Chengde, lying in the northeast of Hebei Province, is close to Beijing, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) away, Tianjin, Tangshan and Qinhuangdao. The topography of Chengde is mainly divided into plateau and mountainous regions, including Yanshan, Yinshan and Qilaotushan mountains, as well as the Luanhe, Liaohe, Chaobaihe and Jiyunhe rivers flowing through the city.
Chengde, originally called Rehe was once the summer resort capital of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It holds rich culture related to this history as well as many historic relics dating as far back as the Neolithic Age in this city. Ethnic groups such as Xiongnu, Xianbei, Qidan, Nvzhen, and Mongolian once led a nomadic existence in this region from the Qin (221BC-206) to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
As one of the first famous historic and cultural cities of the nation, Chengde has plenty of sceneries, with some of them being renowned both at home and abroad. The Mountain Resort and Eight Outer Temples are listed as the world cultural heritage sites, which have contributed towards Chengde being one of famous cities in the world. 
Mountain Resort of Chengde
Both the internal and the external transportation of Chengde are very well developed and although there is only a small-scale airport, chartered flights flying between Beijing and Chengde will provide you more choices for your journey. In addition, railway and road links can connect you to many cities, such as Tianjin, Shenyang, Baotou, Ulanhot, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia, etc. City buses provide a fine and integrated transport service; taxis are also a good choice due to their convenience and inexpensiveness.
While traveling in Chengde, you will have the opportunity to taste the unique local dishes and snacks, both of royal and folk flavors due to its historical links. Various hotels, rest houses and leisure places will also provide you with comfort and pleasure during your travels in this wondrous city. 
Large Temple Complex in Chengde
Recommended Tour including the visit to Chengde:
Trip to Chengde: 6 days from Beijing to Chengde Mountain Resort
More Chengde Tour Information:
Hiking Tour: Information about hiking in Chengde for your reference
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Travelers' Voices on Chengde City
1.
Nov. 11,2009 05:36 Reply
Mr.benny(Morocco) said:
Hi,
Thanks for a great resource, it has made many of my trips to china easier. I was wondering about buses from Chengde to Beijing. Are there different categories? also, where to catch the nicer ones in Chengde?
Thank you in advane
Nov. 14,2009 22:08
Mr.Sandy replied:
It is over 1800km from Chengdu to Beijing, Me Benny. Suggest you go by train. The fastest train will take nearly 26 hours.
Nov. 15,2009 09:58
Mrs.Debarn replied:
Dear Mr sandy,
I am also interested in this information.
We are talking about Chengde ant not about Chendgu.
Nov. 15,2009 20:35
Mr.Sandy replied:
Well, I am really sorry about that, Mr. Benny/Mrs. Debarn?! The nicer train is K7712 from Chengde Train Station at 13:30 and reach Beijing Train Station at 17:48. This is the fastest train too. My peasure to mistakingly answer you, not being asked although, something about Chengdu that you are interested too. Hope my answer makes sense this time.
2.
Nov. 2,2009 04:26 Reply
Mr.Wee said:
Hi during 8 Dec how will the temperature be like?
Nov. 4,2009 22:20
Mr.John replied:
The temeprature is below zero to -10C. I can tell the exact data. You can find the weather forecast a week at most before that date.
3.
Sep. 10,2009 22:50 Reply
Ms.Jade(S'pore) said:
Which is the best way to get to Chengde from Beijing? Any express bus/train? How much the cost?
How many hours do I need to visit the Imperial Summer Palace?
Is Mountain Villa Hotel a good hotel to stay in Chengde? i.e. location to the main attractions?
How's the weather in end October? Do I need winter-wear such as parka, tights, scarf.. etc?? Thank you.
Sep. 11,2009 03:29
Mr.Hank replied:
From Beijing to Chengde, you could catch a train. The fastest train could reach in Chengde in 4.5 hours with a fare of about 60RMB. You could seach the train infor at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
It will take u about 4 hours to visit the palace. It has very good located which is just 100 to the palace. So, take it easy~
October will not be very cold, when you could wear a shirt jacket, tights are ok~
Sep. 14,2009 01:13
Ms.Jade replied:
Mr.Hank. How many hours do I need to visit Putuozongcheng & The Eight Outer temples? Thank you.
Sep. 17,2009 20:11
Mr.Hank replied:
Ms Jade!There are eight temple and recommend you visit two of them. Putuozongchengzhi Temple and Puning Temple. It need half a day. If you have enough time, you can visit some others.
Sep. 17,2009 22:07
Ms.Jade replied:
Mr.Hank. After visiting Putuozong & Puning. I'll have to catch either the train/bus back to Beijing. Are there many train or bus timings that go to Beijing from Chengde? Pls advise. Thank you.
Sep. 20,2009 02:54
Mr.Hank replied:
Chengde bus Station has buses to Beijing every 20 minutes from 6:00-18:00.
Trains: There are train at 13:30, 12:49, 22:50. The others are leaving before 7:20am in the morning.
4.
Aug. 7,2009 06:44 Reply
Mrs.Hanneman(USA) said:
Has anyone stayed at the Pu Ning Hotel? Do they have an e-mail address?
Also, is it better to take a train or the bus to Chengde?
Thanks
Aug. 9,2009 23:17
Mr.Qi replied:
Hello, Mrs Hanneman. To Chengde from where? Beijing Liulijiao Bus Station has buses to Chengde, it usually takes 4 hours. If the driver agree to go though expressway, it will be faster and the ticket fare is higher a bit. Beijing to Chengde Expressway is going to be completed before Oct 1, it is partly accessible now. The fast train is N211 from Beijing railway Station at 6:30 and arrive in Chengde at 10:48. If your time is not a problem, recommend you go by train.
Sep. 10,2009 04:47
Ms.Jade(S'pore) replied:
Mr.Qi. What's the bus fare & train fare to get to Chengde from Beijing? Thanks.
Sep. 12,2009 02:59
Mr.Qi replied:
Bus fare: 45RMB/person
Train fare: 20RMB/person; 41RMB/person with air-condition
Sep. 14,2009 01:21
Ms.Jade replied:
Mr.Qi. My hotel in Beijing will be at Chongwenmen. Which is the correct train station in Beijing to take the train to Chengde? Do I need to get the train tickets in advance?
From Chengde, what are the train timings back to Beijing? Thank you.
Sep. 17,2009 20:18
Mr.Qi replied:
To Ms Jade. Suggest you go to Beijing Railway Station. It is only one stop from Chongwenmen by Subway Line one and it have more and faster trains to Chengde. Trains leave at 6:30, 12:20, 23:17, 24:25. 4.5-5 hours journey. Trains leave for Beijing back from Chengde at 4:16, 5:45, 7:06, 13:30, 21:49, 22:50. Find them at Chengde Railway Station.
5.
Jun. 30,2009 04:16 Reply
Ms.YSUE(Belgium) said:
Hello,
I was looking for some youth hostels in Chengde, but it is really hard to find.
Can anyone suggest me some youth hostels please.
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Sue
Jul. 1,2009 01:32
Mr.Colin replied:
No youth hotels found when I went there last year. My friend help me find a Inn in the city center and there are other hotels and home stay there.
6.
Jun. 8,2009 19:44 Reply
Mr.Terrance(Thailand) said:
Hello, everyone. In the summer of 2008, I have been to China. My flight arrived at Beijing airport in the morning. I spent three days visiting the must-sees in Beijing, such as the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Actually, it’s not enough, as there are so many attractions in Beijing. I love them really. Later, I planned to visit the royal garden in Chengde. It’s the key attraction there. Chengde is about 230 kilometers from Beijing. It’s very convenient to transfer between two places. I took a coach bus at Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station. It’s said that the buses to Chengde depart there every 20 minutes. Also trains can take you to get to Chengde.