Imperial summer retreat — the Qing dynasty's magnificent Mountain Resort and Outer Eight Temples.
Chengde was the Qing Dynasty emperors' summer retreat — escaping Beijing's heat in this mountain paradise. The Mountain Resort is China's largest imperial garden, and the surrounding 'Outer Eight Temples' combine Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongol architectural styles.
Northeastern Hebei, 230km from Beijing. Nestled in mountains at 350m elevation. Cooler than Beijing.
China's largest imperial garden — 560 hectares of palaces, lakes, mountains, and gardens. UNESCO listed.
Eight spectacular temples combining Han, Tibetan, and Mongol styles — including a replica of the Potala Palace.
2-3°C cooler than Beijing in summer — the reason emperors retreated here. Four distinct seasons.
Explore palaces, lake districts, mountain trails, and plain areas — this was the Qing's summer capital.
Modeled after Tibet's Samye Monastery — houses the world's tallest wooden Guanyin statue (27m).
A replica of the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet — built for the Panchen Lama's visit to the emperor.
Natural hot springs in the area — the emperors enjoyed them, and you can too at local resorts.
Flowers blooming in the resort gardens. Few tourists — peaceful exploration.
Peak season. The resort is 2-3°C cooler than Beijing. Book accommodation early.
Best season. Stunning fall colors in the mountains. Comfortable temperatures.
Very cold (-15 to -5°C). Resort closed in winter. Hot springs are the main draw.
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