Emperor's Outing Experience
Chengde, located north of Beijing, is famous for its huge royal garden where emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) spent their summers to escape from the heat of the city.
Chengde Mountain Resort and the temples around it also used to be important places where the emperors handled government affairs and met important persons. Although they are not as famous as the historical sites in Beijing, they definitely represent the most splendid chapter of the Qing Dynasty's history.
This 3-day Chengde tour is designed for those who would like a weekend getaway or a side trip from Beijing just as a Qing emperor might have done. You will follow an emperor's outing route. Appreciate the magnificent landscape of the Great Wall. Enjoy a short break in the royal mountain resort. And travel incognito to a small town to get close to local life as it was centuries ago.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Explore the Mountain Resort where Emperors Spent Their Holidays
Visit one of China's top four classical gardens. Enjoy China's splendid scenery. Appreciate the literary achievements of two famous Qing emperors.
Taste a Tibetan Flavor in the 'Little Potala Palace'
Admire great religious architecture combining traditional Chinese and Tibetan styles. Discover a history of multi-ethnic harmony and unity during the Qing Dynasty.
Witness the Most Picturesque Section of the Great Wall
Walk on the spectacular Great Wall at Jinshanling. See both a restored section and a wild section of the Wall.
Time Travel back to the China of Old
Take pictures of an authentically recreated resort in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Experience the traditional folk cultures in Gubei Water Town.
Walk into the Underground Palace of the 'Dragon Lady'
Visit the less-touristy Eastern Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty. Admire the great "palaces" and halls and explore the exquisite underground "palaces" where the coffins of Emperor Qianlong and the 'Dragon Lady' Cixi reside.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
|
An amazing experience in Beijing !
We had a wonderful time visiting the Beijing Zoo and the Great Wall with our guide Paul! He was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable and took exceptionally good care of us. We enjoyed conversing with him and learning about life in Beijing as well as the history of the Great Wall. He was also helpful in finding us food to fit my dietary needs which I appreciated. Everything about our trip has been smooth and we had such good fun. I would absolutely recommend China Highlights and Paul for their professionalism! more
Sep 2024, Ann-Marie M@E2527CAannmariem
|
Family Fun Beijing!
Great experience with China Highlights!!! Great sightseeing, wonderful people! Thank-you Selinda (Tour guide) for a wonderful time! more
Sep 2024, DSD
|
Guide Olivia
Olivia was an excellent and thoughtful guide. Would highly recommend. H as d an excellent trip to Beijing in September 2024 more
Sep 2024, RupertL
|
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Starting from Beijing, you will drive about 2 hours to get to the Jinshanling Great Wall section. It snakes along a mountain ridge and enjoys the reputation of being the most picturesque section of the Great Wall. You will take a cable car up and down and enjoy a well-restored section and a wild section of the Wall.
Visit Chengde Mountain Retreat in the morning. Enjoy its palaces, gardens, pavilions, bridges, lakes, and calligraphy left by the two greatest emperors of the Qing Dynasty.
Taste some typical local snacks of Chengde, such as almond tea, almond tofu, and stir-fried doughballs.
Explore the 'Little Potala Palace' — Putuo Zongcheng Temple and Puning Temple in the afternoon. Admire magnificent architectural complexes that combine traditional Chinese and Tibetan styles, and witness the marks of unity between Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan peoples. .
Drive back to Beijing and visit Gubei Water Town on the way. Walking around this town will make feel that you are have traveled back in time to imperial China. But it is different from the royal gardens of Chengde Mountain Retreat. It is more about the life of the ordinary people of old China.
Learn about traditional folk culture activities such as kite-making, tie-dying, and wine-making.
Other options:
1. If you are interested in the history of the Qing Dynasty and prefer an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Eastern Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty are recommended on the way back from Chengde back to Beijing. Compared with the 13 Ming Tombs, they are less touristy and much quieter. See magnificent "palaces" and halls above ground and palatial underground catacombs where the coffins of Emperor Qianlong and 'the Dragon Lady' Cixi lie.
2. If you prefer more landscape sightseeing and have two more days, you can choose to go farther north to the beautiful forest and grassland where the emperors hunted in the old time. It is on the border between Hebei Province and Inner Mongolia.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price Includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: bj-11