Great Summer Destination

In Chengde, Hebei Province, there is a place that carries a rich history and stunning scenery: the Mountain Resort. It is like a shining pearl, exuding a unique charm, attracting people to explore its stories and beauty. The Mountain Resort is located at No. 6, Shanzhuang East Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It was a place for emperors of the Qing Dynasty to spend their summers and handle government affairs. It is also one of the four famous gardens in China, integrating various styles of garden landscapes such as the water towns of southern China and the grasslands of northern China. Recommended attractions 1. Palace Area: Enter through Lizheng Gate to visit the Mountain Resort plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi. Danbo Jingcheng Hall is the main hall of the entire Mountain Resort. The blue bricks and gray tiles are not painted, giving it a simple and grand feel. Sizhi Study is where the emperor handled government affairs and received ministers. There is also Songhe Zhai, which has a wax statue exhibition of twelve emperors, which can make people feel as if they have traveled back to that era. 2. Lake Area: Pass through Xiuyun Gate and cross Wanhua Songfeng Bridge to reach it. Zhijing Yundi was built to imitate the Su Causeway of West Lake. Walking on it is like being in a water town in southern China. Yanyu Tower is the filming location of Shufangzhai in *Huanzhugege*, which is full of romantic atmosphere. Shuixin Xie is located between Yinhu Lake and Xiahu Lake. Its flying corners are high and its eaves are bright, making it a great place for taking pictures. 3. Plain Area: You can enter from Ruyizhou Bridge. Here is the shortest river in the world, the Rehe River, which does not freeze in winter and emits heat. The Mongolian yurt group is full of grassland customs, allowing people to feel the boldness of the outside world. Yongyou Temple is solemn and carries the weight of history. 4. Mountain Area: It accounts for 4/5 of the total area of the Mountain Resort. You can take a mountain tour bus to visit it. At Er Ma Dao, you can see the panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace from a distance. Overlooking from the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of the entire Mountain Resort and the beautiful scenery of Chengde City. Food experience 1. Chengde Jelly: It tastes smooth and delicious with sesame sauce, chili oil and other seasonings. You can taste it at the snack stalls around the Mountain Resort for CNY 5–10 per serving. 2. Donkey Roll: It is sweet, soft and glutinous, with a sweet bean flavor filling and a soft entrance. It usually costs CNY 8–12 per serving. It is recommended to buy it at local pastry shops. 3. Royal Clay Lotus Leaf Chicken: It is made by wrapping chicken in lotus leaves and roasting it. The lotus fragrance permeates the chicken, making it fresh, tender and not greasy. You can eat it in some special restaurants in Chengde for about CNY 30–50. 4. Manchu Eight Bowls: Including eight dishes such as pickled mustard tuber fried with small tofu, braised tofu, and braised matsutake mushrooms, it has a strong Manchu flavor. The average cost per person is CNY 30–50. You can taste it at Jindi Fuyuan (Bifeng Store). Accommodation recommendation 1. Atour Hotel, Mountain Resort: It is a 5-minute walk to the scenic spot, making it convenient to travel. The hotel environment is comfortable, and the price is about CNY 300–500. 2. Changcheng Holiday Inn: It is a courtyard homestay where you can experience the daily life of a princess, which is full of features and fun. The price is CNY 200–400. 3. Chengde Zhaofeng International Hotel: It is a luxury hotel where you can privately enjoy the invincible river and mountain scenery from the sky pool. The price is over CNY 500. Travel tips 1. Best time to travel: In summer, you can come to the Mountain Resort to escape the summer heat and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. In autumn, the leaves on the mountain change color, and the scenery is picturesque. From September to October, you can see the beautiful scenery of colorful forests. 2. Transportation: - High-speed train: From Beijing, it only takes 1 hour to take the high-speed train to Chengde South Station, then take bus No. 69 and get off at Huoshenmiao Station, and walk to the Mountain Resort Scenic Area; or take a taxi directly, which costs about CNY 40. - Self-driving: Take the Jingcheng Expressway, which is about a 2-hour drive from Beijing, and the toll is about CNY 105. 3. Ticket information: A single ticket costs about CNY 120 (including the museum). There are also combo tickets available. Please consult the scenic spot for details. 4. Precautions: - The Mountain Resort is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. - The mountainous area stops admitting visitors at 5pm. If you want to visit the mountainous area, it is recommended to visit the palace in the morning and the mountainous area in the afternoon. - You can learn about the audio guide in advance on the official public account. If you need a tour guide, you must choose a regular tour guide with a uniform. A trip to the Mountain Resort is like a fantastic journey through time and space. Here, you can feel the majesty and luxury of the royal family, and appreciate the tranquility and beauty of nature.