3 Days 2 Nights Exploring Chengde: Royal Gardens + Summer Resort Detailed Guide

Chengde, a city enveloped in royal atmosphere, where the coolness of the Summer Resort and the grandeur of the Outer Eight Temples make every spot unforgettable! This 3-day, 2-night itinerary will take you to deeply experience the charm of Chengde～
Day 1

⏰ Morning: Summer Resort

Introduction / Experience: The largest existing royal garden in China, perfectly blending lakes, mountains, and palace architecture. Walking here feels like traveling back to the Qing Dynasty.
Transportation: Take bus No. 1 or No. 5 within the city to the "Summer Resort" stop, then walk to the entrance.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (peak season), recommend reserving 3-4 hours for the visit.

🍽️ Noon: Manchu Eight Bowls

Introduction / Experience: Chengde’s specialty Manchu cuisine, recommended to try venison and wild vegetables, rich and unique flavors.
Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from the Summer Resort.
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, recommend going early to avoid queues.

🌆 Afternoon: Puning Temple

Introduction / Experience: One of the Outer Eight Temples, a Tibetan Buddhist temple housing the world’s largest wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin, solemn and impressive.
Transportation: About 15 minutes by taxi, or take bus No. 6 to the "Puning Temple" stop.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

🌙 Evening: Chengde Night Market

Introduction / Experience: A lively night market with a wide variety of snacks, recommended to try roasted lamb leg and almond tea.
Transportation: Located in the city center, accessible by walking or taxi.
Business Hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM.

Day 2

⏰ Morning: Qingshui Peak National Forest Park

Introduction / Experience: Unique club-shaped mountain scenery, hiking offers panoramic views of Chengde, perfect for outdoor lovers.
Transportation: About 30 minutes by taxi, recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

🍽️ Noon: Farmhouse Lunch

Introduction / Experience: A farmhouse at the foot of the mountain with fresh ingredients, recommended dishes include free-range chicken eggs and stewed reservoir fish.
Transportation: Near Qingshui Peak scenic area, reachable on foot.
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

🌆 Afternoon: Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace)

Introduction / Experience: Built to imitate the Potala Palace in Tibet, the red and white buildings are extremely photogenic!
Transportation: About 20 minutes by taxi, or take bus No. 118.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

🌙 Evening: Check-in at Hot Spring Hotel

Introduction / Experience: Chengde has abundant hot spring resources, enjoy a soak in the hot springs to relieve fatigue at night～
Transportation: Around the city, recommend booking hotel shuttle in advance.
Check-in Time: After 2:00 PM.

Day 3

⏰ Morning: Xumi Fushou Temple

Introduction / Experience: The best-preserved temple among the Outer Eight Temples, with a magnificent golden roof, perfect for quiet reflection.
Transportation: About 15 minutes by taxi, or take bus No. 118.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

🍽️ Noon: Youmian Village

Introduction / Experience: Chengde’s specialty oat noodles, healthy and delicious, recommended dishes include oat noodle nests and mutton soup.
Transportation: Within the city, accessible by walking or taxi.
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

🌆 Afternoon: Chengde Museum

Introduction / Experience: An excellent place to learn about Chengde’s history and culture, with rich exhibits and strong air conditioning～
Transportation: About 10 minutes by taxi, or take bus No. 1.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays).

🌙 Evening: Return Trip

Tips: Chengde Station is very close to the city center, recommend leaving 1 hour in advance.

Ending

💡 Practical Tips

The Summer Resort is large, wear comfortable shoes!
The Outer Eight Temples combined ticket is more cost-effective, buy online in advance.
Big temperature difference between morning and evening in Chengde, bring a jacket.
💰 Budget per person: 1000-1500 RMB (including accommodation and transportation).

If you have questions, ask me in the comments～ Save this for next time!
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