One of the most tranquil places I have visited around the world, is the Chengde Mountain Resort. The resort is one of China’s most iconic imperial retreats. Prior to my visit, I had never heard of this wonderful place, which is located in Chengde, Hebei Province.
The resort was constructed during the Qing Dynasty between 1703 AD and 1792 AD as a summer residence for emperors. The idea was for them to escape Beijing’s heat. It later became a political and cultural center where Qing emperors met with regional leaders.
Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It received this designation in 1994.
When visiting Chengde Mountain Resort one of the first things you would notice is the harmony between man-made architecture, gardens, and natural landscapes.
Fun Facts about Chengde Mountain Resort
- Covering 5,640,000 square meters the resort is the world’s largest existing imperial garden.
- It has beautiful architecture, forests, and lakes.
- The resort includes palaces, temples, pagodas, and pavilions. These are all designed to resemble famous landscapes across China.
- The lake area is dotted with small islands, each representing a different scenic spot inspired by locations like West Lake in Hangzhou.
- The resort was a cultural hub, hosting meetings between the emperor and leaders of Mongolia, Tibet, and other regions.
- Some of the iconic landmarks at the resort include Jinshan Island, Lizheng Gate, and Rehe Hot Spring. Additionally, visitors can explore Song He Zhai, Wen Jin Ge, and Yan Yu Pavilion. Each site provides a glimpse into the area’s history and beauty.
Admission and Visiting Details
- Admission: Tickets typically cost ¥130 (approximately $20 USD) for adults. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and children.
- Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (hours may vary by season).
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through online travel platforms.
What It’s Like Visiting Chengde Mountain Resort
Exploring Chengde Mountain Resort is like stepping into a Chinese landscape painting. Everything feels so natural with very little artificial decorations.
The resort is divided into four main areas: the Palace Area, Lake Area, Plain Area, and Mountain Area. There is a large map when you walk in that allows you to get a view of what to expect in the area.
The Lake Area, with its serene waters and small islands, is perfect for a tranquil boat ride. It is located on the southeast of the resort.
It has a total of eight lakes: Cheng Lake, Mirror Lake, Ruyi Lake, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Silver Lake, Half-moon Lake, and Inner Lake. Cheng Lake is the deepest, while Rehe Spring is famous for its remarkably clear waters.
The Plain Area features open grasslands inspired by the steppes. It is located on the northeast of the resort.
More specifically, this area is divided into three sections: a tree-filled garden in the east, an open grassland for horseback riding in the west, and a collection of temples in the north.
The Mountain Area has some really great hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding temples and landscapes. It is located on the northwest of the resort.
The Palace Area houses the imperial quarters and administrative buildings,. If you enjoy learning about history and viewing architecture then you would truly enjoy this part of the resort. I took so many photos of some of the artifacts that were on display.
LiZheng Gate
LiZheng Gate is the first of the nine gates in the Mountain Resort. It was built in 1754. The Title “Lizhengmen” is by Emperor Qianlong and the word “Lizheng” comes form the book of changes, which is an ancient prediction book. The idea was that the emperors’ rule should follow the right direction as the sun and moon attach to the heaven, and plants attach to the earth.
The Mountain Resort Museum
The Mountain Resort Museum is the royal court history museum. It is located in the main palace area of the Mountain Resort. There are exhibits of the timepiece, hanging screens, porcelain, enamel, glassware, cultural relics and more that really showcase the craftmanship of the Qing Dynasty.
Walking around this area you truly get to appreciate these treasures and enjoy the culture of the era.
The Meridian Gate and Bronze Lions
Also known as the Palace Gate or the Outer Meridian Gate, this entrance has five rooms in width and three doors. Above the central door, a plaque bears an inscription that reads “Bi Shu Shan Zhuang Bo Wu Guan,” which translates to the Mountain Resort Museum. This inscription was crafted by the renowned calligrapher Mr. Aixinjuelo Qigong.
In front of the gate, two striking bronze lions stand as guardians. Cast in 1780, these statues are rich in symbolism and tradition.
The lion on the left, a male, rests its right front paw on an embroidered ball, representing imperial supremacy. Meanwhile, the lion on the right, a female, gently strokes a cub with her left front paw, signifying protection and the nurturing of future generations. In Chinese culture, lions symbolize power and authority.
Danbo Jingcheng Hall
Danbo Jingcheng Hall, also known as the Hall of Simplicity and Piety, was originally built in 1711 and later reconstructed in 1754. Its name, Dan Bo Jing Cheng, was inscribed by Emperor Kangxi, drawing inspiration from the classical Chinese text The Book of Changes. The inscription reflects the principle that “Quietude promotes learning, and frugality cultivates virtue,” emphasizing the values of wisdom and discipline in governance.
Throughout the Qing Dynasty, this hall played a significant role in imperial affairs. It served as a venue for major celebrations, official gatherings, and diplomatic receptions. Here, Qing emperors summoned officials, engaged with leaders of ethnic minorities, and welcomed foreign envoys.
Enamel Wares in the Collections of the Mountain Resort
Enamel wares were first introduced to China from Arab regions during the Yuan Dynasty. However, it was during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty that enamel craftsmanship reached its peak.
Today, the Mountain Resort Museum houses an extensive collection of over 1,700 metal roughcast enamel wares.
These pieces not only reflect the exquisite artistry of the time but also highlight the cultural exchanges that influenced China’s decorative arts.
Drum-Shaped Stones
The Drum-Shaped Stones earned their name due to their unique shape. Their upper portions are narrow while the bottoms are wide, just like your typical drum. You can find these ten stones in the Palace Museum. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice engravings of a four-character poem. These inscriptions use the ancient Shiguwen script.
Over 6,000 Pieces of Porcelain
The Mountain Resort houses an impressive collection of over 6,000 porcelain wares, most of which came from the imperial kilns of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
This exhibition showcases more than 100 carefully selected pieces, which allows visitors to get a glimpse into the luxurious life of emperors.
As you explore, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and elegance that defined royal porcelain.
Yanbo Zhishuang Hall and The Treaty of Beijing
Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, also known as the Hall of Refreshing Mist, was built in 1719. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, it provided a cool retreat during the hot summer months.
As the residence of Qing emperors, it housed a bright living room, a warm bedroom, and a Buddhist shrine. Both Emperor Jiaqing and Emperor Xianfeng passed away in this hall.
In 1860, during the Anglo-French invasion of Beijing, Emperor Xianfeng fled to Rehe. That same year, Prince Yixin signed the unequal Treaty of Beijing in the Western Warm Pavilion of Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, formalizing agreements with the United Kingdom, France, and Russia.
The treaty’s key terms included:
- Recognition of the Treaty of Tianjin
- Opening Tianjin as a commercial port
- Ceding Kowloon to the United Kingdom
- Permitting British and French recruitment of Chinese workers abroad
- Increasing compensation payments to the United Kingdom and France
- Ratifying the Treaty of Aigun and ceding approximately 400,000 square kilometers east of the Ussuri River, including Sakhalin Island, to Russia
This treaty significantly impacted China’s territorial integrity and foreign relations during the late Qing dynasty.
Tips for Visiting Chengde Mountain Resort
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The resort is quite huge, so be prepared for plenty of walking or hiking.
- Take a Boat Ride: This is one of the fun things to do when you visit. It will allow you view a different perspective of the resort.
- Visit Early: Arriving in the morning allows you to enjoy the serene atmosphere before larger crowds arrive.
- Combine with Nearby Temples: Many of Chengde’s surrounding temples, such as the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, are part of the resort’s historical context and are worth visiting.
Nearby Attractions
The Chengde Mountain Resort is part of a cultural and historical cluster, including Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Puning Temple, Xumi Fushou Temple, Temple of Universal Happiness (Pule Temple), and Sledgehammer Peak.
There are a total of 12 temples that surround the resort. These temples are all very large and with different architectural styles.
Best Time for Visiting Chengde Mountain Resort
The best time to visit Chengde Mountain Resort is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the scenery is most picturesque. Summer is also a popular time due to the resort’s historical role as a retreat from the heat, but expect larger crowds.
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