Last weekend I took a trip to Xiangshan Park on the eastern side of the Western Hills, around 10km west of Beijing.
![DSC_4265](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/443075108_6207887f42_o.jpg)
Also known as the “Fragrant Hills“, the park contains a number of landscaped areas and cultural relics as well as traditional architecture. Dating back to the Jin Dynasty (1115 to 1234) the park was also home to a certain Mao Zedong who planned the founding of the People’s Republic of China here in 1949.
![DSC_4274](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/443076180_9355f149c2_o.jpg)
The so-called “hill” is actually around 1800 ft high at its peak and whilst there is a cable car for the lazy it was out of action when I visited which was probably a good thing as it deterred the hoards of tourists you might usually expect. It took around two hours to climb to the top which rewarded some spectacular views (and a well deserved ice cream!!).
![DSC_4225](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/443073898_2823ba2cb0_o.jpg)
It would probably take more than a day to see everything in the park (especially if you climb to the top) so it’s worth reading a map before you set out to decide what you want to see. Be warned that Mao’s villa closes at 4 pm, a fact I discovered too late in the day so missed out on that little gem 😉
![DSC_4245](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/443074410_63e5609922_o.jpg)
Using AutoStich I’ve merged together a panorama from the top of the “hill” – a pretty impressive view of west Beijing even though it was a hazy day!
![Fragrant Hills Panorama](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/443331074_169cb09eeb_b.jpg)
Check out the Large or Huge version for a closer look! More photos here.
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