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The Outer Eight Temples are the collective name for eight Tibetan Buddhist temples located northeast of the Mountain Resort in Chengde, Hebei Province. Forty temples were built between the 52nd year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1713) and the 45th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1780), with 32 located in Beijing and eight in Chengde. Thus, they are known as the Outer Eight Temples. The majestic and grand architecture reflects the achievements of early Qing Dynasty architectural technology and art. It is not only a museum of Chinese national art and architecture, but also a symbol of national unity.
The best time to visit is autumn. Bashang Weichang is named after the "Mulan Autumn Hunt," a grand autumn event that can only be experienced in its truest form in autumn.
2-3 hours
Puning Temple 80 yuan, Putuo Zongcheng Temple 40 yuan
08:00~17:00
The Outer Eight Temples, built during the Qing Dynasty, are a group of eight imperial temples in Chengde designed to accommodate different ethnic and religious groups. They showcase diverse architectural styles, including Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian influences, and were historically used for religious worship and political diplomacy.
Located in Chengde, Hebei Province, the temples are accessible by taxi or private car from Chengde city center. Some local buses connect major attractions, and walking paths link the individual temples.
The temples are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting due to mild weather and colorful scenery.
Tickets can range around 80–120 RMB depending on the season and combined passes. Tickets are available at entrance counters, and some online booking platforms may offer pre-purchase options.
Booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays, ideally 1–3 days in advance for convenience and guaranteed entry.
Visiting all eight temples thoroughly takes around 3–5 hours.
Guided tours are available, mostly in Chinese. Some private tour services may offer English or other language options upon request.
The main courtyards, temple rooftops, and lake-side views provide excellent photo opportunities, especially in early morning or late afternoon light.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special cultural events may occur during festivals but are seasonal and require checking local schedules.
Weekdays and non-holiday periods are less crowded. Holidays and weekends, especially in autumn, see more visitors.
Basic facilities like restrooms and water stations are available. Small souvenir shops may exist near entrances; food options are limited.
Main temple courtyards are relatively accessible for elderly and children, but some areas may have stairs or uneven paths, limiting wheelchair access.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments such as Alipay or WeChat Pay are commonly used for tickets and small purchases.
Limited dining options are near the temples. Chengde city offers a variety of restaurants serving local Hebei cuisine.
Vegetarian options are usually available in local restaurants. Vegan and halal options are more limited and may require prior research.
Chengde city has various accommodations including hotels, guesthouses, and boutique lodgings suitable for tourists visiting the Outer Eight Temples.
Souvenirs include religious artifacts, handicrafts, local snacks, and postcards reflecting the temples' architecture.
Taxis, private cars, or local buses provide access to other attractions in Chengde or onward travel to nearby scenic areas.
