Chengde

Chengde, a city in northern Hebei Province, lies 225 kilometers northeast of Beijing, encircled by mountains and valleys. Qing Dynasty emperors once used it as a summer retreat, leaving behind grand palaces and temples alongside forests and rocky terrain. The UNESCO-listed Mountain Resort, a large complex of palaces, lakes, and temples, defines the city. Nearby, you’ll find the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, Tibetan-style religious buildings inspired by Lhasa’s Potala Palace, and open grasslands. With cooler summers than Beijing and direct transport links, the city works well for short trips focused on history and nature.

Chengde Mountain Resort: Palaces, Lakes, and Trails

Built over 89 years starting in 1703, the Chengde Mountain Resort covers 5.64 square kilometers and includes four distinct zones. The Palace Area contains nine courtyards where emperors held meetings and lived during summer. In the Lake Area, bridges connect small islands, and boat rentals let you explore waterways designed to mirror southern Chinese gardens. The Plain Area’s open fields and forests were once used for horseback riding, and the Mountain Area has hiking trails leading to viewpoints over the city. Around the resort, temples like the Putuo Zongcheng Temple replicate Tibetan designs, including a scaled-down version of Lhasa’s Potala Palace.

Jinshanling Great Wall: Hiking Routes and Views

The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall stretches 10.5 kilometers and dates to the Ming Dynasty. Its 67 watchtowers vary from fully restored to partially collapsed, with paths that are partly repaired but uneven. Early mornings often bring mist that softens the surrounding hills, and late afternoons cast warm light on the brickwork. Walking from Jinshanling to Simatai takes 3–4 hours and involves steep climbs. Tickets cost 65 yuan, and joining a guided group from Beijing or Chengde helps arrange transport and entry.

Outer Eight Temples: Religious Sites and Cultural History

Eighteen temples were built near Chengde during the 18th century, though only seven remain fully intact. The Putuo Zongcheng Temple stands out with its gold-plated roof and white-and-red walls, directly referencing Tibetan architecture. Puning Temple houses a towering wooden statue of Guanyin, a Buddhist figure, surrounded by detailed carvings. These temples were constructed to strengthen political ties with Mongolia and Tibet under Qing rule. Individual temple tickets cost 30–80 yuan, and visiting two or three provides a good overview.

Bashang Grassland: Horseback Riding and Local Culture

Bashang Grassland, located 200 kilometers north of Chengde, covers a high-altitude plateau dotted with wildflowers in summer. Visitors ride horses across fields, try archery, or stay overnight in round tents modeled after traditional Mongolian yurts. Temperatures stay below 25°C even in July, making it a cooler alternative to nearby cities. Mid-summer brings festivals with throat singing and horseback performances. Weekends get busy, so weekdays are better for quieter visits.

Shuangtashan Forest Park: Hiking and Rock Formations

Shuangtashan Forest Park, 10 kilometers from Chengde’s center, is named after two stone pagodas built on a cliff during the Liao Dynasty. Trails pass pine forests, unusual red sandstone formations, and a 59-meter granite column known as Sledgehammer Peak. The park’s highest point provides clear views of Chengde’s temples and the Mountain Resort. Entry costs 50 yuan, and the hike to the pagodas takes about 90 minutes at a steady pace.

Getting to Chengde: Trains and Local Transport

High-speed trains from Beijing to Chengde South Railway Station take one hour, with multiple departures daily. Chengde Puning Airport has flights to Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other hubs, though most travelers arrive by rail. Buses and taxis connect the station to downtown, but renting a car makes trips to Jinshanling or Bashang Grassland easier. Within the city center, the Mountain Resort and Outer Eight Temples are walkable from most hotels.

When to Go: Weather and Crowds

Visit between April and October for comfortable temperatures and open attractions. June to August brings the most visitors to the Mountain Resort’s lakes and Bashang Grassland. September and October have cooler weather, fewer crowds, and yellow leaves in the surrounding hills. Winters are cold, with temperatures below freezing, but the Mountain Resort’s frozen lakes allow ice skating. April and May see mild weather and apricot blossoms in the nearby valleys.