Name: Chengde

Chinese name: 承德

Province: Hebei

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 3,610,000 inhabitants

Area: 39,519 km²

Chengde is a city in Hebei Province located approximately 230 km from Beijing. Recognized as one of the ten most important cultural and historical cities in the country, Chengde comprises a remarkable collection of tourist sites and heritage landmarks.

For history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, Chengde is a destination not to be missed during a journey around Beijing.

History

Originally known as Rehe, Chengde was once the hub of China's foreign affairs. Numerous emperors and high-ranking officials of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) would visit to escape the intense summer heat of Beijing. As a retreat, they pursued hunting, fishing, and attended archery tournaments.

The geographic location also proved advantageous for conducting affairs with border peoples and avoiding external threats.

Palaces and grand gardens were constructed at the emperors' command. Under Emperor Qianlong (1735–1796), Chengde reached its golden age, when he commissioned several temples to express goodwill toward the Mongolian, Tibetan, and Xinjiang peoples.

Emperor Qianlong abdicated in 1796 in favor of Jiaqing, marking the end of this coveted city's most glorious era.

Today

Nestled in the heart of verdant valleys, Chengde is today a modern city that still preserves the remnants of a peaceful and glorious past. From Beijing, Chengde can easily be explored as a 2-day excursion.

The Mountain Residence, often compared to Beijing's Summer Palace, is a complex inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built to escape the capital's scorching summer heat, the residence is considered the largest deployment of imperial palaces and gardens in Chine. This vast estate alone merits the journey to Chengde. Dotted with pavilions, temples, gardens, and waterways, the mountain hamlet is a true haven of peace, and one quickly understands why emperors of the Middle Kingdom cherished retreating here. Along the north and east walls of the Mountain Residence, the Eight Outer Temples stand majestic, revealing an architectural style uncommon to the religious temples we typically know.

The Putuozongcheng Temple, a miniature replica of Lhassa's Potala, is Chengde's most vast structure. The temple commands the mountainous landscape, and the climb required to reach it promises a rewarding hike.

The Xumi Fushou Temple is modeled after the Tashilumpo Monastery in Tibet. It was built to honor the sixth Panchen Lama.

The Puning Temple is Chengde's only active religious sanctuary. It was constructed based on the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

A visit to Chengde will be a perfect opportunity to savor unique local dishes and snacks, a blend of imperial and popular flavors. A taste of history will linger on your palate. The peaceful atmosphere that emanates from these places will be most welcome before returning to the capital.

Not far from Chengde, you can stop at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of Chine, which has the advantage of being less frequented by Chinese tourists, guaranteeing you a tranquil day facing the monument's immensity.

Climate

Its monsoon climate, influenced by a humid continental pattern, offers Chengde four distinctly defined seasons, with cold winters, dry and sunny springs, rainy summers, and mild, pleasant autumns.

The average temperature hovers around 10°C year-round.

The best time to visit Chengde is between April and October, though visits can be undertaken throughout the year. Winter snow can sometimes create an equally appealing atmosphere.

Air

There is no airport in Chengde, but Beijing's airport is approximately 150 km away.

Train

Regular trains operate between Beijing and Chengde. There are also connections with the cities of Tianjin, Dandong, and Shenyang.

Bus

From Beijing, buses connect to Chengde hourly.

Buses from Tianjin and Qinhuangdao, as well as from other cities in the region, serve Chengde.

Several minibus lines allow easy movement around the city and access to the temples.

Taxis, with a starting fare of 5 RMB, provide convenient transportation to the city's main tourist sites.

Bicycles are available for rent and offer an excellent way to discover the city.

What to do in Chengde?

• Relax in the imperial garden and visit the Mountain Residence of the Emperors.
• Visit the Eight Outer Temples one by one.
• Stop at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of Chine.