Top 10 Best Things to Do in Chengde
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Chengde

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  • The Mountain Resort Scenic Areatop_1
    󰺂8.1
    47.76
    Chengde.The Mountain Resort Scenic Area/Erxianju Commercial Street5.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󰀆Summer concerts & tea ceremonies
    Summer Qing Dynasty cultural experience
    󱨠Saved by 280 users󱨠17221 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Geoffrey_CZGeoffrey_CZ

    I was a little disappointed by the mountain resort area itself. It is nice, but definitely not worth the entrance price. (First 2 pics) The summer palace in Beijing is really nicer. However, the Putuo temple, Xumi temple and the Puning were definitely worth the trip. I loved them all. (7 other pics).

  • Putuo Zongcheng Templetop_2
    󰺂6.9
    31.84
    Chengde.The Mountain Resort Scenic Area/Erxianju Commercial Street7.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Panoramic view of resort
    󰋄Seasonal Buddhist events attract many
    󱨠Saved by 109 users󱨠3662 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    YYMaryYYMary

    The Potala Palace in Chengde, often called the "Little Potala Palace" because it was modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, is a traditional Tibetan temple. After buying a ticket and entering, you first see a square and a large pavilion. Inside the pavilion are three large stone tablets inscribed with text, reportedly written in four languages, recording the reasons for the temple's construction and a historical account of the Torgut tribe's return. I read the introduction and learned that it was built by Emperor Qianlong to celebrate his 60th birthday and his mother's 80th birthday, and also to welcome the returning Torgut tribe. It held significant political importance, but I don't know the historical details well; I just imagine the emperor must have made a grand spectacle of it. After passing the pavilion, the climb begins. The temple is built on a hillside, so the visit involves continuous ascent. Along the path are some white Tibetan-style buildings called "white platforms," ​​which are monks' quarters or small halls. The walls are thick, and the windows are black, making them quite different from typical Han Chinese temples. The climb was a bit tiring, but the scenery along the way was beautiful. After climbing for a while, I saw the main building—the Red Terrace. It was very tall, with its entire wall red and neatly arranged Tibetan-style windows. Standing below and looking up, it felt very imposing. Following a sloping path along the side of the Red Terrace, I reached the top. Above the Red Terrace was a platform, with the main hall, the "Hall of Universal Unity," in the center. Its roof was covered with gilded copper tiles, shimmering in the sunlight. There were also some other pavilions around it. Here, the combination of two architectural styles was clearly visible: the lower part was Tibetan-style red walls and black windows, while the upper part was Han-style glazed tile roofs. I walked around the platform, and from the high vantage point, I could see the scenery of Chengde city and the shadows of distant mountains. Shoe covers were required to enter the main hall. The interior was rather dim, containing Buddha statues and exquisite murals, but the poor lighting made it difficult to see the details clearly. Many tourists were taking photos, and some believers were kneeling in worship. I stayed for a while and then left. After the tour, my impression was that the temple is indeed magnificent, evoking images of the grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa in its heyday. It's not merely a place of worship; it's more like a symbol, showcasing the relationship between the Qing Dynasty central government and Tibet, Mongolia, and other regions. As a tourist, I could feel the solemnity and historical atmosphere, but frankly, I only have a general understanding of the complex historical background. Overall, it was a worthwhile visit. I saw a different architectural style and learned a bit about its history. Climbing the mountain, enjoying the scenery, and taking some photos made the trip worthwhile. Those interested in Qing Dynasty history or Tibetan Buddhist architecture would likely find this place even more interesting.

  • Kangxi Ceremonytop_3
    󰺂6.9
    Chengde.Kangxi Ceremony/Dingsheng Yuanbao Street10.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜A live outdoor performance of the legend of Emperor Kangxi
    A stunning light and sound show featuring the Fire Qilin in the night sky
    󱨠2546 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    我爱安安公主我爱安安公主

    It's a performance worth watching. The latest stage technology is used and the scale is large. However, it is located in the mountains and it is an open-air performance. It will be a bit cold if you go to see it during the National Day holiday, so it is recommended to wear more clothes.

  • Jinshanling Great Wall
    4
    󰺂6.7
    29.19
    Luanping66.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Three paths to Great Wall top
    󰋄360° panoramic Great Wall view
    󱨠Saved by 655 users󱨠1429 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    RoamingRedheadRoamingRedhead

    This is a must buy if you plan on traveling to the Great Wall. It is an extremely affordable ticket that not only brings you to a lesser known area of the Great Wall but additionally provides you with a cable car ticket and a ride home. The service was great and very timely. The time given at the Great Wall was more than enough to explore everything we wanted to. This specific part of the great wall was also stellar and had many more rustic areas that were very cool to see. I absolutely recommend this for those that wish to journey to a more untouched portion of the Great Wall.

  • Puning Temple
    5
    󰺂6.5
    Chengde.The Mountain Resort Scenic Area/Erxianju Commercial Street7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜38-foot unique & spectacular formation
    󰋄Temple with seasonal scenic views
    󱨠1772 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    SUNSHINE ONUSSUNSHINE ONUS

    Puning Temple is one of the eight temples outside Chengde, a national-level attraction and a key national protection cultural relics. Puning Temple was built during the Qianlong Qing Dynasty, and was built by Qianlong Emperor to commemorate the Pingding Erut Mongol rebellion modeled on the Tibetan Sanye Temple. The construction of Puning Temple is magnificent and magnificent. The former Han style and the later Tibetan style temple buildings are dedicated to the world's largest golden lacquer Buddha in the Daxiong Palace. Chengde Puning Temple is a typical representative of the Qing emperor's measures to manage the state with religious beliefs.

  • Hammer Peak National Forest Park
    6
    󰺂5.7
    26.53
    Chengde5.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Chengde
    Highlights:
    󰋄View Summer Palace from Hammer Peak
    󰋄Ride 1-mile chairlift across peaks
    󱨠489 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It was a bit frustrating that the cable car wasn't running, but I still managed to climb up! From there, you can see the whole city and the Summer Palace, and the white mulberry trees in the middle of the Hammer Peak are truly breathtaking, showcasing the wonders of nature!

  • Mulan Weichang (“Hunting Ground”)
    7
    󰺂5.6
    Weichang.Saihanba National Forest Park/Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Cattle & sheep grazing peacefully
    󰀆Experience Qing royal hunting site
    󱨠172 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M66***28M66***28

    Autumn in Yudaokou is like nature overturning its palette. Golden leaves, fiery red maple leaves, and emerald green pines and cypresses interweave into a brilliant and colorful painting.

  • The Xumi Fushou Temple
    8
    󰺂5.3
    31.84
    Chengde.The Mountain Resort Scenic Area/Erxianju Commercial Street6.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Qing Dynasty Royal Garden Heritage
    󰀆Nature & history combined experience
    󱨠246 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    SUNSHINE ONUSSUNSHINE ONUS

    It is worth a visit to the temple of Sumi Fushou. This integrated former Han and later Tibetan temple is built on a grand scale and designed to take into account both the needs of Han and the needs of Mongolian nobles. Although modeled on the construction of the Tashilunbu Temple in Shigatse, Tibet, the scale is large and conforms to the solemn and majestic characteristics of the royal temple. Follow the temple guide signs, carefully appreciate the buildings, learn Buddhist knowledge and development and change processes, especially the process of understanding the rule of the Qing Dynasty and the unity of the various ethnic groups.

Best things to do in Chengde (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Chengde? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Chengde offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Chengde

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Chengde experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

The Mountain Resort Scenic Area

• Chengde.The Mountain Resort Scenic Area/Erxianju Commercial Street | 5.2 km from downtown

• : Summer concerts & tea ceremonies,Summer Qing Dynasty cultural experience

Putuo Zongcheng Temple

• Chengde.The Mountain Resort Scenic Area/Erxianju Commercial Street | 7.1 km from downtown

• : Panoramic view of resort,Seasonal Buddhist events attract many

Kangxi Ceremony

• Chengde.Kangxi Ceremony/Dingsheng Yuanbao Street | 10.5 km from downtown

• : A live outdoor performance of the legend of Emperor Kangxi,A stunning light and sound show featuring the Fire Qilin in the night sky

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Chengde

If you want to explore attractions just outside Chengde, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Chengde, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Chengde special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Chengde

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Chengde

Ready to explore the best of Chengde? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Chengde?
These are all Best Things to Do in Chengde:The Mountain Resort Scenic Area, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Kangxi Ceremony, Jinshanling Great Wall, Puning Temple
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Chengde?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Chengde include:The Mountain Resort Scenic Area:4.6, Putuo Zongcheng Temple:4.7, Kangxi Ceremony:4.8, Jinshanling Great Wall:4.7, Puning Temple:4.8
At what locations in Chengde can Best Things to Do in Chengde be found?
The Best Things to Do in Chengde are mainly located in:The Mountain Resort Scenic Area:Chengde, Putuo Zongcheng Temple:Chengde, Kangxi Ceremony:Chengde, Jinshanling Great Wall:Luanping, Puning Temple:Chengde
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