Xiangshan, also known as Fragrant Hills with an altitude of 557 meters, occupies about 160 hectares in total. It is located about 20 kilometers west of downtown Beijing. Its peak has a large stone that looks like an incense burner(xiang lu), and the cloud coiling up into the sky is like the incense curling upwards. Therefore it is called XiangluShan, or Xiangshan. Xiangshan Temple was built in 1186 and in 1745 Emperor Qianlong made a big construction including pavilions, stone tablets, lodges, and so on. In total there were 28 scenic sights, each having a poetic name. Back then Xiangshan Park was often served as emperors' traveling lodge. Besides a royal park, Xiangshan Park is also a typical forest park. The seasonal scenery is very distinct. The whole mountain area is covered with green trees in summer, which is pleasantly cool that many tourists enjoy to get away from the muggy heat. All the leaves turn red in autumn, while they are covered with snow in winter. Xiangshan is a good place for tourists to get away from the bustling downtown city for their Beijing travel experience. For the convenience of your Beijing travel in China, below is a selection of nearby Beijing hotels. For more sightseeing attractions in Beijing, please visit our Beijing Tourism website for a map to guide your China tour and to find your ideal China hotel.