Chengde presents a pleasant climate, several historical sites and beautiful natural scenery. Located about 230kms from Beijing, this destination used to be the summer resort capital for the Qing Dynasty.
Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the Mountain Resort is situated north of the city and covers an area of 564 square meters. Also named Rehe Temporary Palace, the resort was created for the royal families between 1703 and 1792 and is characterized by elegance and simplicity. The grand architectural complex is divided into four parts and features various palaces as well as the largest royal garden in the country.
Set in the northeast of Chengde are the Eight Outer Temples, a summer residence for the emperors from 1644 to 1911 and another world heritage site. Built in succession between 1713 and 1780, each temple has its own distinct appearance and together they form the world’s largest cluster of royal temples. Constructed to reinforce a unity with the minorities, the temples feature Han style details along with Mongolian and Tibetan styles.
Getting There & Away
Long-distance buses run daily and minibuses run every 30 minutes from Beijing’s Xizhimen Station to Chengde, the journey taking 3 to 4 hours. Other long-distance buses connect Chengde with Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, Liaoning and Zhangjiakou. You can also take the morning train from Beijing to Chengde, which takes four hours. The nearest airport is in Manzhouli, 1 hour away. Flights from Beijing take 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Things to Do
Chengde Attractions
- 2 - Mountain Resort and Eight Outer Temples
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Both created as summer residences
for the royal families during the Qing era, these sites boast diverse appealing
structures.