Beijing - a personal journey of discovery amidst rapid change

Coming from Scotland, a country famed for its great outdoor environment, I was particularly attracted to Beijing partly because of its proximity to easily accessed upland areas. From early days I developed a particular joy towards the Fragrant Hills or Xiangshan, part of the greater Western Hills. Today it is easily reached by a light rail system running out from near the Summer Palace to Xiangshan village. My early visits however entailed a lengthy but scenic bus journey from near Xizhimen Metro Station on Line 2.

Once an imperial garden today Xiangshan is an extensive public park. Its name comes from 557 metre Xianglu Feng or 'Incense Burner Peak'. Accessed by chairlift it is far more beautiful and exhilarating to walk up to the summit via stone paths. They traverse through a landscape of pine cypress forests and persimmon trees, particularly beautiful in autumn with some of the finest displays of red leaves to be found across Beijing. From the peak, extensive views stretch east to the Summer Palace and its Kunming Lake before looking right across Beijing's urban spread. Facing west, in contrast, reveals a natural mountain landscape appearing so inviting for more exhilarating rural walks. Xiangshan's environment is scattered with traditional architecture, cultural relics, small lakes and botanical beauty. I found great pleasure in regularly visiting the area while quietly thinking how lucky we were to have such enchantment on our doorstep!