Located in Shuangqiao District, Chengde City, Hebei Province, the Chengde Mountain Resort and its surrounding temples are among the first group of national 5A-level tourist attractions in China. In 1994, they were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Construction of the mountain resort began in 1703 and was completed in 1792, covering an area of 5.64 million square meters. It is the largest existing classical imperial garden in the world.
The scenic area was designed according to the geographical features of China, with mountainous terrain in the northwest, lakes in the southeast, and plains in the north, forming a microcosm of China's landscape. There are over 120 groups of pavilions, towers, terraces, temples, and other structures inside, integrating the delicate southern charm with the bold northern grandeur, and gathering the most famous scenic spots of the country into one garden. The eight outer temples built along the mountainous terrain around the resort are magnificent and diverse in style, symbolizing the unity of multi-ethnic groups in China.
History and Culture
The Chengde Mountain Resort served as the summer palace of the Qing Dynasty. Construction began in 1703 during the reign of Emperor Kangxi and took 89 years to complete, spanning the reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. In 1711, Emperor Kangxi bestowed the name "Mountain Resort for Escaping the Heat" and inscribed the plaque.
During the early Qing Dynasty, many important political, military, ethnic, and diplomatic affairs were handled here. The resort became the second political center outside Beijing and a place to receive religious and political leaders from ethnic minority regions and foreign envoys, playing a crucial role in appeasing and uniting ethnic minorities and consolidating national unity.
During the Second Opium War in 1860, Emperor Xianfeng sought refuge here. By the reign of Emperor Daoguang, due to the decline of the Qing Dynasty, the annual hunting ceremony was abolished, and the resort was left abandoned for nearly 40 years, with many buildings collapsing. During the Republic of China period, due to poor preservation, the remaining structures suffered severe damage. After 1949, the People's Republic of China government repaired and protected the resort. On March 4, 1961, the Chengde Mountain Resort and some of its surrounding temples were listed as the first group of national key cultural relics protection units.
Main Attractions
Palace Area
This is the core area of the mountain resort, accessible from the Lizheng Gate. Here you can see the plaque of "Mountain Resort for Escaping the Heat" inscribed by Emperor Kangxi. Although not as grand as the Forbidden City, the palaces exude freshness and elegance, reflecting the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. They allow visitors to feel the vastness of the imperial vision and experience the grandeur of the prosperous Kangxi and Qianlong eras.
Lake Area
Exit through the Xiuyun Gate and cross the Wanhe Songfeng Bridge to reach this area. It features the Zhijing Yundi Causeway, modeled after the Su Causeway in West Lake, and Ruyi Zhou Island, the earliest "palace area" in the resort. On the island stands the Mist and Rain Tower, rumored to be the prototype of "Shufangzhai" from the TV series My Fair Princess. Across the lake, you can see Jinshan Island, modeled after Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, showcasing the beauty of southern Chinese landscapes.
Plain Area
Accessible via Ruyi Zhou Bridge, this was once the imperial hunting ground. Starting from the Shuiliu Yunzai Pavilion, you can enjoy the views of the north shore of Chengde Lake and see the Rehe River, the shortest river in the world. Continuing northward, attractions such as the Mongolian yurts, Chunhao Xuan, and Yongyou Temple offer a taste of the vast Mongolian steppe.
Puning Temple
It is a temple with rich Tibetan Buddhist characteristics and a holy place where Qing emperors used to pray and offer sacrifices. The most famous is the 26-meter-high "Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara" Buddha statue, one of the largest Avalokiteshvara statues in China, which brings great visual shock.
Putuo Zongcheng Temple
Also known as the "Little Potala Palace" due to its architectural resemblance to the Potala Palace in Tibet, this temple has a unique style that blends Manchu, Han, Tibetan, and Mongol cultures. It is a historical testament to multicultural integration and boasts high historical and artistic value.
Culinary Delights
Lamb Soup with Sesame Seed Cake
A signature breakfast in Chengde, a bowl of steaming lamb soup served with freshly baked sesame seed cake. The lamb is tender and flavorful without any gamey taste, the broth is rich, and the cake is crispy, making it a perfect start to the day.
Deep-Fried Pastry
A traditional Manchu snack with a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior, offering a taste of northern Chinese cuisine.
Rose Flower Cake
Delicately made with thin layers of pastry filled with fragrant rose petals, it is sweet yet not cloying, providing a multi-layered taste experience.
Sticky Rice Cold Cake
Made from glutinous rice, this dessert is soft, sweet, and refreshing, making it an ideal treat for hot summer days.
Chengde Cold Noodles
Made from mung bean starch, these noodles are translucent, smooth, and served with a spicy and tangy sauce, perfect for cooling off and stimulating the appetite.
Royal Soil Lotus Leaf Chicken
A traditional dish from the Qing Dynasty imperial kitchen, the chicken is tender and infused with the aroma of lotus leaves, offering a rich and layered flavor that is a must-try for those seeking imperial cuisine.
Manchu Eight-Dish Meal
A set meal featuring local specialties that combines traditional Manchu cooking techniques. With a perfect balance of color, aroma, and taste, it represents the bold and generous culinary culture of northern China.
Admission Tickets
Tickets are sold separately for each scenic area, with different prices.
Tickets start from ¥10.
Search for the official WeChat public account "避署山庄及周围寺庙" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The Mountain Resort and Potala Palace Scenic Area are open from 7:00 to 18:00, with ticket sales ending at 17:00 and last entry at 17:10. For the Qingchui Peak Scenic Area, Qingchui Peak National Forest Park is open from 7:30 to 18:00, ticket sales end at 17:00 (16:30 at the ticket office at the foot of the peak), and last entry is at 17:10. Pule Temple and Anyuan Temple are open from 7:00 to 18:00, with ticket sales ending at 17:00 and last entry at 17:10. The night tour of the Mountain Resort is available from 19:00 to 22:00, with entry starting at 19:00, lighting up at 20:00, last entry at 21:30, and closing at 22:00. Visitors with annual passes or free admission privileges must enter by 19:00.
Tour Routes
Daytime Route
Enter through the Lizheng Gate and start with the Palace Area to experience the grandeur of imperial architecture. Then exit via the Xiuyun Gate to explore the Lake Area and enjoy the scenery of southern China. Continue through Ruyi Zhou Bridge to the Plain Area for a taste of the grassland. Finally, exit through the Wanshu Garden Gate and take a bus to the Outer Temples Scenic Area to visit the Potala Palace Scenic Area and Qingchui Peak Scenic Area. You can also visit the Chengde Museum for free (advance reservation required).
Night Tour Route
Enter through the Dehui Gate and pass by the City Gate, Qingbi Pavilion, Xigoukou, Fangyuanju, Zhiyuji, Shuiliu Yunzai, North Shore of Chengde Lake, Putian Congyue, Wanshu Garden Lighting Area, Rehe River, Chunhao Xuan, and Mongolian Yurt Cultural and Creative Shop. After viewing the Yongyou Temple Pagoda from afar, return via Jinshan Back Road, Jinshan, Huashenmiao Main Road, Yuese Jiangsheng, Shuixin Xie, Juan'a Shengjing, and exit through the City Gate.
Transportation
- Bus: Take buses 6, 10, 15, 28, etc., and get off at the Mountain Resort Station to reach the Lizheng Gate.
- Taxi: Taxis are convenient within Chengde City, with a starting fare of approximately ¥7, and the fare varies depending on the distance.
- Self-driving: There is a parking lot at the scenic area. Follow the navigation to reach there. The parking fee for small vehicles is generally around ¥5 per hour, subject to actual onsite charges.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Mountain Resort Palace Area: As the core of the scenic area, it features Emperor Kangxi's inscribed plaque, allowing visitors to experience the imperial grandeur and historical heritage, making it a key attraction for understanding Qing Dynasty court culture.
- Mist and Rain Tower: Located on Ruyi Zhou Island in the Lake Area, this southern-style building offers beautiful scenery and is more appealing due to its association with the TV series. It provides a poetic atmosphere with lake views.
- Puning Temple: With its strong Tibetan Buddhist characteristics and the towering "Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara" Buddha statue, it is an ideal place to experience Buddhist culture and art, leaving visitors in awe of its grandeur.
- Putuo Zongcheng Temple: Resembling the Potala Palace in architectural style, it symbolizes the integration of Manchu, Han, Tibetan, and Mongol cultures. Its magnificent architecture and rich interior make it an excellent attraction for understanding ethnic culture and religious architecture.
Tour Tips
- Plan your time wisely: The scenic area is large, so allocate at least half a day. For a more in-depth tour including the surrounding temples, plan for a full day or more.
- Dress comfortably: There is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Learn about the cultural background in advance: Consult relevant materials or use the scenic area's guided tour service to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the attractions.
- Check the weather: Chengde has a cool summer, but there is a significant temperature difference between day and night, and the mountain weather can change quickly. Bring a jacket and rain gear.
Precautions
- Observe scenic area regulations: Smoking and littering are prohibited. Protect cultural relics and the environment, and maintain public order.
- Ensure safety: Some mountainous paths are steep and uneven. Pay attention to your footing, especially on rainy or slippery days, to avoid falls.
- Keep your belongings secure: The scenic area can get crowded, so be vigilant with your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- Book tickets and make reservations in advance: During peak seasons, tickets may sell out quickly. Purchase tickets through official channels and enter according to your reservation to avoid delays.