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3-Day Chengde Tour with Gorgeous Great Wall

Emperor's Outing Experience

3-Day Chengde Tour with Gorgeous Great Wall

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, theydefinitely represent the most splendid chapter of the Qing Dynasty's history.

This 3-day Chengde tour is designed for thosewho 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 theMountain Resortwhere 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.

The buildings of the Chengde Mountain Resort
the palace for empress dowagers

Taste aTibetan Flavorin 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.

The red and white temple on the mountain
红色的建筑和祈祷旗帜

Witness theMost Picturesque Sectionof the Great Wall

Walk on the spectacular Great Wall at Jinshanling. See both a restored section and a wild section of the Wall.

the Great Wall on the mountains
Walking on the Great Wall

Time Travelback 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.

The houses with the traditional style
A lady with a blue dress and a umbrella

Walk into theUnderground Palaceof 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.

A red pavilion with the reeds growing around
The underground palace

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Day 1Beijing to Chengde | Jinshanling Great Wall

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.

Day 2Chengde | Chengde Mountain Retreat

VisitChengde Mountain Retreatin 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.

Explorethe 'Little Potala Palace' — Putuo Zongcheng TempleandPuning Templein 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. .

Day 3Chengde to Beijing | Gubei Water Town

Drive back to Beijing and visitGubei Water Townon 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 Dynastyare 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 tothe beautiful forest and grassland where the emperors huntedin 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.

the courtyard of the hotel in Chengde
hotel room
FromCNY4,080 / USD636p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

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

Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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