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 still 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. The resort, along with the Outer Temples, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The city is about 260 km northeast of Beijing and has a population of around 460,000, with about 3½ million people in the prefecture (2016).
- The Summer Mountain Resort. ¥120 (winter: ¥90).
- Putuo Zongcheng Temple. 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. ¥80 (winter: ¥60).
- Shuangta Shan. 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. ¥50.
- Puning Temple. This temple houses the awesome statue of Guanyin. She measures 22 m high and is the tallest wooden Buddhist statue in the world. ¥80.
- Hammer (Club) Rock. 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). ¥80.
The Summer Mountain Resort. ¥120 (winter: ¥90).
Putuo Zongcheng Temple. 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. ¥80 (winter: ¥60).
Shuangta Shan. 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. ¥50.
Puning Temple. This temple houses the awesome statue of Guanyin. She measures 22 m high and is the tallest wooden Buddhist statue in the world. ¥80.
Hammer (Club) Rock. 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). ¥80.
- LTL Mandarin School Chengde, +86 4007058836. Offers Chinese Immersion Language Classes in Chengde with Home Stay Families.
- Ice Skating. During the winter there are ice skating rinks open on Wulie River. Skate rental is available, as are snacks and drinks.
LTL Mandarin School Chengde, +86 4007058836. Offers Chinese Immersion Language Classes in Chengde with Home Stay Families.
Ice Skating. During the winter there are ice skating rinks open on Wulie River. Skate rental is available, as are snacks and drinks.
Donkey-Rolling Roll is a long roll with stuffing wrapped in yellow rice. The Roll is served on a bed of yellow beans. The act of turning the roll on the yellow beans is just like a donkey rolling on the ground. That is how the snack got its name. It could be found in Chengde more than 200 years ago. Generally, less than ¥100 for a large plate (in Chengde restaurants, there are always large and small plates; the large plate is about ten inches wide and the small one seven inches wide).
You noodle is a kind of coarse food grain. It is slightly dark colored. The local You noodle wozi dough is first rolled out to a thin skin, and then formed to its final shape. After that, it is put into a pot and braised. You dip it in the sauce when eating. It feels smooth and jelly-like in your mouth. You noodle jiaozi is a kind of ravioli stuffed with pickled vegetables.
Pubang deer meat clusters and the cooked deer meat clusters are quite tasty, and cost only ¥4-5 for each cluster. They are well worth trying. In the street south of the Summer Resort, there are many shops featuring local specialities which cater to tourists.
In the evening, you will find mini-booths selling tangy scented baked corn along Chengde Street.
Individual restaurants worth giving a try includes:
- Daqinghua Dumpling Restaurant. 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.
Daqinghua Dumpling Restaurant. 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.
- Beer Gardens. 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.
Beer Gardens. 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.