All efforts are made to stand out, bowing down only to climb higher! Mountain Resort

**Chengde Mountain Resort Complete Guide | Explore the Royal Garden and Unlock a Cool Summer Journey** As the largest existing royal garden in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chengde Mountain Resort is not only a summer retreat and political center for Qing emperors but also a treasure that blends the art of northern and southern gardens. This guide will take you on an in-depth tour of the Mountain Resort, covering everything from historical background to practical tips, helping you plan a refreshing cultural journey! --- ### **I. Basic Information** - **📍Address**: No. 22 Lizhengmen Street, Shuangqiao District, Chengde City, Hebei Province - **⏰Opening Hours**: - Peak Season (April–October): 07:00–18:00 - Off-Season (November–March): 08:00–17:30 - **🎫Tickets**: - Mountain Resort Scenic Area: Peak Season CNY 130/person, Off-Season CNY 90/person - Combo Ticket (including Museum): Peak Season CNY 150/person - Students/Seniors with ID half price, children under 1.2 meters free --- ### **II. Transportation Guide** - **🚄High-Speed Train/Train**: - Beijing → Chengde: High-speed train approx. 1 hour (fare approx. CNY 100), regular train approx. 4 hours. - Taxi from Chengde Station/Chengde South Station to the scenic area takes about 15 minutes (cost CNY 10–15). - **🚌Bus**: Take routes 5, 7, or 15 to the "Mountain Resort" stop in the city. - **🚗Self-Drive**: Navigate to "Mountain Resort," parking lots around the scenic area cost about CNY 10/hour. --- ### **III. Must-Visit Areas Analysis** The Mountain Resort is divided into four main areas, recommended to visit in the order of "Palace Area → Lake Area → Plain Area → Mountain Area" to connect the highlights. **1. Palace Area—Experience Imperial Life** - **Danbo Jincheng Hall**: The main hall built entirely of nanmu wood, feel the royal majesty. - **Cixi's Residence, Yanbo Zhishuang Hall**: A witness to late Qing history, displaying precious artifacts. - **📸Photo Spot**: The red-walled, green-tiled palace complex is perfect for ancient-style portraits. **2. Lake Area—A Miniature of Jiangnan Water Town** - **Boat Tour on the Lake** (CNY 50/person): Check-in at "Zhijing Yun Dike" and "Yan Yu Lou" (filming location of "My Fair Princess"). - **Jinshan Island**: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the lake area, built to resemble Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang. - **💡Tips**: Visit the lake in the early morning mist for an ink-painting-like scene. **3. Plain Area—Fusion of Grasslands and Temples** - **Wanshu Garden**: Experience the Qing royal grassland style, ideal for picnics and relaxation. - **Yongyou Temple Stupa**: The preaching site of the Sixth Panchen Lama, unique Tibetan style. **4. Mountain Area—A Must for Panoramic Views** - **Mountain Loop Ticket** (CNY 60/person): 1.5-hour journey, stopping at 3 viewing platforms. - **Ermadao City Wall**: The best spot to overlook the panorama of the Eight Outer Temples, a must for photographers! --- ### **IV. Recommended Itineraries** **One-Day Highlights Version** 08:30 Enter through Lizhengmen → Palace Area (1.5 hours) → Boat Tour on Lake Area (1 hour) → Yan Yu Lou → Wenjin Pavilion 12:00 Lunch in the resort or return to the city 14:00 Take the mountain loop to the Mountain Area → Photo at Ermadao → Wanshu Garden 17:00 End of tour **Two-Day In-Depth Version** Day 1: Full tour of the Mountain Resort (focus on Palace Area + Lake Area) Day 2: Eight Outer Temples (Putuo Zongcheng Temple + Puning Temple) + Chengde Museum --- ### **V. Nearby Food Recommendations** - **Lao Ding Lamb Soup**: Chengde lamb offal soup with baked buns, approx. CNY 20 per person (near the south gate of the scenic area). - **Qiao Family Manchu Eight Bowls**: Manchu specialties like venison and mushroom stewed chicken, approx. CNY 60 per person. - **Xing Hao Yu Jian Ni**: Almond tea, bowl cake, and other snacks, a must-try for dessert lovers! --- ### **VI. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Luxury**: Atour Hotel Chengde Mountain Resort (5-minute walk to the scenic area) - **Value for Money**: Yunshan Hotel (ancient-style courtyard, approx. CNY 150 per person) - **Unique Homestay**: Chengde Ancient City Courtyard (Manchu-style quadrangle courtyard) --- ### **VII. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls** 1. The mountain area has long hiking routes, consider buying a mountain loop ticket to save energy. 2. Dining in the scenic area is expensive, bring your own snacks and water. 3. Separate tickets are required for the Eight Outer Temples, recommend visiting 1–2 temples (Putuo Zongcheng Temple is a must). 4. Strong UV rays in summer, prepare sun-protective clothing and mosquito repellent. --- ### **VIII. Cultural Trivia** - The "bi" character in Mountain Resort has an extra stroke, said to be specially approved by Emperor Kangxi. - The lake area imitates famous Jiangnan scenes like West Lake and Jiaxing's Yan Yu Lou, achieving "a garden that encompasses the world." --- Chengde Mountain Resort is not just a garden, but a three-dimensional Qing history textbook. Stroll through the shaded ancient paths, touch the mottled red walls, and let the stories of emperors and ministers intertwine with the scenic beauty of lakes and mountains. This timeless coolness is worth experiencing in person! **📌Follow me for more niche travel guides!** --- I hope this guide provides practical references for your readers! If you need to adjust details or add content, feel free to let me know~