Tour Overview (Tour Code – BSE05)
Take a high-speed train to Chengde, the summer retreat of Qing Dynasty emperors, and explore this city rich in history and culture. On the first day, visit the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, known as the “Little Potala Palace,” to admire its grand scale and impressive architecture.
After lunch, tour the Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its expansive gardens and palatial buildings.
On the second day, visit the Puning Temple, one of the most significant temples among the Outer Temples. In the afternoon, explore the Xumi Fushou Temple before returning to Beijing by high-speed train.
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing to Chengde
Morning
- Departure:
- Time: 08:00 AM
Depart from Beijing by high-speed train to Chengde. The journey takes just 1 hour, providing a quick and comfortable travel experience.
- Time: 08:00 AM
- Arrival in Chengde:
- Time: 09:00 AM
Upon arrival in Chengde, your English-speaking guide will greet you and take you to the Putuo Zongcheng Temple.
- Time: 09:00 AM
Morning
- Visit to Putuo Zongcheng Temple:
- Time: 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The Putuo Zongcheng Temple, also known as the “Little Potala Palace,” is modeled after Tibet’s Potala Palace. It is the largest and most complete temple among the Outer Temples, with grand halls and intricate architectural details. Your guide will explain the temple’s historical significance and its cultural connections to Tibetan Buddhism.
- Time: 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Midday
- Chinese Lunch:
- Time: 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the regional flavors of Chengde.
- Time: 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
Afternoon
- Visit to the Mountain Resort:
- Time: 01:30 PM – 04:30 PM
After lunch, explore the Mountain Resort, also known as the “Chengde Summer Palace.” This vast imperial garden served as a retreat for Qing emperors. The resort combines natural landscapes with exquisite architecture, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of China.
- Time: 01:30 PM – 04:30 PM
Evening
- Check-in at Chengde Hotel:
- Time: 05:00 PM
Check in at a comfortable 4-star hotel in Chengde, where you can relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
- Time: 05:00 PM
- Dinner:
- Time: 06:30 PM
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, offering more opportunities to taste Chengde’s traditional dishes.
- Time: 06:30 PM
Day 2: Chengde to Beijing
Morning
- Visit to Puning Temple:
- Time: 09:00 AM – 11:30 AM
After breakfast, visit Puning Temple, also known as the “Big Buddha Temple.” Built in 1759, it is one of the most important temples among the Outer Temples. The temple houses a colossal wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, standing at 22.28 meters tall, making it the largest wooden statue of its kind in the world.
- Time: 09:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Midday
- Chinese Lunch:
- Time: 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
Enjoy a leisurely lunch, sampling more of Chengde’s local cuisine before continuing your tour.
- Time: 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
Afternoon
- Visit to Xumi Fushou Temple:
- Time: 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
Visit Xumi Fushou Temple, also known as the Panchen Lama’s Palace. Built to welcome the 6th Panchen Lama, this temple features a blend of Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. The main hall, Miaogao Zhuangyan Hall, is particularly notable for its golden fish-scale tiles, which were a lavish display of wealth and reverence.
- Time: 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
Afternoon
- Return to Beijing:
- Departure Time: 04:30 PM
- Arrival in Beijing: 05:30 PM
Board the high-speed train back to Beijing, concluding your enriching two-day tour of Chengde.
Travel Tips
- Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
- Photography: The Mountain Resort and Outer Temples offer excellent photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera or smartphone.
- Currency: It’s advisable to carry some cash (CNY) for small purchases and tips.
- Language: Although your guide will provide commentary in English, learning a few basic Chinese phrases can enhance your travel experience.
Tour Pricing
| Tour Season | Tour Price |
|---|---|
| Regular Season: All periods except peak season | The pricing will be tailored according to your specific needs |
| Peak Season: National Day holiday (Oct 1 – Oct 6) and Spring Festival | The pricing will be tailored according to your specific needs |
| Private transportation: 9 hours per day, overtime charge of USD 20 per hour. | We will provide a personalized quote based on your itinerary preferences, accommodation standards, activity selections, and other customized requirements. Each itinerary is unique, and the cost will be adjusted flexibly to meet your expectations and budget. |
Included in the Price:
- Round-trip high-speed train tickets from Beijing to Chengde (second class)
- English-speaking tour guide
- 1-night stay at a 4-star hotel in Chengde with breakfast
- Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- Local transportation in Chengde
Pricing Information
- The above price is based on a private tour for two people. The price will adjust according to the number of participants.
- The final price will vary based on travel dates, seasonality, and specific requirements and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
- Excluding lunch and dinner ( a la carte and paid on your own)
- The price does not include personal expenses, travel insurance, or any other unspecified items.
- If the itinerary needs to be adjusted or canceled due to weather or other uncontrollable factors, we will do our best to coordinate and notify you promptly.
- The specific timings in the itinerary are for reference only and will be finalized by Ruchin China Travel Advisors.
Booking or Inquiry Form
If you are interested in this tour or have any questions, please fill out the form below to submit your booking or inquiry. Our travel consultants will contact you within one business day to provide further details and personalized service.
Submit the form now to start your “Beijing to Chengde Mountain Resort and Outer Temples Two-Day Tour“!
Bob,
we are pleased to arrange your Beijing – Chengde 3-day tour as follows:
Beijing to Chengde: 2 Nights and 3 Days Itinerary:
Day 1: Beijing – Chengde by train
Morning: Take a train from Beijing to Chengde (guests book their own tickets). The guide and driver will provide a private pick-up service at the station.
Lunch (included): Enjoy a simple meal.
Afternoon: Visit the Mountain Resort (Bishu Shanzhuang). It is recommended to purchase tickets for the mountain and plain area carts to explore this grand garden more comprehensively.
Dinner (included): Suggested: Enjoy authentic Chengde cuisine at the Xianghexing Scissor Noodle Branch on Nanyingzi Street.
Accommodation: (Self-arranged by guests)
Day 2: Cultural Exploration of Chengde’s Outer Eight Temples
Morning: Visit the Putuo Zongcheng Temple and Puning Temple. These temples are known for their unique architectural styles and deep cultural significance, providing a sense of history and the power of faith.
Lunch (included): Enjoy a simple meal.
Afternoon: Visit Chengde Museum and Puning Temple to learn about the history and culture of Chengde and admire the world’s largest existing gilt wood carving of the Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Guanyin.
Dinner: Taste Chengde’s special snacks, such as lamb soup and hot pot, and experience authentic Chengde flavors.
Accommodation: (Self-arranged by guests)
Day 3: Chengde to Beijing (Afternoon Train)
Morning: Visit Anyuan Temple and Pule Temple. These temples combine Tibetan and Han architectural styles, providing a deep appreciation of Chengde’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Lunch: Enjoy a simple local meal and experience the local customs.
Afternoon: Take the train back to Beijing (guests book their own tickets).
Note: In the evening, Chengde offers a live-action performance called “The Kangxi Ceremony of the Prosperous Dynasty.”