Chengde 1-Day Tour · Explore the Mountains, Waters, and Glory of the "Northern Imperial Capital" for 1000 RMB

Many people think Chengde is only a summer resort, but as a travel blogger who has traveled all over the Yanzhao region, I must say: Chengde is a royal city beautiful in all four seasons. It was once the summer palace of Qing dynasty emperors, carrying the weight of "one mountain villa, half of Qing history," and boasting the magnificent golden temple roofs reflecting the snow. This time, I set off from Beijing with a 1000 RMB budget to complete an efficient and in-depth one-day cultural micro-trip in Chengde—visiting royal gardens, climbing temples to see Buddhist light, and tasting Manchu flavors, capturing the grandeur and everyday life of this "famous city beyond the Great Wall."

📍Suitable for: History and culture enthusiasts / Photography lovers / Family educational trips / Chinese-style travel photography
💰Total budget: 1000 RMB (for two people, 500 RMB per person, easy and stress-free)

🚄Transportation｜About 320 RMB
✅ Beijing Chaoyang Station → Chengde South Station High-speed train second class 82 RMB/person ×2 = 164 RMB (70-minute ride)
✅ Chengde South Station → City center: Bus No. 118 direct to the Mountain Resort, or taxi about 35 RMB
✅ City transportation: Bus + walking + short taxi rides (round trip to Puning Temple and city center) ≈ 90 RMB
✅ Return: Chengde → Beijing high-speed train 82 RMB/person ×2 = 164 RMB
✔️ Total transportation cost ≈ 320 RMB

🎫Tickets｜About 440 RMB
✅ [Mountain Resort] Peak season 130 RMB/person ×2 = 260 RMB (off-season 90 RMB)
📌 Recommended to enter early! Soft light, fewer tourists, great for wide shots
💡 The scenic area is large; highlights include: Lake District (Ruyi Lake, Yanyu Tower), Plain District (Wanshuyuan Garden), Mountain Trail Entrance
✅ [Puning Temple] 90 RMB/person ×2 = 180 RMB (world’s largest gold-lacquered wood-carved Thousand-Hand Guanyin)
⚠️ Flash photography is prohibited inside the temple; please respect religious customs
✅ Optional: Pule Temple (free) or check out the exterior of Anyuan Temple
✔️ Core attractions fully covered, total ticket cost ≈ 440 RMB

🍽️Dining｜About 240 RMB
✅ Lunch: Don’t miss the authentic old Chengde flavors!
✔️ Recommended “Outside the Mountain Resort” restaurant or simplified “Mongolian Camp”:
→ Small portion of Bashang roasted lamb ribs + hand-pulled meat + Youmian Wowo (oat noodles) + Manchu sour soup → Two-person meal ≈ 180 RMB
✅ Afternoon tea:
✔️ Street snacks: Donkey Roll, Pea Jelly, Almond Tea → Street food tasting ≈ 60 RMB
✔️ Eat authentically and satisfyingly all day, total ≈ 240 RMB

🎯Itinerary｜A day traveling through Qing Palace times

⏰06:30｜Depart from home in Beijing, subway direct to Chaoyang Station
⏰07:30｜Take G7815 high-speed train, arrive at Chengde South Station at 08:40
⏰09:00｜Bus or taxi directly to [Mountain Resort Lizheng Gate]
✔️ Recommended route: Enter Lizheng Gate → Ruyi Lake → Wenjin Pavilion → Yanyu Tower → Wanshuyuan Garden → Exit Dehui Gate (about 2.5 hours)
⏰11:30｜Walk to [Puning Temple]
✔️ Climb high for a distant view, look up at the 27-meter-high Thousand-Hand Guanyin, feel the solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism
⏰13:00｜Lunch time, taste Chengde’s special Mongolian and Manchu flavors
⏰14:30｜Optional: Visit [Puyou Temple] or view the “Xuguang Pavilion” dome of [Pule Temple] from afar
⏰15:30｜Walk to [Chengde Museum] (✅ Free! Reservation required)
✔️ Learn about Qing dynasty ethnic policies and Mountain Resort history, exquisite exhibits, air-conditioned comfort
⏰17:00｜Return to Chengde Station, take high-speed train back to Beijing
⏰18:10｜Arrive in Beijing, end a fulfilling day

📌Tips:
✔️ Mountain Resort is closed on Mondays! Be sure to avoid
✔️ Puning Temple audio guide 20 RMB, recommended to rent
✔️ Dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes in winter; bring sun protection hat in summer
✔️ Buy “Chengde Impression” cultural creative fridge magnets and Manchu bookmarks as souvenirs

On this day, we heard the footsteps of emperors among the lakes and mountains,
and touched the warmth of ethnic integration amid the chanting of Buddhist scriptures.

Spend less than 1000 RMB and gain:
A quiet reflection on the "Imperial Summer Capital."