"From Mulan Hunting Grounds to the Eight Outer Temples: The Multicultural Fusion of Chengde"

**Morning: Explore the World Heritage Site—Mountain Resort**
📍 **Mountain Resort (8:30-11:30)**
- **Highlights**: China's largest existing imperial garden, blending the essence of northern and southern landscapes, showcasing the splendor of the Kangxi-Qianlong era.
- **Recommended Route**:
- **Palace Area**: Visit the Hall of Frugality and Harmony and the Hall of Mist and Rain to learn about Qing Dynasty imperial life.
- **Lake Area**: Boat ride on Ruyi Lake (optional), and visit the Misty Rain Tower (filming location for *My Fair Princess*).
- **Tips**: The resort is vast; consider taking the mountain shuttle (fee applies) for panoramic views of the Eight Outer Temples.

**Noon: Savor Chengde's Local Delicacies**
🍽 **Recommended Restaurants**:
- **Lao San Yang Tang**: Must-try lamb offal soup with baked buns, hearty and authentic.
- **Qiao's Manchu Eight Bowls**: Experience traditional Manchu dishes like venison and steamed bowls.

**Afternoon: Highlights of the Eight Outer Temples**
📍 **Potala Temple (Little Potala Palace) (13:00-14:30)**
- **Highlights**: A Tibetan-style complex modeled after Lhasa's Potala Palace, with striking red-and-white architecture. Climb to the top for panoramic photos.

📍 **Xumifushou Temple (Panchen Lama's Palace) (14:40-15:30)**
- **Highlights**: A blend of Han and Tibetan architecture, featuring a stunning glazed golden dragon roof.

**Evening: Summit Views of Chengde**
📍 **Hammer Peak (Bangchui Mountain) (16:00-17:30)**
- **Experience**: Take the cable car or hike to admire the giant stone pillar, perfect for sunset photography.

**Night: Stroll Erxianju Pedestrian Street**
🌃 **Recommended Activities**:
- Explore night markets for snacks (almond tea, Nansha cakes).
- Shop for local specialties: chestnuts, mushrooms, and royal paper-cuttings.

---
**📌 Practical Info**
- **Transport**: Taxis between attractions cost ~10-20 RMB; Bus "Tour 1" connects major sites.
- **Tickets**: Combo tickets for the Mountain Resort + Eight Outer Temples offer savings (book online in advance).
- **Note**: Sun protection in summer, warm clothing in winter; wear comfortable shoes for mountain paths.