[2025 Chengde Attraction] Travel Guide for Tower of Mist and Rain (Updated May)

🌟 **Travel Guide to the Summer Resort** 🌟 ### 📍 **Introduction to the Mountain Resort** The Mountain Resort is located in Chengde City, Hebei Province. It is a **World Cultural Heritage**, one of the four famous gardens in China, and the largest existing royal garden in China**🏯. The emperors of the Qing Dynasty used to escape the heat and govern the country here in the summer. It combines the essence of northern and southern gardens and is praised as "the highest example of Chinese classical gardens"! --- ### 🏯 **Must-visit attractions** 1. **Palace area (main palace)** 🏛️ - **Danbo Jingcheng Hall**: The main hall, built with nanmu wood, is solemn and elegant. - **Sizhi Book House**: The emperor's study place, with a quiet environment. - **Yanbo Zhishuang Palace**: Emperor Xianfeng died here, and it has a strong sense of history. 2. **Lake District (Jiangnan Water Village Scenery)** 🚣 - **Ruyizhou**: The largest island in the lake, with scenic spots such as Yanxunshan Pavilion and Golden Lotus Reflecting the Sun. - **Yanyu Tower**: It was built in imitation of the Yanyu Tower in Nanhu Lake, Jiaxing, and was the filming location of "My Fair Princess"! - **Shuixin Pavilion**: Connects three pavilions, perfect for taking photos. 3. **Mountain area (occupies 80% of the villa area)** ⛰️ - **Ermadao**: overlooking the Eight Outer Temples and the Small Potala Palace. - **Simianyunshan Pavilion**: The commanding point of the villa, with a wide view. 4. **Plain area (grassland scenery)** 🌿 - **Wanshu Garden**: It was a place for Mongolian yurt banquets in the past, with vast grassland. - **试马埭**: The place where the emperor inspected horse riding and archery. --- ### 🍜 **Special food recommendations** - **Chengde Donkey Roll** 🫘: Rich in bean flavor, soft and delicious. - **Pingquan Lamb Soup** 🍲: A famous dish in Chengde, with fresh soup and tender meat. - **Royal Earth Lotus Leaf Chicken** 🐔: Wrapped in lotus leaves from the mountain villa, it has a refreshing fragrance. - **Buckwheat noodles** 🍜: Chengde specialty noodles, healthy and delicious. --- ### 📅 **Best Time to Visit** - **Season**: June to October (cool and pleasant in summer, colorful forests in autumn). - **Time**: The park opens at 7:00 in the morning when there are the least people, so it is recommended to go early. --- ### 🚶 **Classic route planning** **One-day tour**: Morning: Palace area → Lake area (boat trip) Afternoon: Mountain area (take a mountain bus) → Plain area Evening: Watch the live performance of "The Great Kangxi Ceremony" (highly recommended!) **Two-day tour**: Day 1: In-depth tour of the Summer Resort Day 2: Outer Eight Temples (Putuo Zongcheng Temple/Xumei Fushou Temple) --- ### 💡 **Practical Tips** - **Transportation**: 1 hour by Beijing high-speed rail to Chengde South Station, 20 minutes by taxi to the villa. - **Tickets**: 130 yuan in peak season (April-October), 90 yuan in off-season. - **Must experience**: boating in the lake area, mountain sightseeing car, mountain cycling. - **Note**: The resort is large (564 hectares), please wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen. --- ✨ **「Moving the sky and shrinking the earth is in your arms」** Come to the Mountain Resort, stroll through the royal gardens, feel the glorious atmosphere of the Kangxi and Qianlong eras, and experience the summer coolness like an emperor! 🏞️👑 (There is a tour guide service in the villa. It is recommended to rent an interpreter or hire a tour guide to better understand the history~)

The short holiday is here! Want to experience a unique Chengde-Chifeng tour? Manchu cuisine, roasted whole lamb, herder feasts, and Mongolian hot pot await you! Enjoy horseback riding, stroll through Chengde Ancient City, and experience a bonfire party under the starry night sky. Don't miss out! / 🐎🌾Itinerary: DAY1️⃣: Chengde Mountain Resort—Yan Yu Lou Arrive in Chengde and explore the imperial garden scenery of the Chengde Mountain Resort, immersing yourself in classical beauty. Then, head to Yan Yu Lou to experience the charm and poetry of a southern Chinese water town. Your Chengde journey begins here. DAY2️⃣: Mulan Weichang—Wulan Butong Scenic Area On the second day, delve into Mulan Weichang and experience the vastness of the grasslands and the wildness of nature. Arrive at the Wulan Butong Scenic Area in the evening, enjoy horseback riding, and feel the freedom and passion of the grasslands. Participate in a bonfire party under the starry night sky and dance with the prairie. DAY3️⃣: Princess Lake—Wulan Butong Grasslands Admire the picturesque scenery of Princess Lake and immerse yourself in the romantic legends. Afterward, stroll through the Wulan Butong Grasslands, enjoy the pure prairie scenery, savor a herder family feast and Mongolian hot pot, and conclude your delightful Chengde-Chifeng tour.🎉🍖🌿 / Recommended Attractions: 🏯 Chengde Mountain Resort: Witness the beautiful fusion of Qing Dynasty architecture and gardens, as if traveling back in time to the prosperous era. 🌲 Wulan Butong Scenic Area: Want to see grasslands, forests, and lakes all at once? This is the place to be. Nature's treasures await your exploration. 🍃 Wulan Butong Grasslands: Charming grassland scenery, a popular choice for film and television locations. The colorful scenery in autumn is even more enchanting. 🎬 Mulan Weichang: Lush water and grass, pleasant scenery, and the filming location of *Scarlet Heart*. Come and see if you can find any familiar scenes. 🏞️ Yan Yu Lou: Modeled after Yan Yu Lou in Jiaxing's South Lake, it has a unique charm. Climb the tower for a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery. / Travel Checklist:🧳 👗 Clothing: Bring a light jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and comfortable sneakers to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection and style! 🎒 Accessories: Power bank, data cable, to stay connected. Also, a camera or phone to capture beautiful moments! 📖 Documents: ID card, driver's license, credit card, essential for travel, safety first. 🍞 Food: Bring some snacks and water to replenish your energy on the road. 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and mosquito repellent are essential for healthy travel! / Alright, that's all for the Chengde-Chifeng travel guide! I hope it helps with your trip. Have fun! 🎉🎉

Don't be surprised, friends, this isn't Xinjiang, it's Hebei! I'm completely captivated by this hidden travel gem. I never expected Hebei to have so many eye-opening tourist attractions. In a single trip, I experienced the seaside, grasslands🌿, and palaces🏰, scenery I previously thought wouldn't be found together. From August to October, Hebei is the perfect travel destination! On this Hebei trip, Qinhuangdao and Bashang Grassland were the most impressive and are definitely my top picks for Hebei tourism. ❗Reminder: Some places in Hebei are just internet-famous spots and might not be as interesting as they seem. Some facilities might even be a bit rough, so planning your trip is crucial! Don't pack your itinerary too tightly. My 5-day trip was just right for a relaxing tour of the hidden gems along this loop route. - 📍Recommended Hebei tourist spots: Qinhuangdao Beidaihe (highly recommended!), Chengde Mountain Resort (a great place to escape the summer heat), Bashang Grassland, and Wulan Butong. - ⚠️Important Notes ❶The UV rays are very strong on the coast of Qinhuangdao, so be sure to take sun protection measures. If you want to swim, the water temperature is suitable from now until October. ❷There is a large temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands and by the sea, so it's recommended to bring a jacket for mornings and evenings. ❸The journey to the grasslands is long, with few convenience stores along the way and no public transportation. It is recommended to carpool or join a tour group and bring your own food and water. ❹There are many mosquitoes on the grasslands in summer, so bring mosquito repellent. - ✅Must-visit beaches in Beidaihe: 1⃣️Coastal Bathing Beach: Fine sand and clear water. 2⃣️Aranya: The most popular beach in Beidaihe. 3⃣️Shallow Water Bay: Less crowded, surrounded by trees, with a gentle beach, perfect for watching the sunrise. 4⃣️Pigeon's Nest: A famous sunrise viewing spot in Beidaihe. - ⭐Must-see attractions at the Chengde Mountain Resort: Chengde Mountain Resort plaque, Yan Yu Lou, Rehe, Jinshan, Shuixin Xie, and Wenjin Pavilion. ⭐Must-see attractions on the grasslands: Wulan Butong Film and Television Base, Hongsongwa, General Paozi, National Highway No. 1 Scenic Drive, Lovers' Valley, and Qiansongba. -

🚀Before You Go: - 📆Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal, especially July and August for the perfect summer retreat. - 🚗Transportation Tips: After arriving at Chengde Railway Station or Chengde Puning Airport, you can take a taxi directly to the resort, which is about a 15-minute drive. - 🎫Ticket Tips: It is recommended to book online to avoid long queues on-site. Remember to bring student IDs, senior citizen IDs, etc., to enjoy discounts! 🌟Itinerary Planning: 1️⃣At dawn, enter through Lizheng Gate to feel the ancient and solemn royal atmosphere. 2️⃣Stroll through Yan Yu Lou, as if traveling to the water towns of Jiangnan, with a unique charm. 3️⃣In the afternoon, climb to Wanhe Songfeng to overlook the mountains and feel refreshed. 4️⃣In the evening, don't miss the sunset at Jinshan Pavilion, where the golden afterglow spreads over the lake, creating a breathtaking view. 📸Photography Tips: - 🌳On the tree-lined path with towering ancient trees, use natural light and shadows to capture a literary and retro style. - 🏯Utilize the symmetrical beauty of the palaces, find the right angle, and capture the majestic royal style. - 🌉Stand on Yudai Bridge, with the distant mountains and waters as the background, blending people and scenery as if in a painting. - 🌅At dusk, use the silhouette of Jinshan Pavilion and the reflection on the lake to capture the serene beauty under the sunset.

Chengde Mountain Resort - Misty Rain Tower The Misty Rain Tower in the Chengde Mountain Resort was built in the 46th year of the Qianlong reign (1781) and is one of the Qianlong Emperor's Thirty-six Scenic Spots. It was modeled after the Misty Rain Tower on Yuanyang Island in South Lake, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, and is located on Qinglian Island to the north of the Ruyi Islet in the Mountain Resort, making it an ideal place to appreciate the misty rain scenery. The Misty Rain Tower of the Mountain Resort is even more exquisite and beautiful than its counterpart in Jiaxing, Jiangnan, and is a classic scene in Chinese classical gardens. The Shuangfang Pavilion from the TV series 'My Fair Princess' was filmed here.

🌈 **Two-Day Deep Tour Guide for Chengde Mountain Resort** 🌈 📅 **Day One: Exploring the Royal Charm of the Mountain Resort** - 🌞 **Arrival at Noon**: After checking in, head straight to the Mountain Resort to avoid the peak hours and enjoy a tranquil time. - 🅿️ **Parking Suggestion**: Navigate to the underground parking lot at Lizhengmen Dajie Dehui Gate, and make sure to leave before 10 pm. - 🎟️ **Ticket Information**: Students and the elderly enjoy a discounted price of 65 yuan, while the adult ticket is 130 yuan. It is recommended to purchase a guide service for 150 yuan per person for a richer touring experience. - 🚶‍♂️ **Main Entrance**: Experience the prestigious route of ancient emperors. - 🏛️ **Museum Area**: Bring your ID card, swipe it for entry, and appreciate the rich historical relics. - 🚌 **Mountain Shuttle Bus**: 60 yuan per person, safe and convenient, with magnificent mountain views along the way. - 🏞️ **Lake Area**: Misty Rain Tower is a filming location for 'My Fair Princess' and is worth visiting. - 🍵 **Chun Hao Xuan**: Taste the special afternoon tea and enjoy the peaceful time. - 🎭 **Kangxi Ceremony**: Purchase tickets in advance, with a better view from Area A, and experience the impressive live performance. - 🍜 **Commercial Street**: Try local delicacies, but pay attention to quality. 📅 **Day Two: Cultural Journey to Puning Temple** - 🕗 **Depart in the Morning**: Head to Puning Temple before 9:00 am to start a new day. - 🕯️ **Incense Burning Time**: Understand and comply with the temple's incense-burning customs. - 🚫 **Beware of Salespeople**: There might be salespeople at the entrance, be discerning. - 📿 **Fortune Telling**: Experience drawing lots, starting from 20 yuan, with consecration service starting from 30 yuan. - 📸 **Photography Etiquette**: Respect religious sites and follow photography rules. - 🛍️ **Souvenirs**: There is a price difference between the visitor center and the entrance for the 'Eighteen Seeds', purchase as needed. - 🅿️ **Free Parking**: Parking at Puning Temple is free, afterwards, you can go to Old Ding's Sheep Soup to enjoy a delicious meal. 💡 **Travel Tips**: - 🧴 **Sun Protection**: Remember to apply sunscreen during outdoor activities. - 💧 **Hydration**: Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. - 🚌 **Transportation**: Plan your transportation routes in advance to avoid delays. - 📱 **Communication**: Ensure your phone is fully charged for easy contact and navigation. 🎊 **Wish you a pleasant trip at Chengde Mountain Resort and a rewarding experience!** 🎊

The UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Mountain Resort' is a must-visit attraction for tourists visiting Chengde for the first time. As the largest existing royal garden in China, it is eight times the size of the Beijing Forbidden City and was the place where the Qing emperors spent their summers and handled state affairs. It was started in 1703 (the 42nd year of Kangxi) and took 89 years to complete through the three dynasties of Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. Many significant historical events in China have taken place here. The architecture itself inherits the tradition of Chinese classical gardens and is an outstanding example of natural landscape gardens. Among them, Qianlong built 36 representative buildings in the Mountain Resort. This tour route selected some of the 'Qianlong's Thirty-Six Sceneries'. For example, the Smoke and Rain Building and the Lion Forest of Wenyuan, which mimic the architecture of Jiangnan gardens, or the Four Knowledge Book House used by the emperor to meet ministers and worship Buddha. There are also many worthwhile cultural relics in the Mountain Resort Museum. Perhaps because it was a weekday, there were not many tourists, the climate was pleasant, and the roads here were flatter than those in the Beijing Summer Palace, making it easier to walk. Overall, the visit was very good 👍🏼 However, I personally think it is better to reserve enough time.