The ultimate summer escape! 5 days and 4 nights of imperial-level coolness in Chengde

Step into the Qing Dynasty emperor's "air-conditioned room"! Chengde Mountain Resort—the largest existing royal garden in the world, featuring the "mountain and water air conditioning system" personally designed by Kangxi and Qianlong emperors. The average summer temperature is 23°C, so cool even the emperor didn’t want to return to the palace!

🛬【Itinerary】
Day 1: Arrive in Chengde

Afternoon: Visit Chengde Museum (free! Reserve in advance) to learn the past and present of the Mountain Resort

Evening: Climb Qingshui Peak to watch the sunset, the giant Bangchui Mountain offers breathtaking views

Day 2: Core tour of the Mountain Resort

Morning: Explore the palace area, see the Nanmu Hall Danbo Jingcheng Hall + Empress Dowager Cixi’s bedroom Yanbo Zhishuang Hall

Afternoon: Take a painted boat cruise on the lake to Yan Yu Tower (filming location of "Princess Pearl"!) and Jinshan Pavilion

Day 3: In-depth Mountain Resort tour

All day: Take the electric cart around the mountain area (a must!) to view the Outer Eight Temples from afar, and photograph the Ermadao City Wall for a panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace

Day 4: Highlights of the Outer Eight Temples

Morning: Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace) for stunning shots of the red and white palaces

Afternoon: Visit Puning Temple to see the world’s tallest wooden Buddha and listen to monks chanting

Day 5: Return trip + shopping

Morning market for almonds/chestnuts, then get souvenirs at Jinlong Shopping Plaza

⛺【Must-visit Attractions】
✅ Danbo Jingcheng Hall: Built entirely of nanmu wood, temperature drops 5°C upon entering!
✅ Ermadao City Wall: Best photo spot in the resort, capturing the entire Outer Eight Temples in one frame
✅ Putuo Zongcheng Temple: Tibetan-style architecture with red walls and golden roofs, feel like you’re in Tibet

🍩【Must-try Foods】
🔥 Gaidarou (Sliced Meat): Imperial chef’s secret recipe! Bamboo shoot strips stir-fried with paper-thin meat slices, crispy and not greasy
🔥 Nansha Cake: Qianlong’s imperial tribute, filled with rock sugar and candied red and green strips, sweeter than first love
🔥 Wantuo: Chengde’s cold buckwheat noodles, topped with sesame sauce and garlic juice, super refreshing
🔥 Roasted Venison: Specialty from the royal hunting grounds, full of wild flavor (choose reputable shops)

🏨【Accommodation Tips】
🏯 Top recommendation inside the resort: Qiwanglou Hotel (lake view from the window), but hard to book in peak season
🏨 Best value options: Mountain Resort Hotel (right at the scenic area entrance) or Dynasty International Hotel (10-minute walk)

🚌【Transportation Tips】
🚄 Major transport: Beijing → Chengde high-speed train in 1 hour (20+ trains daily)
🚕 City transport: Taxi between attractions starts at 10 yuan, bus "Tour 1" connects main spots

�【Tips】
❶ Mountain Resort ticket 130 yuan, combo tickets are more cost-effective (includes 3 Outer Eight Temples for 260 yuan)
❷ The mountain area is huge! The 50 yuan electric cart is a must; walking will make you question your life choices
❸ Arrive right at 7 AM opening to capture stunning empty shots of the resort
❹ For authentic snacks, go to Erxianju Food Street, avoid restaurants at the scenic area entrance
❺ Bring a jacket! Big temperature difference between morning and night, and always carry an umbrella (frequent showers)

🌟 Experience the grandeur of the Kang-Qian era in five days,
tour the palaces by day and sleep under a quilt at night—this is the true imperial summer retreat! Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Chengde Museum