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Chengde Mountain Resort: A World Cultural Heritage Site, a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and one of China's Four Great Gardens. Also known as the "Chengde Summer Palace" or the "Rehe Palace," the Chengde Mountain Resort is located in a narrow valley on the west bank of the Wulie River, north of downtown Chengde, Hebei Province. It served as a summer retreat and government venue for Qing Dynasty emperors.
The Mountain Resort is divided into four major parts: the palace area, the lake area, the plain area, and the mountain area. The entire resort has more water in the southeast and more mountains in the northwest. It is a microcosm of China's natural landscape, a glorious milestone in the history of Chinese gardens, a masterpiece of Chinese classical garden art, and the highest example of Chinese classical gardens.
The climate is temperate continental, and summer and autumn are the best times for travel.
More than 3 hours
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st): 130 yuan;
Shoulder season (November 1st - March 31st) 90 yuan
08:00~17:30
The Chengde Mountain Resort was originally built in the 18th century as a retreat for emperors of the Qing Dynasty. It served as a summer residence for the emperors and an escape from the heat of Beijing. The resort and its surrounding temples are an embodiment of Qing Dynasty imperial art and architecture, blending Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian styles.
Chengde Mountain Resort is located in Chengde, Hebei Province, China. It is about 230 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Visitors can reach the resort by high-speed train, bus, or taxi from Beijing. Once in Chengde, taxis or buses are available for transport to the resort.
The Chengde Mountain Resort is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom.
The entrance fee for the Chengde Mountain Resort is around 130-160 CNY, depending on the area you wish to visit. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through various travel platforms.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can be booked a few days ahead through online platforms or local travel agencies.
It typically takes 4-6 hours to fully explore the Chengde Mountain Resort, including the gardens, temples, and the surrounding areas. If you plan to visit all eight temples, consider spending a full day.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides are offered in several languages, including English, for those exploring independently.
Start by exploring the Chengde Mountain Resort, including its large gardens and lakes. Afterward, visit the nearby Eight Outer Temples for a spiritual and architectural experience. Finish by visiting Puning Temple and its impressive Bodhisattva statue.
There are no official night tours or light shows at Chengde Mountain Resort. However, the resort is beautifully lit at night, offering a peaceful atmosphere for evening walks around the gardens.
The resort can be crowded during national holidays (such as Chinese New Year and National Day). The least crowded times are early in the morning, particularly on weekdays outside of the peak tourist seasons.
There are rest areas, food stalls, and souvenir shops throughout the resort. Toilets are available at multiple locations. Bottled water is sold in the park, but it’s a good idea to bring your own supply for convenience.
The Chengde Mountain Resort is generally accessible, though some areas, like the hills, may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. The main paths and gardens are wheelchair-friendly, but some temples and historical sites may require stairs.
Cash is commonly accepted, but cards and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are also widely used throughout the resort.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the restaurants within the resort, offering dishes such as vegetable stir-fry and tofu. Halal food options are also available in nearby restaurants catering to Muslim tourists.
Souvenir shops are available within the resort. Common souvenirs include local handicrafts, tea, silk products, and miniatures of the temple or resort buildings.
