You Must Spend a Day at the Mountain Resort in Chengde

The Mountain Resort in Chengde, one of China's Four Famous Gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the Qing Dynasty's summer palace. It combines the elegance of Jiangnan gardens with the grandeur of northern landscapes. Here's a detailed guide to help you explore efficiently: --- ### **I. Basic Information** - **Address**: 22 Lizheng Gate Street, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei Province - **Opening Hours**: - Peak season (Apr-Oct): 7:00-18:00 - Off-peak season (Nov-Mar): 8:00-17:30 - **Admission**: - Peak season CNY 130, off-peak season CNY 90 (including museum area) - Mountain shuttle bus: CNY 50 (optional, saves energy) - **Recommended visiting time**: 1 day (large area with scattered attractions) --- ### **II. Must-See Attractions** **1. Palace Area (Political and Historical Center)** - **Danbo Jingcheng Hall**: A nanmu wood palace where Qing emperors received envoys - **Yanbo Zhishuang Hall**: Where Emperor Xianfeng passed away and Empress Cixi planned the Xinyou Coup - **Museum**: Displays imperial artifacts and royal porcelain, showcasing Qing royal life **2. Lake Area (Jiangnan Style)** - **Ruyi Island**: The largest island, featuring Yanxun Mountain Villa and Lotus Viewing Pavilion - **Yanyu Tower**: Modeled after Jiaxing's South Lake, filming location for "Princess Returning Pearl" - **Golden Mountain Island**: Replica of Zhenjiang's Jinshan Temple, offering panoramic lake views **3. Plains Area (Grassland Scenery)** - **Wanshu Garden**: Site of Mongolian yurts where Qing emperors met Mongolian princes - **Horse Testing Ground**: Grassland horse racing field, experience frontier culture **4. Mountain Area (Natural Beauty)** - **Second Horse Path**: Take the mountain shuttle (recommended) for views of the Eight Outer Temples - **Four-sided Cloud Mountain Pavilion**: Highest point, offering 360° views --- ### **III. Suggested Route** **Classic One-day Route**: **Palace Area** (1 hour) → **Lake Area** (boat or walk, 2-3 hours) → **Plains Area** (1 hour) → **Mountain Area** (shuttle bus 1 hour) - **Energy-saving tip**: Take a pleasure boat in the lake area (about CNY 50), mountain shuttle is essential (walking takes 3+ hours) --- ### **IV. Transportation Guide** - **Getting There**: - From Beijing: 1-hour high-speed train to Chengde South Station, 20-minute taxi to resort - By car: 2.5 hours via Beijing-Chengde Expressway, parking available (CNY 10-20/day) - **Internal Transportation**: Walking or electric cart/boat within resort, vehicle recommended for mountain area --- ### **V. Important Notes** 1. **Sun Protection**: Strong UV in summer, bring hat and sunscreen; lake area has shade, mountain area is sunny 2. **Comfortable Attire**: Large area requires walking, sports shoes recommended 3. **Guide Services**: Audio guides (CNY 20) or tour guides (about CNY 150/group) available at entrance; recommended for historical context 4. **Combo Tickets**: Better value when purchased with Eight Outer Temples (Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Puning Temple, etc.) --- ### **VI. Nearby Attractions** - **Eight Outer Temples**: Must visit "Little Potala Palace" (Putuo Zongcheng Temple), 3km from resort, CNY 80 - **Qingchui Peak**: Unique geology, cable car available (discounted with Mountain Resort combo ticket) --- ### **VII. Food Recommendations** - **Chengde Specialties**: Lamb soup with sesame cakes, donkey roll, oat noodles - **Near Resort**: Lao Wu's Lamb Soup (local favorite), Qiao's Manchu Eight Bowls --- ### **VIII. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Near Attractions**: Hotels concentrated in Shuangqiao District, recommend Chengde Mountain Resort Hotel (near Lizheng Gate) - **Luxury Option**: Atour Hotel Chengde Mountain Resort, 10-minute walk to entrance --- **Summary**: The Mountain Resort combines the best of northern and southern gardens. Arrive early to avoid crowds, prioritize the Palace and Lake areas, take the shuttle in the mountain area to save time and energy. A two-day visit combining the Eight Outer Temples is even better!