Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) is 20 kilometers northwest of Beijing and not far from the Summer Palace. Its name derives not from the fresh air or aroma in the area, but from the shape of the hills themselves. If you look close enough, you can just make out the shape of an incense burner at the peak of the hill.

Fall is the best time to go to Fragrant Hills when the maple leaves turn red, decorating the trees on the hillside with an extra glow to the area. Also there is Fragrant Hills Park, also known as the Garden of Congenial Tranquility. From here, visitors can either take a chair lift or hike up to the peak. From a particular spot named as Ghost Fear Peak, tourists can see the Yongding River, Luding Bridge, Prospect Hills, Summer Palace, Yuquan Hill and the outskirts of the city on a fine day.

Many villas for the rich and famous are hidden on the hill. One of them used to be Chairman Mao’s residence. For adventurers, Fragrant Hills also offers a number of marked trails and woodlands to explore.