Chengde Travel Guide

Discover the culture, history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities of Chengde, China. Learn about local cuisine, accommodation, transportation, health and safety, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Chengde

Chengde, located in Hebei province in North China, is a city with a rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. The city was once the summer retreat for emperors of the Qing Dynasty, and their influence can still be seen in the city’s architecture, temples, and gardens.

Visitors can experience ancient Chinese culture, enjoy stunning natural landscapes, and partake in exciting outdoor activities in Chengde. In this guide, we will dive deep into the city’s top attractions, food and drink, accommodation, transportation, health and safety, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Chengde

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chengde Mountain Resort and Eight Outer Temples: This is the main attraction of Chengde and was used by the emperors of the Qing Dynasty. The mountain resort is an expansive complex of palaces, temples, and gardens, spread out over 560 hectares of land. The Eight Outer Temples are located outside the resort and are dedicated to different ethnic groups.

  • Puning Temple: This temple is famous for its massive statue of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion. The statue is carved from a single piece of wood and stands at 23 meters tall.

  • Sledgehammer Peak: This scenic spot is located in Boshan Mountain and has a peak that looks like a sledgehammer. Visitors can hike up the mountain to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding regions.

  • Wulingshan National Forest Park: This park covers an area of over 7000 hectares and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can take scenic walks and hikes through the park, ride cable cars, and view the stunning Huangshan Mountains.

Natural Attractions of Chengde: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bashang Grasslands: These endless plains offer peaceful views and a chance to experience traditional Mongolia herding life. Visitors can ride horses, watch grazing sheep and cows, and camp overnight.

  • Xiaohongjia National Forest Park: This park is known for its stunning red foliage in autumn. Visitors can hike through the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery, including rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife.

  • Jingdong Grand Canyon: This deep canyon has impressive rock formations, gorges, and rapids. Visitors can hike, bike, and raft through the canyon to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chengde

  • Buddhist Cave Temple Hiking Routes: Visitors can explore trails that lead to ancient, carved cave temples built into cliff faces. These trails can be found near Chengde Mountain Resort, and hiking them is a great way to experience history and natural beauty.

  • Xianyun Valley Biking Routes: These routes offer great opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the valley while also enjoying a physical challenge.

  • Jingdong Grand Canyon Hiking Trails and Rafting: As mentioned above, hiking and rafting in the Jingdong Grand Canyon is a unique experience that combines natural beauty, adventure, and outdoor activity.

Best Things to Do in Chengde: Activities and Tours

  • Visit Local Markets: Chengde is home to many local markets with various goods, including pottery, clothes, and traditional Chinese products.

  • Chinese Medicine and Massage: Visitors can experience traditional Chinese medicine treatments and massage, which can be found in many places in the city.

  • Vissements in Bashang Grassland’s Culture Towns: Visitors can have unique experiences with local people in Bashang Grasslands, such as tasting traditional cuisine and experiencing the real way of local life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chengde

Day Activity
1 Get settled in and explore Chengde’s city center and markets
2 Visit the Chengde Mountain Resort and Eight Outer Temples
3 Hike or bike in the Buddhist Cave Temple Routes
4 Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wulingshan National Forest Park
5 Visit Puning Temple and the nearby scenic area
6 Tour Jingdong Grand Canyon
7 Relax, enjoy local food and drink, and plan for future visits

Food and Drink Scene of Chengde

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Chengde Imperial Kitchen Cuisine: Traditional Chengde cuisine is derived from the imperial kitchen during the Qing Dynasty, and it boasts hundreds of different dishes. The most famous one is the “Mountain-Returning” yogurt, which is rich in protein and low in fat.

  • Mutton Stew: Chengde is famous for its mutton, which is juicy, tender, and perfect for stews. The local favorite is the hot pot of lamb broth with various vegetables.

  • Roast Squid: Found at seafood restaurants in the city, the squid is grilled to perfection and is a must-try dish.

Local Beverages

  • Maotai: This strong Chinese liquor is made of sorghum and is considered a must-try for those visiting Chengde. It has a unique taste with hints of anise and caramel.

  • Chunshen Tea: This local tea is produced in Chengde and is considered a refreshing and healthy tea. It helps to clear heat in summer and dispel cold in winter.

  • Juice: Visitors can try juices made of local fruits such as grape, yam, apple, and pear made as juice mixed with ice.

Where to Stay in Chengde: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Chengde Mountain Resort Hotel: This hotel offers luxurious accommodation that another place can compare to. The hotel is located within the Chengde Mountain Resort and offers scenic views of the palace, temple, and garden that surrounds it.

  • Chengde Wanda Vista Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is an excellent choice for those who prefer modern style accommodation.

  • Chengde Huiyue Hotel: This cozy hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation and is located in a location convenient to local markets and restaurants.

What to Buy in Chengde: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Antique Chinese Artwork: The city is known for its antique Chinese art, and visitors can easily find shops selling art pieces, including pottery, sculptures, and paintings.

  • Handicrafts and Local Products: Visitors can find many souvenir shops in local markets that sell a wide variety of handicrafts and local products, such as embroidery, jade, and silk products.

Local Culture and Customs of Chengde

Chengde has its unique customs and culture, such as traditional physical activity such as Tai Chi, the Chinese symbol “Fú” pasted on the door of every Chinese family, and many important cultural events, such as the Chengde Mountain Resort and Eight Outer Temples’ temple fairs.

Best Time to Visit Chengde

The best time to visit Chengde is from May to October, as the weather is mild, and the scenery is most beautiful during this period. In summer you can enjoy the cool weather and in autumn the leaves turn red, making the scenery even more stunning.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chengde

Do:

  • Respect Local Customs: Chengde is a culturally significant city, so visitors should respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Try Local Food and Drink: Chengde cuisine is unique, so visitors should try as much local food and drink as possible.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the Local Religion: Chengde is a temple town, and visitors shouldn’t disrespect the local religion or customs.

  • Be Loud and Disruptive: Visitors should be considerate of the locals and not be loud or disruptive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chengde

Chengde is considered a safe city compared to other cities in China. Visitors should be cautious when walking around at night or near the crowds but do not need to worry about violent crime.

Health in Chengde

Chengde’s tap water is not considered safe to drink, so visitors should stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Also, visitors should be careful of food poisoning and take care of personal hygiene.

Getting to Chengde: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chengde

The nearest airports to Chengde are Beijing Capital International Airport, Tianjin Binhai International Airport, and Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Airport, all of which offer regular domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Chengde

Chengde has two bus stations, Chengde Long-Distance Bus Station and Chengde North Bus Station. Both stations offer regular buses to and from Beijing, Tianjin, and other nearby cities in Hebei province.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to take a train to Chengde, which is connected to Beijing, Shijiazhuang, and other cities in China. Several highways also connect Chengde to other cities and regions in China.

How to Get Around in Chengde

Visitors can explore the city by taxi, bus, bike, or on foot. The city has a good public transportation system, with buses and taxis easily accessible. Bike rental is available, perfect for exploring more of the natural beauty outside of the city center.

Where to Go Next from Chengde: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Beijing: China’s capital city, Beijing, is located just 3 hours away from Chengde and offers a broad range of attractions, including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and more.

  • Tianjin: The fourth-largest city in China, Tianjin, is located just 2 hours away and offers many cultural, historical, and modern attractions.

  • Qinhuangdao: This coastal city is famous for its beautiful beaches and seafood and is only 2 hours away from Chengde.

Conclusion

Chengde is a hidden gem of China, offering visitors a chance to experience ancient Chinese culture, natural beauty, and exciting outdoor activities. This comprehensive guide has provided everything you need to know to enjoy your trip to Chengde, including must-visit places, food, and drink recommendations, accommodation options, transportation logistics, health and safety information, and nearby destinations to explore. Chengde is a must-visit on any trip to China.

The Putou Zongcheng Temple The Putou Zongcheng Temple