Chengde Mountain Resort, Imperial garden complex in Chengde, China.
Chengde Mountain Resort is an imperial garden complex in Hebei province featuring lakes, forests, and meadows dotted with palaces and administrative structures. Walking paths connect 72 distinct locations throughout the grounds, including gardens, pagodas, and ceremonial buildings.
Construction started in 1703 under the Kangxi Emperor and continued through successive Qing Dynasty rulers over nearly a century. It developed as a summer retreat and became a key site for political meetings with neighboring peoples.
The temples and pavilions display Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan design elements, reflecting how different peoples came together at this place. This architectural blend was central to building peaceful relationships with neighboring ethnic groups.
The grounds are extensive, so wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the different areas. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to visit, when the weather is mild and the paths are pleasant to walk.
The eight lakes freeze over in winter to form natural ice skating rinks, while summer months bring heavy thunderstorms to the landscape. These seasonal contrasts shape how visitors experience the resort differently throughout the year.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
