilometres from the west of the city is a popular Beijing tourist attraction. It truly is a magical sight in Autumn when the maple tree leaves change colour to transform Fragrant Hills Park in hues of orange, vermillion and yellow.
Blanketing an area of 395 acres, this Beijing tourist attraction is an amalgamation of pine-cypress tree forests, maple trees, persimmon trees and smoke trees. With a generous dose of pavilions and historical relics, the Fragrant Hills Park is an irresistible concoction that is typical of ancient Chinese architecture and grandeur.
First built under the tutelage of the Jin Dynasty in 1186, and latter expanded during the Yuan and Ming Dynasty. This park can be explored by cable car or on foot. The Red Leaf Festival in October is a spectacular occurrence, with the Fragrant Hills Park being transformed in to fiery red by the maple and red smoke tree leaves.
Deriving its name from the highest peak Fragrant Hills Park known as Xianglu Feng, which can be translated to mean ‘Incense Burner Peak’ has two large stones that resemble an incense burner. There are two routes that a tourist can take through the park, one heading towards the north, whilst the other is towards the south. Whilst taking the northern route, visitors can see the Spectacles Lake, Study of Reading Heart and a Tibetan style temple called Bright Temple. Whilst in the southern route visitors will come across Tranquillity Green Lake, Fragrant Temple, Shuangquin Villa and Incense Burner Peak. The southern route is more suited for those who don’t mind a trek, as the final stop takes you to the famed incense hills that are the highest point in the park.
Take time to appreciate and delve in the historical past of one of the world’s greatest cities that is truly awe inspiring when you visit Beijing, China. To find a Beijing hotel that suits both your lifestyle and needs is a must when visiting this part of the world. Grand Millennium Beijing comes to mind as a luxury hotel in Beijing that is exceptional in its approach to service, hospitality and facilities. With a convenient location in the heart of the Central Business District, this Beijing hotel would be an obvious choice for both leisure and business travellers alike.
