Chengde, located in the northern part of Hebei province, is one of China’s hidden gems, renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the Yanshan Mountains, Chengde offers a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, making it a captivating destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Historically, Chengde holds a special place in Chinese history. It served as the summer capital of the Qing Dynasty, where emperors would retreat to escape the intense heat of Beijing. This historical backdrop is beautifully preserved in the city’s most famous landmark, the Chengde Mountain Resort. This vast imperial garden and palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty. The resort, along with its surrounding temples, showcases exquisite traditional Chinese architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Geographically, Chengde is situated about 230 kilometers northeast of Beijing, making it easily accessible for visitors from the capital city. The city’s location in the Yanshan mountain range gives it a unique climate. Summers are mild and pleasant, making it an ideal escape from the summer heat, while winters are cold, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
One of the city’s linguistic highlights is its use of standard Mandarin Chinese. This makes it convenient for visitors who are learning the language or looking to experience authentic Chinese culture without the barrier of regional dialects.
Chengde’s natural beauty is complemented by its cultural richness. The city is surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and pristine lakes, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and bird watching. The natural landscapes are particularly stunning during autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold.
In conclusion, Chengde stands out as a city of historical depth and natural splendor. Its legacy as the summer capital of the Qing Dynasty, coupled with its scenic beauty and standard Mandarin dialect, makes it a unique and inviting destination. Chengde is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and history, offering a serene and enriching experience for all who visit.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows a view of the Puning Temple in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Photo by Wang Liqun/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 30, 2024 shows a view of the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall in Luanping County, Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows a night view of the downtown in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Photo by Wang Liqun/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows a view of the Qingchuifeng National Forest Park in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Photo by Wang Liqun/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows a view of the Putuo Zongcheng Temple in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows a view of the Imperial Summer Resort in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows a view of Shuangqiao District in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with a profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024, shows a view of Shuangqiao District in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture, and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows a view of Shuangqiao District in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture, and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 19, 2024 shows a night view of a cultural industry park in Shuangluan District, Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend. (Photo by Wang Liqun/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows the exterior view of the Chengde Museum in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with a profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows a view of Shuangqiao District in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024, shows a view of the Imperial Summer Resort in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with a profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 22, 2024 shows a view of the Putuo Zongcheng Temple (L, above) and the Puning Temple in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 30, 2024 shows a view of the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall in Luanping County, Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture and folk culture blend together. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024, shows tourists visiting the Imperial Summer Resort in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with a profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture, and folk culture blend. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024, shows a view of the Shuangta Mountain in Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province. Chengde, a popular summer tourism destination approximately 230 km north of the Chinese capital Beijing, is an important transportation hub in north China. The city with a profound cultural heritage is a place where nomadic culture, farming culture, royal culture, and folk culture blend. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua)
Reference Link:- https://english.news.cn/20240723/53d4b7f8c8944cc29f01069b0f1c1459/c.html