Shuangta Mountain Scenic Area, Chengde, Hebei

Shuangta Mountain Scenic Area in Chengde, Hebei Province, is a unique tourist destination that combines nature and culture. The following is a detailed introduction to the scenic area: Scenic Area Overview - Location: Shuangluan District, Chengde City, about 10 km from the city center, close to the famous Chengde Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples. - Features: The core of the scenic area is two giant stone peaks (shaped like pagodas) standing side by side, with Danxia landform wonders, Qing Dynasty royal relics, and folk legends. Main Attractions 1. Shuangta Mountain Peaks - Two natural stone pillars about 40m high, steep and upright, with flat tops, look like pagodas from a distance. According to geological research, they are Danxia landforms formed by Jurassic sandstone. - Mystery: There are small stone buildings (suspected tomb pagodas or temples) built in the Liao Dynasty on the top of the mountain. How the ancients built them is still unsolved, adding a mysterious color. 2. History and Culture - Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited this place many times, recorded it in the "Imperial Decree of Rehe", and ordered people to build a cloud ladder to climb to the top for investigation. - In the scenic area, you can see Qianlong's inscription steles and the rebuilt Changchun Academy (originally Qianlong's reading place). 3. Natural Landscape - The surrounding mountains are verdant and the Luan River meanders, making it suitable for hiking and sightseeing. Along the way, there are zoomorphic stone landscapes such as Ape Man Stone and Trial Sword Stone. - Three Immortals Temple: The Taoist temple on the mountainside is said to have been built to commemorate the "Three Xiaos Niangs", and the incense has been continuous. 4. Entertainment Facilities - The cable car can directly reach the top of the mountain, saving physical strength; there is a parent-child park and a leisure square at the foot of the mountain. Practical Information - Tickets: CNY 50/person (including mountain climbing trail), cable car is charged separately. - Opening hours: 7:30-17:30 in summer, 8:00-16:30 in winter. - Transportation: - Bus: Take bus No. 15 or Shuangluan District special line from Chengde city to "Shuangta Mountain" Station. - Self-driving: Navigate to "Shuangta Mountain Scenic Area", parking lot fee is about CNY 10/time. - **Suggested visiting time**: 2-3 hours, can be combined with a day trip to the surrounding Mountain Resort. Tips - The mountain climbing trail is steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes; some sections may be closed on rainy days. - The scenic area has rich legends, you can ask a tour guide to explain (the cost is about CNY 100/group) or scan the code to listen to the electronic explanation. - The best seasons are spring, summer and autumn. The winter snow scene has a unique charm, but pay attention to safety. With its "mystery of ancient buildings on the top of the peak" and royal cultural background, Shuangta Mountain has become another check-in place in Chengde besides the Mountain Resort, suitable for tourists who like nature and culture.