Chengde Little Potala Palace

The Best Chengde Tour Itinerary

Welcome to your thrilling journey in Chengde! This hidden gem marries cultural richness, historical splendor, and scenic beauty perfectly. Our well-crafted Best Chengde tour itinerary promises to enchant first-time international visitors.

We aim to make your visit to Chengde not just enjoyable but unforgettable. Prepare to embark on an adventure that takes you through ancient wonders and natural delights!

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Chengde

Morning

Your best Chengde tour itinerary adventure begins with a convenient 1.5-hour high-speed train journey from Beijing to Chengde.

Pule Temple in Chengde
Pule Temple in Chengde

Upon arrival, settle into your chosen hotel, then embark on your first Chengde experience by visiting the tranquil Pule Temple. This site introduces you to the region’s rich cultural heritage and sets a calming tone for your exploration.

Lunch

For lunch, enjoy Chengde’s culinary delights at a local eatery. Sample traditional dishes like the hearty ‘mutton hot pot’ or the flavorsome ‘Chengde roast meat’, offering an authentic taste of the local cuisine.

Afternoon

Next, discover the Chengde Mountain Resort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a Qing dynasty summer palace, masterfully blends historical architecture with breathtaking natural scenery.

Chengde Mountain Resort
Chengde Mountain Resort

Explore its exquisite gardens, charming pavilions, and historic temples, delving into the opulence of a bygone era.

Evening

Dinner time brings a chance to experience traditional Manchu or Mongolian cuisine. Try a local favorite such as “Tangguan” for a hot pot feast or “Yimeng Xiangcun” for a genuine barbecue. This meal not only satisfies your palate but also enriches your understanding of Chengde’s diverse food culture.

Day 2: Temples and Nature

Morning

Begin your day at the Puning Temple, home to an awe-inspiring giant wooden Buddha. This magnificent structure represents the artistic and spiritual depth of the region, offering a peaceful yet profound start to your day.

Puning Temple in Chengde
Puning Temple in Chengde

This spiritual site combines artistic beauty with serene ambiance, setting the tone for a day filled with exploration.

Lunch

Enjoy a unique dining experience at a Tibetan-style restaurant near the temple. This meal introduces you to the Tibetan influences present in Chengde’s cuisine, adding a distinctive flavor to your culinary journey.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, part of the famed “Eight Outer Temples.”

Putuo Zongcheng Temple ( Little Potala Palace )
Putuo Zongcheng Temple ( Little Potala Palace )

Its design, reminiscent of Lhasa’s Potala Palace, presents an exquisite example of Tibetan-style architecture, enhancing your cultural exploration in Chengde.

Evening

Spend your evening wandering Chengde’s lively pedestrian streets. This bustling area offers a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, immersing you in the vibrant local life and culture.

Dinner

End your day with a meal featuring Hebei cuisine at a renowned local restaurant. This dinner allows you to delve deeper into the regional culinary traditions, adding another layer to your gastronomic experience in Chengde.

Day 3: Saihanba Grassland Excursion

Morning

Embark on a full-day excursion to the scenic Chengde Saihanba Grasslands. Revel in the expansive grasslands and dense forests, a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and beauty.

Saihanba Grassland
Saihanba Grassland
Afternoon

Continue enjoying the grassland’s allure through activities like horse riding or hiking. These experiences offer a direct connection to the region’s natural beauty and provide a refreshing contrast to the urban landscapes.

Horse riding at Saihanba Grassland
Horse riding at Saihanba Grassland

Evening

Conclude your day with a return to Chengde and a farewell dinner. This meal, blending local and Chinese cuisines, is a fitting end to your enriching journey, offering time to reflect on your experiences before resting for your journey home.


General Tips for Visiting Chengde

Visit Chengde from May to October for the best experience. Watch out for common tourist scams and enjoy the meat-heavy, Mongolian-influenced local cuisine. Vegetarian options are limited but present.

For accommodations, consider immersive options like the Chengde Imperial Mountain Resort. Navigate the city using public transport, or for convenience, hire a private car or join a guided tour. Chengde is accessible by train from major cities but lacks direct flight connections.

🚄 Private Day Trip to Chengde from Beijing by Bullet Train

Private Day Trip to Chengde from Beijing by Bullet Train

Need a quick escape from the hustle of Beijing? Hop on a 59-minute bullet train and explore the peaceful city of Chengde, home to some of China’s most regal and under-the-radar UNESCO gems. With your own private guide, you’ll uncover the grandeur of the Mountain Resort Summer Palace and the stunning mini version of Tibet’s Potala Palace, all in a relaxed one-day journey.

This all-inclusive tour covers everything—first-class train ticketsentrance fees, a local guide, and door-to-door hotel transfers. Easy, seamless, and unforgettable. 🏯🍃

👉 Book Your Private Chengde Day Trip from Beijing Now

🗺️ Why You’ll Love It

  1. 🚄 Ride First-Class on China’s ultra-modern high-speed train—only 59 minutes each way
  2. 👨‍🏫 Enjoy a Private Tour with a friendly guide who brings history to life
  3. 🌳 Visit Two UNESCO Sites: the Mountain Resort Summer Palace & Little Potala Palace
  4. 🚗 Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off Included for total peace of mind
  5. 🧘‍♀️ Perfect Day Trip for those who want culture without crowds

Throughout your Chengde visit, embrace the local culture and learn some Mandarin phrases. This Best Chengde tour itinerary promises a journey filled with cultural insights and natural wonders. Enjoy every moment in Chengde, a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and beauty.

2 Comments

  1. Tang Peck Sar

    承德三天行程
    第一天:从北京抵达承德
    第二天:寺庙与自然
    第三天:塞罕坝草原之旅

    Please send me the price for this 3-day English speaking tour by high speed train for the date of 11 May 2025 to 13 May 2025, thank you.

    • Dear Tang,

      Thank you for reaching out and sharing your travel plans to Chengde from May 11th to 13th, 2025. It sounds like a fantastic itinerary — from exploring the city’s historic temples to enjoying the natural beauty of Saihanba Grassland!

      Ruqin China Travel is not a travel agency and unfortunately we don’t offer custom tours. Instead, we provide expert travel advice and guidance for those visiting China. We work in partnership with reputable platforms like Viator, Expedia, and others to help travelers plan their trips.

      For a custom English-speaking tour including high-speed train travel, we recommend reaching out to one of the following experienced online tour operators:

      Tour-Beijing.com
      TravelChinaGuide.com
      ChinaHighlights.com

      They offer personalized tours and can provide pricing and availability based on your specific travel dates and interests.

      If you have any questions about the itinerary, local tips, or how to make the most of your Chengde trip, I’d be happy to help!

      Warm regards,
      Daniel Li
      Ruqin China Travel
      ruqintravel.com

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