Chengde Mountain Resort and its outlying temples

Welcome to the Chengde Mountain Resort, an extraordinary historical site hidden in the mountains north of Beijing. This was once the private vacation spot of the Qing Dynasty emperors, a sprawling complex that covers 5.6 square…

Our journey begins at the Palace Area, located in the southern part of the resort. This was the 'working' part of the retreat, where the emperors managed state affairs and held ceremonies while away from Beijing. …

Stepping out of the palace, we enter the Lake Zone, arguably the most beautiful part of the resort. This area was designed to replicate the famous landscapes of Jiangnan—the region south of the Yangtze River. …

Deep within the Lake Zone lies 'Shizilin,' or the Lion Grove, a rock garden that is a testament to the Qing emperors' obsession with classical Chinese garden art. This garden is a replica of the famous Lion Grove Garden in…

Leaving the resort grounds, we visit the 'Eight Outer Temples,' and the most essential stop is the Puning Temple, or the Temple of Universal Peace. Built in 1755 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, this temple was constructed…

Another marvel among the outlying temples is the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, popularly known as the 'Little Potala Palace.' Built between 1767 and 1771 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Emperor Qianlong and the 80th birthday of his…

As we head to the northern part of the resort, we reach the Plain Zone. This area is characterized by vast grasslands and dense forests, designed to mimic the Mongolian steppe and the plains of northern China. …

As we conclude our journey through the Chengde Mountain Resort and its outlying temples, it is clear that this site is far more than just a beautiful park. It is a masterpiece of human ingenuity and cultural fusion, a place where…