Chengde is located northeast of Beijing, approximately 220 to 240 kilometers away. The drive from downtown Beijing to Chengde takes about two and a half to three hours.
In 1703, Emperor Kangxi, the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty, established the Summer Mountain Resort in Chengde to escape the summer heat. However, it served more than just as a summer retreat; it was also a strategic base for managing northern territories, hosting various celebrations and banquets.
Emperor Kangxi successfully fostered relationships with leaders of various ethnic groups, enhancing the stability and unity of the nation. As a result, Chengde became the second political center of the Qing Dynasty after Beijing.
To visit Chengde, the best approach is to first travel to Beijing. At least one night in Chengdu is necessary for a comfortable experience.
Hello, I am Mark. I have been working as a tour guide in Beijing for 15 years. Beijing is a city full of charm, and I take pride in introducing it to international friends. I hope that every traveler who comes to Beijing has the opportunity to experience the authentic Beijing culture.
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How to Get to Chengde from Beijing
Summer Mountain Resort in ChengdeFrom Beijing to Chengde, you can take the high-speed train, long-distance bus, or a flexible private transfer.
The high-speed train takes about 1 hour from Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station to Chengde South Station. Riding the high-speed rail is very comfortable; you can enjoy the scenery along the way on the train.
If your hotel is located in downtown Beijing, I suggest departing for the train station at least one and a half hours in advance because the traffic in Beijing is awful, especially in the morning. From Chengde South Station to the Summer Mountain Resort, it takes another 15-20 minutes by car.
The long-distance bus takes about 4 hours from Liuliqiao long-distance bus station to Chengde East. The departure time is 6:40 AM. Usually no English service on the bus ride.
We offer private tours that customize itineraries to meet the specific requirements and interests of our guests. These tours provide greater flexibility and freedom, ensuring that you can fully explore each attraction rather than just having a cursory glance.
Our private tours also include dedicated car services to alleviate fatigue during the journey. Furthermore, our knowledgeable tour guides enrich the experience by providing professional insights into the local history, culture, and customs.
Top Things to Do in Chengde
I have visited Chengde many times. In contrast to Beijing, Chengde is a small city with fewer visitors at its attractions, even during peak tourist seasons. Despite its size, Chengde boasts a rich history and holds significant historical importance.
The Summer Mountain Resort
The lotus pond in the Summer Mountain ResortThe Summer Mountain Resort in Chengde is a must-see destination. It is the largest royal garden in China, covering an area eight times larger than the Forbidden City. The resort can be divided into four main sections: palaces, plains, mountains, and lakes.
- The palace area is where emperors conducted government affairs, showcasing the architecture and lifestyle of imperial life. Here, you can find over 20,000 precious cultural relics, making it a fascinating place to explore.
- The mountain area is the largest section, accessible by foot or by car. It takes about two hours to walk and about 40 minutes by car. From the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Little Potala Palace - an experience not to be missed.
- The plains are where emperors once raced horses.
- The lake area is renowned for its beauty. Emperor Qianlong famously remarked that the scenery here rivals that of West Lake in Hangzhou.
Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace)
Putuo Zongcheng TempleThe Putuo Zongcheng Temple, commonly known as the Little Potala Palace, is a Buddhist temple built by Emperor Qianlong to celebrate his 60th birthday and his mother's 80th birthday.
Modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet, its name can be difficult to pronounce, leading many to refer to it as the Little Potala Palace. If you can't visit Tibet, this temple in Chengde is a great alternative.
Xu Mi Fu Shou Temple (Panchen Palace)
Also known as the Panchen Palace, Xu Mi Fu Shou Temple was built to commemorate the 70th birthday of Emperor Qianlong. The sixth Panchen Lama traveled from Tibet to Beijing, prompting the emperor to construct this temple in his honor. Both Xu Mi Fu Shou Temple and Putuo Zongcheng Temple share a single admission ticket.
The Jinshangling Great Wall
Jinshangling Great WallLocated in Chengde City, the Jinshangling Great Wall is an important section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. This stretch measures 10.5 km and features 67 watchtowers and 3 beacon towers. The wall stands 7 meters high, with a lower width of 6 meters and an upper width of 5 meters, allowing five horses to walk side by side.
Due to its distance from Beijing, Jinshangling sees fewer tourists year-round, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility away from crowds. National Geographic has even named it the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. If you plan to visit the Great Wall only once in your life, Jinshangling is the place to go. Read more on our 3-Day Chengde Tour with Gorgeous Great Wall
Is a Day Trip from Beijing to Chengde Possible?
Traveling from Beijing to Chengde involves a considerable distance, with a round trip taking approximately 5 to 6 hours. Therefore, a one-day trip may not provide the best experience or comfort. Instead, staying one or nights in Chengde offers a more suitable and enjoyable experience.
Here is a classic Beijing & Chengdu tour itinerary for your reference.
- Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Day 2: Beijing City Highlights (Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.)
- Day 3: Summer Palace and Jingshanling Great Wall.
- Day 4: The Summer Mountain Resort, Little Potala Palace, and Putuo Zongcheng Temple.
- Day 5: Drive back to Beijing and visit Gubei Water Town on the way.
- Day 6: Depart Beijing
This itinerary includes all the top scenic spots in both Beijing and Chengde, ensuring a reasonable and comfortable travel experience.
Other options:
- If you are interested in the history of the Qing Dynasty and prefer an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Eastern Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty are recommended on your return from Chengde to Beijing. Compared to the 13 Ming Tombs, they are less touristy and much quieter. See magnificent "palaces" and halls above ground, as well as palatial underground catacombs where the coffins of Emperor Qianlong and 'the Dragon Lady' Cixi lie.
The Eastern Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty- If you prefer more landscape sightseeing and have an extra two days, you can choose to go farther north to Mulan Hunting Paddock, the beautiful forest and grassland where the emperors hunted in the old times. It is located on the border of Hebei Province and Inner Mongolia.
Mulan Hunting PaddockWhere to Stay in Chengde
Hotels in Chengde are mainly located in Shuanqiao District, Mulan Paddock County, and Fengning County.
Shuanqiao is the area where the Summer Mountain Resort is located. There are many hotel options and most are near the Summer Mountain Resort. Both the transport and dining are convenient if staying in this area.
Qiwanglou Boutique Resort Hotel comes highly recommended, just a short stroll from the Summer Mountain Resort. Established in 1750, the hotel features a charming courtyard design. This historic hotel hosted foreign envoys during Emperor Qianlong's reign over 200 years ago and continues to welcome national leaders.
Mulan Paddock County and Feigning County offer beautiful natural scenery and grassland landscapes, making them suitable for summer vacations and experiencing grassland scenery. However, hotel options are limited, offering fewer choices.
Tips for Hotel Availability and Pricing by Season
July and August are peak season, with hotel rooms in high demand and prices elevated. It is recommended to book in advance.
During the off-season (April, May, September, and October), hotel prices are more reasonable, making it the best time to visit.
While in the off-season (January, February, and November), some hotels may be closed, offering fewer choices.
Best Times to Visit Chengde
Chengde Saihanba Forest Farm in autumnSummer (June to August) is one of the best seasons to visit Chengde. Historically, it was during this period that the emperors of the Qing Dynasty retreated to the Summer Mountain Resort to escape the heat. The entire garden is shaded by trees and boasts a rich water system, making it an ideal destination for summer vacations.
In Autumn (September and October), the leaves transform into a stunning palette of colors, including golden yellows and vibrant reds. This season is a paradise for photographers, offering breathtaking scenery.
Spring (April to May) brings pleasant temperatures and an abundance of blooming flowers. Particularly in April and May, both flowers and trees reach their peak viewing period, creating a picturesque landscape.
Winter (December to February) is the off-season of tourism in Chengde. The temperature is low but you can enjoy the beautiful snow.