Chengde Mountain Resort
China’s largest surviving ancient imperial garden, with an area twice that of the Summer Palace. The architecture of the palace area is exquisitely ornate.…
Chengde Mountain Resort, Chengde · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- Peak season ¥130; off-season ¥90
- Opening hours
- 7:30–17:00 (April); 7:00–18:00 (May–October); 8:00–16:40 (October–March)
- Time needed
- 0.5–1 day
- Getting there
- Near Bifeng Gate (碧峰门) bus stop; a taxi from anywhere in the city centre to the Mountain Resort costs no more than ¥10
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1752. Open in Google Maps
About Chengde Mountain Resort
China’s largest surviving ancient imperial garden, with an area twice that of the Summer Palace.
The architecture of the palace area is exquisitely ornate. The lake area was where emperors and their consorts once relaxed and held banquets. It was built in imitation of famous scenic spots south of the Yangtze, so the landscape blends the rugged beauty of the north with the refined elegance of Jiangnan. There are also plain and mountain areas, and the resort has a different charm at different times of day: at dawn, mist rises over the lake; at dusk, you can watch the sunset over Chuifeng (Hammer Peak); on moonlit nights, you can listen to the river and admire pear blossoms beneath the moon. The rain over Jinshan Pavilion, where water seems to flood the hillside, and the misty rain at Yanyu Tower are both considered scenic highlights. Here, you can imagine what life was like for the emperors of the past.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Chengde Mountain Resort cost?
Admission to Chengde Mountain Resort is Peak season ¥130; off-season ¥90, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Chengde Mountain Resort?
Chengde Mountain Resort is open 7:30–17:00 (April); 7:00–18:00 (May–October); 8:00–16:40 (October–March).
How do I get to Chengde Mountain Resort?
Near Bifeng Gate (碧峰门) bus stop; a taxi from anywhere in the city centre to the Mountain Resort costs no more than ¥10
How long should I spend at Chengde Mountain Resort?
Plan on 0.5–1 day for Chengde Mountain Resort.
Where is Chengde Mountain Resort?
Chengde Mountain Resort is in Chengde, Hebei Province, in the North China of China.
More places in Chengde
Eight Outer Temples
Besides the Mountain Resort, the Eight Outer Temples are another major highlight of any Chengde itinerary. They have long been said to be so formidable that “one temple could hold off a hundred thousand soldiers.” The complex also pushed the art of ancient Chinese temple architecture to its peak.
3 hours
Eastern Qing Tombs
China’s largest surviving imperial mausoleum complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing before the vast grounds, you can feel the spirit and history of the once-mighty Qing Empire drifting like clouds above the tombs. There are 14 mausoleums for emperors, empresses and imperial consorts, holding 5 emperors, 15 empresses, 136 consorts and 1 prince, including Emperor Qianlong, Empress Dowager Cixi and the Fragrant Concubine (Xiang Fei). The Eastern Tombs preserve a relatively complete layout: the imperial and empress tombs have yellow glazed tile roofs, while the consort tombs have green glazed tile roofs, all built according to the principle of “court in front, living quarters behind.”
¥138 (includes sightseeing shuttle) · 3–5 hours