Chengde Mountain Resort Café
A vast imperial summer retreat blending Qing dynasty palaces, serene gardens, and diverse temples amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Chengde Mountain Resort Café
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast imperial summer retreat blending Qing dynasty palaces, serene gardens, and diverse temples amidst stunning natural landscapes.
"It was simply gorgeous and relaxing, even with the holiday crowds. "
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and temples.
Book a Private Driver 🚗
Consider a private driver for convenience, especially for day trips from Beijing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palace Complex
Central area
Explore the historic Qing dynasty palaces, once a summer retreat for emperors. Admire the architecture and learn about imperial life.
Lake and Gardens
Surrounding the palace
Wander through meticulously designed gardens and along tranquil lakes, offering picturesque views and peaceful spots.
Mountain Temples
Beyond the main resort
Discover the impressive temples scattered across the hillsides, showcasing diverse architectural styles and spiritual significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and temples.
Book a Private Driver 🚗
Consider a private driver for convenience, especially for day trips from Beijing.
Go Early to Avoid Crowds ⏰
Weekday mornings offer a more serene experience before tour groups arrive.
Explore Beyond the Palace 🏞️
Don't miss the beautiful temples and natural landscapes surrounding the resort.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and temples.
Book a Private Driver 🚗
Consider a private driver for convenience, especially for day trips from Beijing.
Go Early to Avoid Crowds ⏰
Weekday mornings offer a more serene experience before tour groups arrive.
Explore Beyond the Palace 🏞️
Don't miss the beautiful temples and natural landscapes surrounding the resort.
Check for Restorations 🚧
Some buildings might be under renovation, so manage expectations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Chengde Mountain Resort for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance, describing it as a 'hidden gem' with a peaceful atmosphere. The blend of imperial architecture with expansive gardens and lakes is a major draw. However, some find it less grand than Beijing's Forbidden City and note that parts of the site can be crowded, especially during holidays, with some buildings occasionally under restoration.
"Went on a Monday afternoon after lunch, we were on a private guided tour. The palace was much more modest than the Forbidden City in Beijing but the grounds were huge. We walked through the palace and by the lake, did not go into the forested mountain area. Saw the porcelain gallery although quite a number of the buildings were under restoration/scaffolding. Tbh, I much preferred the Summer Palace in Beijing to this but it was worth the trip to Chengde to see the temples outside the mountain resort."
Siew Meng Tham
"It is a hidden gem in northern China. Very beautiful place."
Quansheng Chang
"We booked a private English Speaking driver through TripAdvisor. It worked beautiful and our driver was great. Chengde is a small city by Chinese standards about 3.5 million people. Chengde is in the Hebei province about 250 KM northeast of Beijing and was established during the Qing-dynasty as an imperial summer residence. The city’s core remains the 18th-century Mountain Resort palace complex. To give you a perspective. We visited on a Friday…leaving Beijing at 5 a.m. and arrived in less than 2.5 hours. However, our drive back to the city on Friday afternoon took us over 5 hours. It was long, tiring and filled with accidents. We also traveled during the National Holiday in October so there were more people out and about than normal.
The Summer Mountain Resort was built on a lake and had at least 36 different points of interested. At each point there was a different description such as: 1) This is where one would be entertained by music 2) this is where one would relax in the morning sun and warm oneself or 3) this is a place where one would be entertained by jesters. It was kind of funny to me that they took the time to point this out. They had buildings at all these sights, many of which were closed.
As we walked the property, My husband stated the obvious, you know why the emperor chose this location. It was simply gorgeous and relaxing, even with the holiday crowds. Everywhere you looked there was something new to look at and something interesting to see. The space was beautiful and we are from the State of Washington in the US.
You entered the main campus through what felt like a village and a museum like area with artifacts. We did not spend a lot of time here because it was incredibly crowded. Then you walked down a hill and the beauty opened up to you. We headed to the island in the middle of the lake first and worked our way over to the palace.
We chose to stay to the right and walk along the stone pathway. The path we took was long and along the waters edge. The inlet was built in the early 1700's. Their was a boat out in the water that day that had a lady dancing to someone playing the harp on it. The music filled the valley. It was so peaceful and relaxing as we walked along the waters edge.
The temple is a long way over, so plan for walking shoes, but the walk is beautiful. We enjoyed the walk as a family and had fun along the way. As we approached the palace, we chose to climb up to it along a rock path in the back and among the trees. You can take a boat over the the palace if you chose and the boat drop off point was in the front. The main entrance was packed on the holiday week and you could hardly move, so our access point made getting to the top fairly easy. As we approached the top and looked back, we noted a garden on the other side of the hill. We had to go take a look at that as well.
Over all it was a busy 3 hours for us. You could spend all day at the property, enjoy a picnic along the lake. Because we had the driver for only one day, we moved on to our next adventure."
Paulette Caswell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by high-speed train from Beijing Chaoyang Station to Chengde South Station, taking about 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private driver or join a tour, which can take around 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic.
Yes, it's possible, but it's a long day. Many visitors opt for an early start with a private driver or tour to maximize their time. Be aware that the return journey, especially on a Friday afternoon, can take significantly longer due to traffic.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available for getting around Chengde. For exploring the Mountain Resort itself, walking is the primary mode of transport, though electric carts are available within the complex.
While trains connect Beijing to Chengde, direct public transport to the resort from other major cities might be limited. It's often best to reach Chengde city first and then arrange local transport.
By high-speed train, it's approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Driving can take anywhere from 2.5 to over 5 hours, especially during peak travel times or holidays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, there's an entrance fee for the Mountain Resort itself. Additional fees may apply for specific attractions within the complex, such as museums or boat rides. It's advisable to check the official website or local ticketing platforms for the most current pricing.
Opening hours typically vary by season. Generally, the resort opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's recommended to verify the exact hours for your visit, especially during off-peak seasons or holidays.
While on-site ticket purchase is usually available, buying tickets in advance, especially during peak season or holidays, can save time and guarantee entry. Check for online ticketing options through official channels or reputable travel platforms.
Sometimes, combination tickets or passes that include entry to the Mountain Resort and nearby temples like Putuo Zongcheng Temple or Puning Si Temple are available. Inquiring at the ticket office or checking online can reveal these options.
Yes, the temples located outside the main Mountain Resort complex, such as Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace) and Puning Si Temple, typically have their own separate entrance fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the resort, including the palace, gardens, and a portion of the surrounding temples, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Some visitors prefer to spend a full day to explore more extensively.
Key highlights include the imperial palace buildings, the vast lake with its islands and bridges, and the scenic mountain paths leading to various pavilions and viewpoints.
The resort is large, but pathways are generally well-marked. Maps are usually available at the entrance. Consider following the suggested routes or focusing on specific areas if time is limited.
Yes, guided tours, including private English-speaking guides, can be arranged. This is highly recommended for understanding the history and cultural significance of the site.
Besides sightseeing, you can enjoy leisurely walks, boat rides on the lake (seasonal), and in winter, ice skating on the frozen lakes.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake offers stunning reflections of the palaces and mountains. Higher viewpoints provide panoramic shots of the entire complex. The temple architecture also presents unique photographic opportunities.
Photography rules can vary within the palace buildings. Generally, flash photography is prohibited, and in some sensitive areas, photography might be restricted altogether. Look for signage or ask staff.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most flattering conditions, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can provide dramatic skies over the landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and scenic areas in China. It's highly unlikely that drones are permitted within the Chengde Mountain Resort or its surrounding temples. Always check local regulations.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be great for sweeping vistas, and a telephoto lens can help isolate distant temple structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the lake area for boat rides (seasonal) and the more accessible garden paths. While the historical palace buildings might hold less interest for very young children, the sheer scale of the resort and the opportunity to see different architectural styles can be educational. Pack snacks and drinks, as options within the resort can be limited and pricey.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider using public transportation (trains) from Beijing instead of private drivers. For accommodation, look for guesthouses or budget hotels in Chengde city rather than staying near the resort. Visiting during the shoulder seasons can also mean lower prices for transport and lodging.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't limit yourself to the main palace; explore the surrounding gardens, the lakeside paths, and the numerous temples outside the resort for unique shots. The varied architectural styles of the temples, from Tibetan to Mongolian influences, offer a rich tapestry for your lens. Remember to check for any photography restrictions within specific buildings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Summer Escape for Emperors
Unlike the Forbidden City, the Mountain Resort is characterized by its vast natural landscapes, including lakes, plains, and mountains, interspersed with palaces, temples, and gardens. This design aimed to create a harmonious environment that reflected the diverse terrains of the Qing empire. The resort's layout is divided into palace areas, administrative zones, and scenic areas, each serving distinct functions.
Visitors can explore the Outer Mountain Scenic Area, which features numerous temples built in various ethnic styles, and the Lake District, known for its tranquil waters and imperial gardens. The Plain Scenic Area offers open spaces reminiscent of Mongolian grasslands. The sheer scale and thoughtful integration of architecture with nature make it a unique historical site.
Navigating the Vast Resort
Beyond the palace walls, the Lake District is a highlight, featuring numerous islands, bridges, and pavilions. Renting a boat on the lake can offer a different perspective, especially during warmer months. The Mountain Scenic Area involves more strenuous walking or hiking, leading to various viewpoints and smaller temples scattered across the hillsides.
For those with limited mobility or time, electric carts are available for rent within the resort, providing a convenient way to cover longer distances. Many visitors recommend dedicating at least half a day to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the resort, with some choosing to spend a full day to explore more thoroughly.
The Temples of Chengde
Another significant temple is the Puning Temple, which houses a large wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin. These temples showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the Qing emperors' policy of religious tolerance and cultural integration. Visiting these temples provides a deeper understanding of the historical and religious context of Chengde.
While the Mountain Resort itself is vast, many visitors find the temples equally, if not more, impressive. They offer a different kind of grandeur and historical depth. Planning your visit to include both the resort and at least one or two of the major temples is highly recommended for a comprehensive Chengde experience.
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