Western Mountains - Fragrant Mountain Xiangshan
The Fragrant Mountain (Xiangshan; 557m/1827ft), rises steeply in the Western Mountains, some 25km/15mi to the northwest of Beijing in a park which bears the same name. Its peak is reminiscent of incense burners and, as it is often covered by clouds looking from a distance like smoke, it has been named Incense-burner Mountain (Xianglushan, shortened to Xiangshan). In the summer it is a favorite venue for day visitors because of the cool mountain air.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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In the autumn, the former imperial hunting preserve is particularly attractive owing to the trees with their glowing red leaves.
In 1186 a temple and a palace were built here. In 1745 under Emperor Qianlong 28 temples, pavilions, pagodas, and villas were erected and this area was surrounded by a wall. The complex was almost completely destroyed in 1860 and 1900. It is only due to the restoration work carried out in the past few decades that the former glory of the park can be appreciated.
The lower station of a lift up to the top of the Fragrant Mountain (Xiangshan) is situated at the northern gate; the main entrance is the eastern gate.
In 1186 a temple and a palace were built here. In 1745 under Emperor Qianlong 28 temples, pavilions, pagodas, and villas were erected and this area was surrounded by a wall. The complex was almost completely destroyed in 1860 and 1900. It is only due to the restoration work carried out in the past few decades that the former glory of the park can be appreciated.
The lower station of a lift up to the top of the Fragrant Mountain (Xiangshan) is situated at the northern gate; the main entrance is the eastern gate.
Related Attractions
500-Luohan Hall
Past the Pusa Dian Hall, on the left, is the 500-Luohan Hall (Luohan Tang), where can be seen 508 figures 500 of which are 1.5m/5ft high gilded Luohans, which have all been individually created. Also, in the corridors are seven figures of the gods, and on a roof beam is a figure of the monk Jigon, who was supposed to always arrive late.
Diamond Throne Pagoda
Behind the Sun-Yat-sen Memorial Hall the 35m/114ft high Diamond Throne Pagoda (Jingangbaozuo Ta) rises up in the middle of a two part terrace. It is surrounded by four smaller pagodas and two dagobas. Its name is reminiscent of the town Bodh Gaya, where Siddharta Gautama gained inspiration. Here the body of Sun-Yat-sen was laid in state until it was transported to Nanking in 1929. The pagoda still contains his hat and some of his clothing. There are great views from the terrace.
Liuli Ta Pagoda
The small seven story, octagonal Liuli Ta Pagoda lies to the west of the Temple of Light. It is covered in colored ceramic tiles and every story has little bronze bells which tinkle when the wind blows.
A path leads south past the Lotus Hall (Furong Guan) to the Jade Flower Hill Villa (Yuhua Shanzhuang). To the west is the vantage point of Xishan Qingxue.
The path called ''Even the Devil is Afraid'' (Gujianchou) leads up to the peak of the Fragrant Mountain.
A path leads south past the Lotus Hall (Furong Guan) to the Jade Flower Hill Villa (Yuhua Shanzhuang). To the west is the vantage point of Xishan Qingxue.
The path called ''Even the Devil is Afraid'' (Gujianchou) leads up to the peak of the Fragrant Mountain.
Pavilion of Self Examination
To the southwest of the Spectacle Lake is the Pavilion of Self Examination (Jianxin Zhai), with its sickle-shaped pool.
Shuangqing Villa
The Shuangqing Villa stands to the southwest of the Xiangshan Temple; it has a pool fed by two springs.
Spectacle Lake
The Spectacle Lake (Yanying Hu) in the northern section of the park actually consists of two lakes connected by a footbridge giving it the appearance of a pair of spectacles.
Sun-Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Past the 500-Luohan Hall, another hall belonging to the temple complex is the Sun-Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The body of Sun-Yat-sen was laid in state here in 1925, the hall is now dedicated to memory of the ''Father of the Republic''. Kept here are busts of the politician and his silver-plated coffin, a gift from the Soviet Union, although it did not reach here until two weeks after the burial. In the side rooms is an exhibition with photographs about the life and work of Sun-Yat-sen.
In the nearby Spring Courtyard (Shuiquan Yuan), visitors may rest and enjoy the scenery.
In the nearby Spring Courtyard (Shuiquan Yuan), visitors may rest and enjoy the scenery.
Temple of Azure Clouds
The Temple of the Azure Clouds (Biyun Si) is situated at the eastern foot of the Fragrant Mountain. In the Ming period (1368-1644) extensions were carried out here by eunuchs who wanted to build themselves a tomb. The Emperor Qianlong had the temple extended in 1748.
Next we pass through the Mountain Gate (Shanmen) and climb the steps to the Hall of the Heavenly King (Tianwang Dian), then to the Maitreya Hall (Milefo Dian) and finally to the Pusa Dian Hall in the third courtyard.
Next we pass through the Mountain Gate (Shanmen) and climb the steps to the Hall of the Heavenly King (Tianwang Dian), then to the Maitreya Hall (Milefo Dian) and finally to the Pusa Dian Hall in the third courtyard.
Temple of Light
The Temple of Light (Zhaomiao), situated to the south of the Pavilion of Self Examination, was built in 1780 for the Panchen Lama in the Tibetan style. The archway in front of the temple bears inscriptions in Chinese, Manchurian and Tibetan.
Xiangshan Temple
In the southeast of the park lie the remains of the Xiangshan Temple (with several terraces) dating from 1186.
More China Resources
- Beijing day trips by Viator
