//
Prefecture-level city in Hebei, China
Photo: Gisling, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chengde (承德; Chéngdé) is a city in Hebei. Rehe (the former name of Chengde) was the summer residence of the early Qing Dynasty emperors. The city maintains the fine features of this hill-side resort, such as the outer wall and large expanse of parkland that incorporates lakes, pagodas, and palaces. Outside this complex are the impressive Eight Outer Temples.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
避暑山庄: Bishu Shanzhuang
A complex of gardens and palaces built by the Qing Dynasty as a summer retreat for the emperors from the heat of the lowlands. Today regarded as one of China's Four Great Gardens.
小布达拉: Xiao Budala
Admission includes entrance to neighboring temple (Temple of Sumeru, Happiness, and Longevity; 须弭福寿之庙). This is the largest temple in Chengde and is a mini-replica of Lhasa's Potala Palace.
双塔山; litt. Double Pagoda Peaks
These curious pagodas can be found on twin peaks in the town of Shuangta Shan (named after the peaks). The construction of these ancient pagodas remains a mystery as they are situated on top of two very steep mountains. Admission includes viewing of the peaks and hiking the surrounding area.
普宁寺: Puning Si
This temple houses the awesome statue of Guanyin. She measures 22 m high and is the tallest wooden Buddhist statue in the world.
棒槌峰
This unusual rock formation is a hike (or ¥50 ski lift ride) up from Pule Temple (普乐寺). Admission includes entrance to Pule Temple as well as a visit to nearby Toad Rock (蛤蟆峰).
承德博物馆
Visitors are expected to make an appointment before visiting. Appointments can be made on WeChat or by phone.
Offers Chinese Immersion Language Classes in Chengde with Home Stay Families.
During the winter there are ice skating rinks open on Wulie River. Skate rental is available, as are snacks and drinks.
Qingchui Peak Stargazing
Join an organized stargazing session in the park, away from city light pollution. With telescopes and expert guides, explore the night sky and learn about constellations, offering a peaceful and educational retreat.
大清花
This restaurant is a favorite among foreigners and Chinese alike. There are three locations in the city: Train Station, Summer Mountain Resort, and City Center (on the small street behind the two-story KFC). The menu varies slightly between branches: the City Center location has an excellent menu (in English and Chinese, with colour photos). Try the dumplings, they are unique to this restaurant.
During the summer, there are a few beer gardens open next to Wulie River on Wulie Lu (south of the Summer Mountain Resort). BBQ, ice cream, and other drinks are also available.
By train
There are a dozen daily G-trains (High Speed) between Beijing (Chaoyang station, 北京朝阳) and Chengde (South Station, 承德南) that have shortened the trip to an hour from the 5 hours of a K train, which…
By bus
Buses leave frequently (every 20 minutes) for Chengde from Beijing. The cost is around ¥70. The trip takes 2½-6 hours, depending on if it is a direct bus.
By car
Another option is to find an unofficial taxi (heiche) from Beijing to Chengde. You will share this car with the driver and three other passengers (so that the car is full).
By taxi
Most taxis are metered. Short trips cost about ¥6 (plus ¥1 gas surcharge).
By foot or bike
Much of Chengde is accessible by foot or bike. One can walk from one end of the city to the other in an hour.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Chengde · Regional · CDE
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Chengde and China.
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to China's visa-free policy. Discover eligible European and Asian countries, stay durations, 144-hour transit rules, and payment setup.
7 min read
Travel tipsFind out how much does a trip to China cost in 2026. Compare realistic daily budgets for bullet trains, hotels, dining, mobile payments, and top sights.
9 min read
InspirationCelebrate Chinese New Year 2027 with festival dates, temple blessings, lantern displays, and top party spots across Singapore, Penang, and Taipei.
7 min read
Travel tipsCompare travel eSIMs for international trips in 2026. Review Airalo, Ubigi, Nomad, and Holafly for coverage in Europe, Japan, and China.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.