Fragrant Hills Park

Fragrant Hills Park, also known as Xiangshan Park, traces its origins back to the Jin Dynasty in 1186 when the Xiangshan Temple was first constructed. Over the subsequent Yuan and Ming dynasties, the area grew in significance as a mountain retreat for the imperial family. However, its most prestigious era began during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong. In 1745, he ordered a massive expansion, commissioning numerous halls, pavilions, and gardens, officially naming the complex 'Jingyi Garden' or the Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure. The park became one of the famous 'Three Hills and Five Gardens' of the imperial outskirts. The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant turmoil to the site. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British and French troops looted and burned many of the park's structures, a tragedy repeated in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion by the Eight-Nation Alliance. These events left much of the imperial grandeur in ruins. Despite this destruction, the natural beauty of the hills remained a point of national pride and cultural importance. Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government began an extensive restoration project in 1956. The park was opened to the public, transforming from an exclusive imperial enclave into a beloved urban escape. Today, it stands as a testament to China's imperial past and its resilience, serving as a site for both historical reflection and modern recreation. It is particularly famous for its role in modern history as the temporary headquarters for the CPC Central Committee in 1949 before they moved into central Beijing.