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Chengde is a city brimming with vitality and vigor. A landscape garden city characterized by "blue skies, green land, verdant mountains, picturesque waters, refreshing air, smooth roads, clean cities, and harmonious people" is gradually shedding its shy veil and beautifully presenting itself to the world. This beautiful and magical land of Chengde boasts numerous world records: the world's largest imperial garden, the world's largest imperial temple complex, the world's largest imperial hunting ground, the world's largest wooden Buddha, the world's shortest river, and unique stone pillars.
The Chengde Mountain Resort is the largest royal garden in my country. It is simple and elegant, with a rigorous layout. The resort is full of clear water and trees, and the scenery is charming. The many buildings have different styles, but are harmonious and unified.
Chengde is suitable for visiting in all seasons, but considering its seasonal beautiful natural scenery, April to October is the best time to travel.
When talking about Chengde’s tourism resources, Chengde people proudly summarize them as the “Royal Three Crowns” and the “Three Wonders of the Purple Pass”.
Royal Triple Crown
The largest existing royal garden in the world - the Mountain Resort
The world's largest royal temple complex - the Eight Outer Temples
The world's largest royal hunting ground - Mulan Hunting Ground.
"Three Wonders of Purple Pass"
Purple Great Wall - the essence of Jinshanling Great Wall
The Majesty of Purple Pass - Wuling Mountain, the main peak of Yanshan Mountain, known as the "Treasure House of Natural Plants in North China"
Purple Pass Guilin - Panlong Lake, which has won the reputation of "Little Lijiang River Outside the Great Wall" for its beautiful scenery.
Chengde was once the summer retreat of Qing Dynasty emperors. It served as a place to escape the summer heat and is home to the Mountain Resort, an imperial palace and extensive gardens. The city also holds significant cultural importance due to its temples, which represent the religious diversity of China at the time.
Chengde is located in the northern part of Hebei Province, around 230 kilometers northeast of Beijing. You can reach Chengde by taking a train or bus from Beijing. Taxis and local buses are available for getting around the city. There are no metro services in Chengde, but taxis are a convenient option for exploring the city.
The Chengde Mountain Resort is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with extended hours during peak seasons. The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its best.
The entrance fee for Chengde Mountain Resort is approximately 90 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through various ticket platforms. Entrance to specific temples may have additional fees.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons such as Chinese holidays. Tickets can be booked 1-2 days ahead of time online.
It will take approximately 4 to 6 hours to fully explore Chengde Mountain Resort, including visits to the main palaces, gardens, and nearby temples. If you plan to visit all eight outer temples, you may need a full day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking tours may be available during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides in English are available at certain attractions within Chengde Mountain Resort.
Start by visiting the Mountain Resort, then explore the surrounding gardens and temples. From there, head to the nearby Eight Outer Temples, beginning with the Puning Temple and continuing to the other temples. If time permits, take a boat ride on the Chengde River for a relaxing end to your visit.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available in Chengde. However, during certain festivals, special performances or events may be held, so it’s worth checking ahead of your visit.
Chengde can be crowded during Chinese holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, particularly in the early mornings or late afternoons. Visiting outside of national holidays, such as in spring or autumn, can help avoid large crowds.
There are rest areas, food stalls, and water stations throughout the Mountain Resort. Toilets are available at most attractions. Shops selling souvenirs and local products can be found near the main attractions and temples.
Many areas of Chengde Mountain Resort are accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with paved paths and ramps. However, some of the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It is advisable to check accessibility information for specific sites before visiting.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, and credit cards are also commonly accepted in most places. Cash is still useful for smaller shops or food stalls.
There are several local restaurants offering traditional Chinese dishes such as hot pot, dumplings, and noodle soups. Some restaurants inside the Mountain Resort provide snacks and drinks for visitors. Nearby, you can find more dining options in the city.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most restaurants in Chengde, particularly in the city. Halal food is available, as the region has a significant Muslim population.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near Chengde Mountain Resort, ranging from budget options to mid-range hotels. For more luxurious stays, you can find higher-end hotels within the city.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts such as jade jewelry, tea sets, and traditional Chinese calligraphy. You can also find miniature versions of famous landmarks from Chengde.
Taxis or private cars are the most convenient options for continuing your journey after visiting Chengde. You can also take a train or bus back to Beijing or other nearby cities.
