Another typical pastime during Spring Festival: climbing Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan). The park is really wonderful, impressive scenery with all the trees that look like giant bonzai.
It was my first time to go to the top – 557 m high. The walk up and down we did was over 10 Km. Nice exercise in the fresh air, leaving the Beijing pollution down there.
Valerie and me made it first to the top and first down.
On the way we visited the former residence once used by chairman Mao.
Many nice pics – some samples here.

Some of the impressive trees – the top seems so far. .

The winners: Gilbert & Valerie – part of the group who made it to the top – looking down at pollution

the “Police” checking local souvenirs – Valerie at Mao’s former residence – Chinglish in the park