Chengde Summer Escape Guide: More Than Just the Royal "Air-Conditioned Room," It's a Treasure Land with Mountains and Water!
When you mention Chengde, many people immediately think of the "Mountain Resort," the place where emperors stayed in summer. But I want to tell you, Chengde is more than just this one resort; it’s a seriously underrated treasure city! Follow my guide, and I guarantee you’ll experience something different and special.
Pre-Trip Tips
· When is the best time to go?
It has to be summer and autumn! Summer (June to August) is Chengde’s classic tourist season, with lush green trees and cool weather, but also the most crowded. I personally recommend autumn (September to October), when the sky is high and clear, colors are vibrant, crowds are avoided, and photos come out especially beautiful.
· What to wear?
Chengde has a big temperature difference between morning and night, so even in summer, be sure to bring a light jacket. It’s useful for evening strolls or early morning sightseeing. The most important thing is shoes! Wear a pair of flat shoes comfortable enough to run a marathon because in Chengde, you basically rely on walking, especially inside the Mountain Resort, which is huge!
· Where to stay for convenience?
I suggest staying near the Mountain Resort or in the city center. This way, you’re close to the main attractions, easily reachable by walking or a cheap taxi ride. After dinner, you can stroll around nearby and experience Chengde’s nightlife.
How to Plan Your Trip? (Classic 3-Day Itinerary)
Day 1: Immersive Experience of Royal Grandeur
Morning: The Main Attraction — Mountain Resort
Don’t rush through it; this place deserves half a day or even a full day. It’s not just a simple park but the Qing Dynasty emperor’s summer palace, a combination of Beijing’s Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace.
· Palace Area: Right at the entrance. Don’t just look at the buildings; listen to the guide, check out the interior decorations, and imagine Emperor Kangxi and Qianlong working and living here. The “Danbo Jingcheng” Hall uses nanmu wood, and you can smell the faint wood fragrance as soon as you enter — very atmospheric.
· Garden Area (Lake Area, Mountain Area, Plain Area): Legs tired after the palace? Don’t worry, the best scenery is still ahead. I strongly recommend taking the mountain loop car! The breeze while riding is refreshing. Most importantly, from the mountaintop viewing platforms, you can overlook the entire Chengde city and the Outer Eight Temples. That view is amazing! Definitely the best spot for epic photos. After descending, you can take a boat ride on the lake, imitating the emperor’s leisurely lake tour.
Evening: Prosperous Dynasty · Kangxi Grand Ceremony Live Show
This show is not far outside the resort, an open-air live performance. The lighting, sound, and cast are very impressive, vividly portraying Emperor Kangxi’s life. If your budget allows, it’s definitely worth watching! Remember to book tickets online in advance, as it’s hard to get tickets during peak season.
Day 2: Experience Diverse Religious Culture
Morning: Essence of the Outer Eight Temples — Putuo Zongcheng Temple & Xumi Fushou Temple
The Outer Eight Temples is not just one temple but a group of temples. You don’t need to visit all; just pick these two highlights as they are very close to each other.
· Putuo Zongcheng Temple: Nicknamed the “Little Potala Palace,” it’s modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa. From afar, the red and white buildings look magnificent. Climbing up requires some effort, but when you stand at the top and see the golden shining roofs, you’ll feel it’s all worth it.
· Xumi Fushou Temple: Also called the “Panchen Lama’s Palace,” it was where the Sixth Panchen Lama stayed when visiting Emperor Qianlong. Its style is similar to the “Little Potala Palace” but more exquisite.
Afternoon: Puning Temple
This is the only temple in Chengde where monks still chant scriptures and worship, with very active incense offerings. Inside is a 20-meter-tall statue of the Thousand-Hand and Thousand-Eye Guanyin Bodhisattva, very spectacular. Even if you’re not Buddhist, experiencing the solemn and peaceful atmosphere is quite nice.
Day 3: Explore Natural Wonders or Relaxed Departure
· Option A (for the energetic): Qingshui Peak National Forest Park
This is the famous “Bangchui Mountain.” You can take a cable car up and get a close look at this magical stone hammer. The view is wide open, offering a different perspective to appreciate Chengde’s panorama.
· Option B (for a more relaxed day): Chengde Museum & Souvenir Shopping
Chengde Museum is modern and free to visit. It helps connect the historical pieces you saw at the Mountain Resort and Outer Eight Temples for a deeper understanding. In the afternoon, stroll around the city, buy some local specialties like almond dew and mushrooms, then happily prepare to head home.
Foodie Guide: What to Eat in Chengde?
When you come to Chengde, your stomach deserves a treat too!
· Must-Try List:
1. Wild Mountain Delicacies: Chengde is surrounded by mountains, with plenty of mushrooms and bracken. Dishes like “mushroom stir-fry with meat” and “stir-fried bracken” are fresh and tender mountain flavors.
2. Specialty Staple Food: Qiaomian Heluo, a buckwheat noodle dish with a unique texture, especially refreshing when served cold in summer.
3. Imperial Cuisine: If you want to try it, look for local restaurants serving imperial dishes like “Gaidai Rou” and “Liu Jipu,” tasting the flavors once enjoyed by emperors.
4. Pingquan Lamb Soup: Locals love a bowl of steaming hot lamb soup in the morning, paired with baked flatbread — incredibly satisfying! Not gamey at all, very flavorful.
· Foodie Hotspots: You can visit Erxianju Commercial Street or near Jinlong Shopping Plaza, where there are many restaurants and snack shops.
A Few Final Tips
1. It’s recommended to buy all tickets online in advance to save queue time and sometimes get a small discount.
2. Chengde city is small and attractions are concentrated; taxis are cheap, but using ride-hailing apps is more convenient and standardized.
3. Keep a good mood and slow down your pace.
Chengde is not a city for “check-in” style tourism; it’s better suited for you to walk slowly, look slowly, and experience the tranquility and depth left by history.