Chengde Travel Guide | Embark on a Royal Appointment
by AQF. Ida 2857
Aug 20, 2025
Budget of 7000 RMB, covering a detailed 8-day in-depth photography trip departing from Shanghai, including Jinshanling Great Wall, Chengde Mountain Resort, and Ulan Butong Grassland’s beautiful autumn scenery, balancing budget and experience, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without overspending.
【7000 RMB 8-Day In-Depth Photography Trip: Departing from Shanghai, Complete Guide to Jinshanling Great Wall, Chengde Mountain Resort, and Ulan Butong Grassland’s Autumn Scenery】
1. Itinerary Overview
| Day | Schedule | Main Attractions | Accommodation | Budget Focus |
|------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------|------------------|
| Day 1 | Depart Shanghai, arrive in Chengde | Train/High-speed train to Chengde | Chengde city hotel | Transportation, accommodation |
| Day 2 | Explore Chengde city, head to Mountain Resort | Chengde Mountain Resort and surrounding attractions | Chengde city | Tickets, meals |
| Day 3 | Early departure to Jinshanling Great Wall | Jinshanling Great Wall | Guesthouse near Jinshanling | Transportation, tickets, accommodation |
| Day 4 | In-depth photography at Jinshanling Great Wall | Great Wall at dawn and sunset | Guesthouse near Jinshanling | Photography, meals |
| Day 5 | Return to Chengde, visit Puning Temple and Twin Pagodas en route | Ancient Chengde architecture and culture | Chengde city | Tickets, transportation |
| Day 6 | Early departure to Ulan Butong Grassland | Passing through grasslands and nomadic life | Ulan Butong grassland specialty guesthouse | Transportation, accommodation |
| Day 7 | In-depth photography at Ulan Butong Grassland | Autumn grassland, sunrise and sunset | Ulan Butong grassland guesthouse | Photography, meals |
| Day 8 | Return to Shanghai | Return trip | — | Transportation |
2. Transportation Arrangements
- Shanghai to Chengde: Recommended to take high-speed train (about 4 hours), second-class ticket around 200 RMB per person. Booking in advance offers discounts; round trip budget about 800 RMB.
- Chengde city transportation: Use carpool or chartered car, budget around 200 RMB. Some attractions can be reached by walking or cycling, eco-friendly and cost-saving.
- Chengde to Jinshanling Great Wall: Charter or tourist shuttle, budget about 300 RMB.
- Chengde to Ulan Butong: Recommended charter car, estimated cost 500-700 RMB (carpooling is more economical).
- Ulan Butong to Shanghai: Return by high-speed train or regular train, budget about 200 RMB.
3. Accommodation Suggestions
- Chengde city: Choose budget hotels or hostels, double room about 150-200 RMB/night, total 600-800 RMB.
- Near Jinshanling Great Wall: Farmhouse or guesthouse, about 200 RMB/night.
- Ulan Butong Grassland: Specialty guesthouse or Mongolian yurt, about 250-300 RMB/night. Book early for better prices.
4. Tickets and Attractions
- Chengde Mountain Resort: Ticket about 150 RMB per person, recommended to enter early morning for fewer crowds and better photos.
- Jinshanling Great Wall: Ticket about 50 RMB, some areas require cable car or ropeway, budget within 100 RMB.
- Puning Temple and Twin Pagodas: Tickets 30-50 RMB each, excellent for cultural photography.
- Ulan Butong Grassland: Some spots free, special activities (horse riding, photography tours) about 200-300 RMB.
5. Meal Budget
Daily meal cost controlled at 50-80 RMB, including local specialties. Total about 400-600 RMB.
6. Photography Equipment and Others
- Bring tripod, wide-angle and telephoto lenses to ensure shooting quality.
- Spare batteries and memory cards to avoid interruptions.
- Prepare warm clothing as autumn mornings and evenings can be chilly.
7. Budget Summary (Estimated)
| Item | Cost (RMB) |
|---------|------------|
| Transportation (including high-speed train, charter) | 2000 |
| Accommodation | 1500 |
| Tickets | 600 |
| Meals | 500 |
| Photography and others | 300 |
| Emergency fund/unexpected expenses | 1000 |
| Total | 7000 |
8. Travel Tips
- Book in advance: flights, train tickets, accommodation, charter cars to save costs.
- Plan itinerary reasonably: avoid excessive rushing to ensure ample photography time.
- Local cuisine: try Chengde’s specialty roast meat and crispy meat, Ulan Butong’s dairy products and Mongolian dishes.
- Respect nature and culture: respect local herders and attraction rules while shooting, leave beautiful memories.
9. Summary
This trip is not only a photography feast but also a deep experience of northern China’s autumn charm. With a well-planned budget of 7000 RMB, you can fully enjoy Chengde’s historical culture, the grandeur of the Great Wall, and the golden autumn grasslands of Ulan Butong within 8 days, feeling the magnificence of nature and the richness of culture. Capture every touching moment with your lens and feel every scene with your heart, making this journey the most beautiful memory in your life.
Pack your bags and start your in-depth photography journey now!
Post by beefed.up.leona | Aug 8, 2025















