Mountain Resort in Chengde
Lizhengmen Avenue, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei, 067022
The Mountain Resort in Chengde is located just north of the city of Chengde and is China's largest imperial garden. The former summer residence of the Qing dynasty’s emperors and royal members, this vast complex took almost a whole century to complete, with construction taking place between 1703 and 1792. The imperial grounds include the emperor's residential buildings plus the royal gardens and a number of striking temples. The various styles of the buildings and landscapes appear to blend in with the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forest.
The basics
The Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and the complex covers a vast area of 2.2 square miles (5.6 square km). The Mountain Resort is typically visited as a day trip from Beijing. Tour itineraries vary, but these excursions often include admission to the palace complex, lunch at a local restaurant, an English-speaking guide, and roundtrip transportation from hotels in Beijing. Some day trips combine the Mountain Resort in Chengde with a visit to the Jinshanling section of the UNESCO-listed Great Wall of China.
Things to know before you go
- The Mountain Resort in Chengde is a great day trip option for history buffs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the palace complex is huge.
- Day trips to Chengde typically last upwards of 9 hours, depending on the itinerary.
- Plan to spend at least 4 to 5 hours exploring the expansive park.
How to get there
To reach the Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort from Beijing, take the Beijing to Chengde regional bus, which departs from the city center every 10 minutes. Alternatively, take the N211 train to Chengde. From Chengde Railway Station, take a taxi or the number 5 bus to the imperial palace.
When to get there
A trip to Chengde offers relief from the Beijing heat during the summer months, though it can get busy on weekends and Chinese national holidays. Entry fees are a bit cheaper during the low season (December to February).
Highlights of the Palace Complex
The Chengde Summer Resort has 72 designated scenic spots, but if you’re only there for a day, there are a few you shouldn’t miss. The Eight Outer Temples (included on most tours) actually includes 11 temple structures, built in a semicircle on a hillside with excellent views. The hike up to Hammer Rock from Pule Temple yields even better views.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!