I have been to Chengde 5 times and compiled this guide! Came to a city because of a song
"The Summer Resort is beautiful, Chengde has a long story, clouds are floating on Bangchui Mountain, and the Rehe spring water warms the chest..." Listening to this song "Chengde Love Song", the picture of Chengde full of historical charm and natural scenery slowly unfolds in my mind, making me want to go there😃. In February, start your journey to Chengde accompanied by this melodious melody.
🚩Day1: Get a glimpse of ancient charm and encounter a famous city
▫️Morning: Chengde Mountain Resort (ticket)
Stepping into the Mountain Resort, it feels like traveling back to the Qing Dynasty. The palace area is magnificent and golden, showing the majesty of the royal family; although the lake area is frozen, it has a unique tranquil beauty. The ice surface is like a mirror, which contrasts with the pavilions and towers on the shore. Take a stroll here and imagine how the royal family lived here in the past.
📸Choose Jinshan Pavilion to take an ancient photo with the icy lake and the mountains in the distance as the background.
▫️Lunch: Lao San Lamb Soup (Nanyingzi Street Store)
A bowl of Chengde specialty lamb soup, lamb offal and lamb meat are cooked fresh and tender, the soup is fresh and delicious, sprinkled with coriander and chopped green onions, and served with crispy sesame cakes, drive away the cold and start a feast for your tongue.
▫️Afternoon: Puning Temple of Chengde Outer Eight Temples (Ticket)
Puning Temple combines Han and Tibetan architectural styles and is magnificent. The giant Buddha in the temple is solemn and majestic. You can listen to the lamas chanting, feel the sacredness of Tibetan Buddhism, and appreciate the charm of diverse cultures.
▫️Evening: Erxianju Food Street
The lights are on and the food street is bustling. Try Chengde jelly, which is smooth and chewy with spicy sauce; and donkey rolls, which are soft, glutinous, sweet and full of the flavor of life.
🚩Day 2: Enjoy the natural beauty and the mountains and rivers
▫️Morning: Qingchui Peak National Forest Park (ticket)
Go to Qingchui Peak and enjoy the winter mountain scenery along the way. After arriving, look up at the huge Qingchui Peak, which looks even more majestic against the backdrop of white snow. The wonders of nature are amazing.
📸Take a stunning photo with Qingchui Peak as the background to capture the natural miracle.
▫️Lunch: Qiaojia Manchu Eight Bowls (Bifeng Store)
Taste the Manchu Eight Bowls, including stewed beef, braised pork, etc. The meat is soft and tender, and the taste is mellow. Paired with coarse grain staple food, you can experience the Manchu dietary style.
▫️Afternoon: Shuangta Mountain (ticket)
Shuangta Mountain has two peaks facing each other, which is unique and steep. Although you cannot climb the mountain, you can still admire the scenery from afar and imagine how the ancients built a tower on the top of the mountain, adding a mysterious touch to the landscape.
▫️Evening: Along the Wulie River
Walking along the Wulie River, the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the river, making the water sparkle. As lights gradually light up on both sides of the river, you can enjoy the night view of the city and feel the tranquility and vitality of Chengde.
🚩Day3: Cultural exploration, happy ending
▫️Morning: Chengde Museum (free)
Go to the museum and learn more about Chengde’s historical changes and ethnic integration. Through cultural relics and historical materials, we can understand the development of this city and increase our knowledge.
📸Take a photo rich in cultural connotations in the museum's special exhibition hall.
▫️Lunch: Daqinghua Dumplings (Dutongfu Street Store)
Try Manchu-style dumplings, thin skin and large fillings, with a variety of flavors to choose from, as well as Manchu-style side dishes, refreshing and appetizing.
▫️Afternoon: Chengde Theater (performances are available at certain times)
If you catch a folk performance, watch Manchu songs and dances, acrobatics, etc., and feel the charm of Chengde folk culture. Afterwards, go to the Chengde local specialty store to pick out Chengde mushrooms, almond milk and other souvenirs.
▫️Souvenirs: Chengde mushrooms, almond juice, and Manchu handicrafts.
🏡Accommodation suggestions:
▪· Chengde Jiahe International Hotel (high-end, good location, convenient travel, excellent service)
▪· Express hotel near the Summer Resort (high cost-effective, close to attractions, convenient for travel)
💡Tips:
1️⃣ Chengde is cold in February, thick down jackets, scarves, and gloves are necessary.
2️⃣ Comply with regulations in the scenic area and protect cultural relics and natural landscapes.
3️⃣ Taste Manchu cuisine and respect eating customs.
Accompanied by "Chengde Love Song", come to Chengde to start this journey of interweaving history, nature and culture 💕, and let the charm of Chengde be engraved in your heart.