If there’s one place near Beijing Capital, the vibrant heart of the nation, that truly captures the magic of autumn, it’s Fragrant Hills—known in Chinese as 香山 (Xiāngshān). Located just 20 kilometers from the city center and easily accessible from Beijing China Airport, this historic hillside retreat offers one of the most spectacular autumn landscapes in all of China. Whether you’re planning a China vacation, exploring Beijing China tourist attractions, or narrowing down your pick between Beijing or Shanghai for your China visit place, this gem deserves a spot on your list. It’s one of the lesser-known wonders worth adding to your trip to Beijing China. We visited Fragrant Hills in late October, right when the leaves were at their most vibrant. It was part of our personal Beijing tour, and I brought my daughter Elaine along—she’s a homeschooled, self-learning 20-year-old who thrives on experiential learning. And Fragrant Hills didn’t...