Chengde
About 2 hr by train from Beijing
The Qing emperors' vast summer resort of lakes and pavilions, ringed by grand temples.
Why locals go
The cooler imperial summer escape, two hours by high-speed train.
Visiting Beijing?
At 2 hr by train, it's easy to add a night or two here and still be back in Beijing for your flight home.
What to book
- Chengde Mountain Resort
- Putuo Zongcheng Temple, modeled on the Potala Palace
- Bashang grasslands day trip
Where to stay
One or two nights is enough for most people. Compare places to stay:
See hotels in ChengdeDate ideas
For two
- Boat on the resort lakes
- Sunset at Sledgehammer Peak
With friends
- Horse riding on the Bashang grasslands
- Temple circuit by bike
When to go
May to October.