Posted by Jerry007
Once the home of a Yuan Dynasty official, the site was converted into a Buddhist temple in 1366 and enlarged during the 16th and 17th centuries by imperial eunuchs who hoped to be buried here. The temple's five main courtyards ascend a slope in Fragrant Hills Park. Although severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution, the complex has been beautifully restored.
The main attraction is the Indian-influenced Vajra Throne Pagoda. Lining its walls and five pagodas are gracefully carved stone-relief Buddhas and bodhisattvas. The pagoda once housed the remains of Nationalist China's founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who lay in state here between March and May 1925, while his mausoleum was being constructed in Nanjing. A hall in one of the temple's western courtyards houses about 500 life-size wood and gilt arhats (Buddhists who have reached Enlightenment)—each displayed in a glass case. COST: Park Y10; temple Y10. OPEN: Daily 6-6:30 pm
Posted by Qupnicely
Fragrant Hills is a popular day out for locals and is often busy, however getting there and back without pre-arranged transport is a little difficult for foreign tourists. Taxis don't wait around queueing up outside to help you get back to Beijing. There are good bus services but they will be crowded in holiday seasons.
The park has a chairlift that will run you up and down the hill or you can walk, of course. There are some old pavillions and pagodas set amongst the trees and it's a great place for a picnic, especially for those who like the outdoors. plenty of tourist tat for sale both inside and out, and all the usual facilities you'd expect in a tourist spot.
If you are touristing in Beijing and the weather is fine, this makes a good day out. You can also visit the Azure Cloud Temple (Biyunsi) just inside the top gate, or go down the road to the Botannical Gardens which also house the Sleeping Bhudda Temple (Wofosi). All these have separate charges. Entry to the Fragrant Hills was 10RMB per adult.