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Fragrant Hills Park
Near the Summer Palace are the Xī Shān (Western Hills), former villa-resort of the emperors. The part of Xī Shān closest to Běijīng is known as Fragrant Hills. Scramble up the slopes to Incense-Burner Peak (Xiānglú Fēng), or take the chairlift, for an all-embracing view of the countryside. Běijīngers flock here in autumn when the maple leaves saturate the hillsides in great splashes of red.
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Jingshan Park
Known as Coal Hill by Westerners during legation days, Jingshan Park was shaped from the earth excavated to create the moat of the Forbidden City. The hill supposedly protects the palace from the evil spirits - or dust storms - from the north. Clamber to the top for a magnificent panorama of the capital and princely views over the russet roofing of the Forbidden City.
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Workers Cultural Palace
On the Forbidden City's southeastern flank opposite Zhongshan Park and away from the frantic hubbub is the Workers Cultural Palace. Despite the unappealing name, this was the emperor's premier place of worship, the Supreme Temple (太庙; Tài Miào). If you find the Forbidden City either too colossal or crowded, the temple halls here are a cheaper and more tranquil alternative.
Showing 1-3 of 3 results
