Ting Chen
I've been leading photography tours in Beijing for over a decade. And the Western Hills—they're my favorite escape from the city's chaos. Most visitors rush to the Forbidden City and end up with postcard clones. But here? You get layers of mountains, pagodas peeking through mist, and that golden light that makes even phone cameras look pro.
Here's the catch: half of the so-called "best spots" are overrun with selfie sticks by 10 AM. I'm going to show you my secret coordinates—the ones I use when I don't want my clients to fight for a tripod spot.
Quick Navigation – What's Inside
Why Western Hills Beats the City for Photography
Forget the hutong rooftops—everyone has those shots. Western Hills offers something rare in Beijing: depth. You get rolling ridges, ancient temples, and the contrast of modern city sprawl in the distance. And the air? On a clear day (usually after rain) you see for miles.
I always tell my groups: this is where you capture Beijing's soul—not the touristy facade. Plus, many spots are free or cheap, and you can combine hiking with shooting.
Top 5 Western Hills Photography Spots (With Timing & Transport)
I've tested every angle. Here are my personal favorites—ranked by how much they'll wow your Instagram feed (and your own eyes).
1. Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) – The Iconic Pagoda at Sunset
Address: 40 Haidian District, near the Fragrant Hills Park East Gate. Take subway Line 10 to Bagou, then bus 563 or 563 to Xiangshan East Gate. Exit from the East Gate, walk 2 minutes.
Best time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (October to November for autumn colors, but spring works too). The pagoda catches the last golden rays. Use a telephoto to compress the layers.
My tip: Most photographers rush to the main pagoda. Walk 200 meters north to a small pavilion—fewer people, better foreground branches.
2. Badachu (Eight Great Temples) – Misty Morning Stairs
Address: 3 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District. Take subway Line 1 to Pingguoyuan, then bus 972 or 527 to Badachu. From the bus stop, it's a 10-minute uphill walk.
Best time: 7 AM – 9 AM (open 6:00). Mist often lingers, giving a mystical vibe. I love shooting the long staircase leading to the second temple—wide angle from below makes people look tiny.
The catch: Entry is only 10 RMB (no need to pre-book). But bring cash—the QR code machine sometimes fails.
3. Cuiwei Mountain – The Overlook That Locals Keep Secret
Address: Near the west end of Pingguoyuan Road. No subway nearby; take bus 336 or 977 to "Cuiwei Mountain" stop. Then 15-minute hike.
Best time: Golden hour (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM). This spot offers a direct view of the Beijing skyline with mountains framing it. I've taken my portfolio shots here.
It's free, no ticket. But there are zero facilities—no toilets, no shops. Go prepared.
4. Wofo Temple (Sleeping Buddha Temple) – Architectural Details
Address: 30 Wofo Temple Road, Haidian District. Take bus 333 or 634 to Wofosi stop. From the stop, a 5-minute walk.
Best time: 9 AM – 11 AM (open 8:30–16:30). The bronze sleeping Buddha is 5 meters long—nice for a wide shot. But the real gem is the courtyard with old trees casting shadows on red walls.
Entry: 20 RMB adults, free for kids under 1.2m. No advance booking needed.
5. West Mountain (Xishan) Forest Park – The Hidden Reservoir
Address: 2 Xishan Forest Park Road, Haidian District. Take subway Line 16 to Bei'anhe, then taxi (15 RMB) to the park gate. Or bus 908 to "Xishan Forest Park" stop.
Best time: 3 PM – 5 PM (the reservoir reflects the sky). The walk from the gate to the reservoir is 30 minutes, but you'll pass a bamboo grove that's perfect for portraits.
Entry: 10 RMB. The bamboo grove gets busy on weekends—arrive by 2 PM to claim your spot.
| Spot | Entrance Fee | Pre-booking? | Suggested Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fragrant Hills | 15 RMB (park only) | Yes, via WeChat mini-program (search "Xiangshan Park") | 2-3 hours |
| Badachu | 10 RMB | No | 1.5 hours |
| Cuiwei Mountain | Free | No | 1 hour |
| Wofo Temple | 20 RMB | No (cash only at gate) | 1 hour |
| Xishan Forest Park | 10 RMB | No | 2-3 hours |
When to Shoot for Best Light & Avoiding Crowds
I've made the mistake of arriving at noon in summer. The light was harsh, and I spent 30 minutes editing out tourists. Learn from my pain.
Golden windows:
- Sunrise (5:00-6:30 AM April to September) – Soft light, mist, and almost zero people. Badachu and Fragrant Hills open at 6:00. You'll have the temples to yourself.
- Sunset (4:30-6:30 PM) – Warm tones hit the pagodas. Cuiwei Mountain and Fragrant Hills are best. But expect crowds at Fragrant Hills on weekends—arrive 1 hour before sunset to secure a tripod spot.
- Misty mornings (anytime from 6:00-8:00 after rain) – My absolute favorite. The hills get a dreamy haze. Head to Badachu or West Mountain reservoir.
Gear & Practical Tips from a Tour Guide
You don't need a Hasselblad. But a few things make life easier:
Getting around: Taxis are cheap—from central Beijing to Fragrant Hills, around 80 RMB (30-40 minutes). Subway + bus is slower but budget-friendly (10 RMB total). For multiple spots in one day, I recommend hiring a driver for the day (around 500 RMB) or booking a private tour on Trip.com.
FAQ – Western Hills Photography Spots
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