The Mountain Resort: A Royal Garden Where Centuries of History Meet Natural Beauty

The Mountain Resort is located at 6 Shanzhuang East Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It was a summer retreat and administrative center for emperors of the Qing Dynasty. It is also China's largest existing classical royal garden, combining the elegance of the water towns of southern China, the boldness of the northern grasslands, and the majesty of royal palaces. Recommended Attractions 1. Palace Area: Enter through Lizheng Gate to see the "Mountain Resort" plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi. Danbo Jingcheng Hall is the main hall of the entire Mountain Resort. It is built entirely of precious Phoebe zhennan wood. The simple design exudes an ancient and grand atmosphere. Yanbo Zhishuang Hall is the emperor's bedroom. It is said that Emperor Kangxi once said that this place has "beautiful peaks on all sides, ten miles of flat lake, creating a refreshing atmosphere." Sizhi Study was where the emperor handled government affairs and received ministers. In Songhe Study, there is an exhibition of wax figures of twelve emperors, vividly displaying the elegance of the Qing Dynasty emperors. 2. Lake Area: Pass through Xiuyun Gate and cross Wanhua Songfeng Bridge to reach the lake area. Zhijing Yundi was built to imitate the Su Causeway of West Lake. It is winding and meandering. Strolling on it, you will feel as if you are in a water town in southern China. Yan Yu Lou is the location of Shufangzhai in the TV series *Princess Pearl*. The lake in front of the building is rippling with blue waves, and the ancient pines behind the building are lush, full of romantic atmosphere. Shuixin Pavilion is located between Yinhu Lake and Xiahu Lake. With its soaring eaves and open structure, it is a great place to take pictures. You can take very beautiful symmetrical reflection photos here. 3. Plains Area: You can enter the plains area from Ruyizhou Bridge. Here is the world's shortest river, the Rehe River, which does not freeze in winter and emits heat, which is very magical. The Mongolian yurt groups are scattered here in a well-organized manner, full of grassland style, allowing people to feel the boldness of the frontier. Yongyou Temple is solemn and carries the weight of history. The buildings and Buddha statues in the temple have high artistic value. 4. Mountain Area: The mountain area accounts for 4/5 of the total area of the Mountain Resort. You can take a mountain tour bus to visit it. At Er Ma Dao, you can see the panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace. Overlooking from the mountain, you can see the beauty of the entire Mountain Resort and Chengde city. The rolling mountains, green trees, and the Outer Eight Temples are dotted among them, forming a beautiful picture. Food Experience 1. Chengde Jelly: It has a smooth and chewy taste, and is served with sesame sauce, chili oil, vinegar, garlic water and other seasonings. It tastes spicy and delicious. It is one of Chengde's special snacks. It can be tasted at snack stalls or restaurants around the Mountain Resort for CNY 5–10 per serving. 2. Ludagunr: It is sweet, soft and glutinous, with a sweet bean flavor. It melts in your mouth. The last step is to evenly sprinkle the cooked soybean flour on the cake, just like a wild donkey in the suburbs of old Beijing frolicking and rolling, kicking up bursts of yellow dust. It generally costs CNY 8–12 per serving. It is recommended to buy it at a local pastry shop. 3. Royal Lotus Leaf Chicken: It is made by wrapping chicken in lotus leaves and roasting it. The fragrance of lotus permeates the chicken, making it fresh, tender, and not greasy. The aroma of the chicken and the fragrance of the lotus leaves are perfectly integrated. You can eat it in some special restaurants in Chengde. The price is about CNY 30–50. 4. Manchu Eight Bowls: It has a strong Manchu flavor, including eight dishes such as stir-fried shepherd's purse with small tofu, braised tofu, and braised matsutake mushrooms. The ingredients are rich and the taste is mellow. The average cost per person is CNY 30–50. You can taste it at restaurants such as Jin Di Fu Yuan (Bifeng Branch). 5. Yinsi Zamian (Silver Noodle Soup): Thin noodles made from mung bean flour and other ingredients. The noodles are thin and long like silk, with a smooth taste, refreshing and relieving the summer heat. It generally costs CNY 10–15 per serving. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Atour Hotel, Mountain Resort: It is very close to the scenic area, only a 5-minute walk away, making travel very convenient. The hotel is comfortable and the service is thoughtful. The price is about CNY 300–500. 2. Changcheng Holiday Inn: It is a courtyard-style B&B full of features. You can experience the daily life of a princess and feel the unique atmosphere. The rooms are clean and tidy. The price is CNY 200–400. 3. Chengde Zhaofeng International Hotel: A luxury hotel where you can privately enjoy the invincible river and mountain scenery from the sky pool. The facilities are complete and the environment is beautiful. The price is above CNY 500. Travel Tips 1. Best time to travel: The climate is cool and the greenery is lush from May to September, which is suitable for summer heat and enjoying the natural landscape. From October to November, the mountains are colorful and the scenery is picturesque, which is suitable for photography. 2. Transportation - High-speed train: It only takes 1 hour to take the high-speed train from Beijing to Chengde South Station, and then take bus 69 to Huoshen Temple Station and walk to the Mountain Resort Scenic Area; or take a taxi directly, which costs about CNY 40. - Self-driving: Take the Jingcheng Expressway, which is about a 2-hour drive from Beijing, and the toll is about CNY 105. - Bus: Take bus No. 5, 7, 11, or 15 in Chengde to "Huoshen Temple Station" and walk to the destination. 3. Ticket information: A single ticket costs about CNY 120 (including the museum); a joint ticket for the Mountain Resort + Potala Palace + Puning Temple costs CNY 260. 4. Precautions - The Mountain Resort is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking. - The mountain area stops admitting visitors at 5pm. If you want to visit the mountain area, it is recommended to visit the palace in the morning and the mountain area in the afternoon. - When visiting temples and other places, you must abide by relevant regulations and etiquette. - You can learn about the audio guide in advance on the official WeChat account. If you need a tour guide, you must choose a regular tour guide with a uniform. Time in the Mountain Resort is like a dreamlike journey through time and space, immersing people in the elegance of the royal family and the beauty of nature.