Things To Do
in Chengde
Chengde is a historic prefecture-level city in Hebei Province, famed for its imperial Summer Resort where Qing emperors sought respite from Beijing’s heat. It hosts a string of Buddhist temples, including Puning Temple and the Eight Outer Temples, set among pine-clad hills and tranquil lakes. The city blends royal gardens with traditional markets, tea houses, and forested landscapes, offering a relaxed pace for visitors.
Today Chengde serves as a gateway to mountain scenery, history, and cultural heritage surrounding the resort area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the magnificent Chengde Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you stroll through its vast gardens, take in the serene lakes and picturesque ponds surrounded by lush greenery. Don't forget to visit the various halls and pavilions that signify the architectural brilliance of the Qing Dynasty.
After a leisurely morning, enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant nearby. Following your meal, continue your exploration by walking along the scenic paths that lead to the smaller gardens and temples within the resort. Capture the beauty of the landscape by taking photographs of the stunning floral displays and tranquil waters.
As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on one of the resort's lakes for a different perspective of the surroundings. After your ride, unwind with dinner at a local eatery, tasting dishes unique to the Hebei province. End your day with an evening stroll through the resort, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Start your day with a visit to the architectural wonder of Puning Temple, often referred to as the Temple of Universal Peace. Marvel at its striking 22-meter tall statue of Avalokiteshvara and the intricate carvings that adorn the temple. Engage with the serene atmosphere that surrounds this spiritual haven as monks chant softly in the background.
Savor a traditional meal at a restaurant near the temple, enjoying local flavors and specialties. Post-lunch, explore the temple grounds at a leisurely pace, absorbing the beauty and meaning behind the various structures and shrines. Take time to reflect in the peaceful gardens that accompany the temple.
As dusk approaches, partake in a tea ceremony at a local tea house, learning about the significance of tea in Chinese culture. Afterward, visit the bustling night market to sample a variety of street foods and handicrafts. This vibrant atmosphere offers a taste of local life where you can shop for souvenirs and engage with the friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🛏️One night in a mid-range hotel | $40-70 |
| 🚖Taxi ride within the city | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-5 |
| 🎟️Entrance to Mountain Resort or temple sites | $12-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich imperial and religious heritage with accessible day trips from Beijing or Tianjin
- Beautiful natural scenery around lakes, forests, and temples
- Relatively affordable prices and fewer crowds than major tourism hubs
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Some sites are large and easy to get lost in; transportation within the city can be slower on weekends
- English signage and information may be limited outside major attractions
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
- "我想点菜" - I would like to order
Places to Visit in Chengde
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic imperial gardens, pavilions, and waterways framed by pine-covered hills; best at dawn or golden hour.
Grand gatehouses and a massive wooden Buddha; capture serene courtyards and dramatic rooflines.
A cluster of temples each with unique façades and courtyards, ideal for architectural and detail photography.
Ancient walls, arches, and traditional street scenes that convey Chengde’s historic atmosphere.
Calm water reflections with mountain silhouettes; peaceful for long-exposure and landscape shots.
Food in Chengde
Chengde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Beef or lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili, a staple at night markets and street stalls.
Must-Try!
Chilled noodles with sesame sauce and vegetables, a refreshing option in warmer months.
Lamb spine hotpot, a winter favorite offered in many local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market area where you can sample dumplings, skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and seasonal snacks.
Evening stalls offering a range of street foods, from noodles to grilled meats and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or handshake is common; address elders and hosts with appropriate titles and surnames when possible.
Dress modestly, remove hats, and speak in a quiet tone inside religious sites.
Queue patiently, avoid loud conversations in public spaces, and refrain from displaying vivid political comments.
Safety
Tipping in Chengde
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a traditional practice in most Chengde venues; in tourist-heavy places a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
Cash is widely accepted; mobile payment via WeChat Pay and Alipay is extremely common; major hotels and some restaurants accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming trees; carry a light jacket and be prepared for intermittent rain.
Warm to hot and humid; afternoons can have showers. Bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
Pleasant wardrobes and clear skies; foliage provides vibrant colors around reservoirs and hills.
Cold and dry with possible snowfall; winter markets and temple visits are atmospheric but plan for warmth.
Chengde at Night
Hiking in Chengde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive grasslands near Chengde offering open trails, wildflowers in season, and horseback riding opportunities.
Forest trails with viewpoints overlooking the city and surrounding valleys; suitable for day hikes.
Moderate hikes around the lakes, gardens, and forested hills of the imperial complex.
Airports
How to reach Chengde by plane.
Small regional airport with limited domestic flights; convenient for travel within northern China.
Major airport with broader domestic connections and international options; about 2–3 hours by road or rail from Chengde.
Large international hub, easy connections to many destinations; often used for international travel with transfer by rail or car.
Newer international hub offering many domestic and international flights; accessible via high-speed rail or highway routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in Chengde with a mix of urban and rural communities.
Smaller populations of ethnic groups such as Hui and Manchu in the broader region; cultural influences appear in food and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common in community centers and clubs; popular indoor sport across Chengde.
Widely played in schools, parks, and recreation centers; social activity for all ages.
Played in courts across neighborhoods, schools, and sports complexes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chengde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can find tofu dishes, vegetable stews, and bean-based meals; look for 素 on menus and ask about meat-free broths.