Chengde Mountain Resort

Chengde Mountain Resort: Echoes of Time in a Royal Garden

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Chengde Mountain Resort. I’ll be your guide today. Let's step into this royal garden, hailed as the "pinnacle of classical Chinese landscape garden art," and explore the historical threads of the Kangxi-Qianlong golden age, enjoy its beautiful lakes and mountains, and experience the blended Manchu-Han culinary culture.

Construction of the resort began in 1703, spanning the reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong over 89 years. It was more than just a summer retreat for Qing emperors; it served as a key political center for managing ethnic affairs and consolidating national unity. In 1994, along with its surrounding temples, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming a cultural treasure for all humanity.

1. Lizheng Gate: The Imperial Gateway Symbolizing Unity

Our first stop is the main entrance—Lizheng Gate. The name comes from the Book of Changes, symbolizing righteous governance and the emperor's vision to guide the nation. Built in the 19th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign, every detail reflects imperial grandeur and the philosophy of ethnic integration.

Look up at the stone plaque above: "Lizheng Gate" is carved in five scripts—Manchu, Han, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Uyghur. This is rare in ancient imperial architecture and vividly showcases the "great unification" policy of the Qing era.

Notice the dismounting steles on both sides, also inscribed in five languages, ordering all officials to dismount here—a clear assertion of the emperor’s supreme authority.

The gate has three passages: the central one reserved for the emperor, the side ones for nobles and officials, reflecting the traditional "ritual system." Passing through, we leave the ordinary world behind and enter the imperial garden.

2. Danbo Jingcheng Hall: A Hall of Golden Nanmu and Governance Wisdom

After entering, we reach the heart of the palace area—Danbo Jingcheng Hall, the main hall used for grand ceremonies, imperial birthdays, and meetings with ethnic leaders and foreign envoys.

This hall is entirely built of precious golden nanmu wood, so it’s also called "Nanmu Hall." The wood remains smooth and sturdy even after centuries. Interestingly, during humid weather, it emits a subtle, refreshing fragrance, earning it the nickname "Natural Aromatherapy Hall."

Unlike the gilded palaces of the Forbidden City, this hall is unpainted, showcasing the wood’s natural beauty—simple, elegant, and solemn, true to its name "Danbo Jingcheng" (Simplicity and Sincerity).

"Danbo" comes from Zhuge Liang’s advice: "Only through simplicity can one clarify ambitions; only through tranquility can one achieve far-reaching goals." It was Emperor Kangxi’s motto for ruling with frugality and virtue. The plaque above the throne is his own handwriting—bold and powerful.

This hall witnessed key historical moments, like the meeting between Emperor Qianlong and the 6th Panchen Lama in 1780, which strengthened ties between Tibet and the central government. Essentially, this hall embodies the Qing rulers' philosophy of "governing through culture and securing peace through rituals."

3. Jinshan Pavilion: A Slice of Jiangnan Amidst Lakes and Mountains

Leaving the palace area, we enter the scenic Lake District, modeled after Jiangnan water towns. At its heart is Jinshan Pavilion, the highest viewpoint, chosen by Emperor Kangxi himself.

Modeled after Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, it blends southern elegance with northern grandeur. Its hexagonal design reflects the traditional concept of "Liuhe"(harmony of heaven, earth, and the four directions). Bronze bells under the eaves chime in the wind, adding to the charm.

To reach the top, climb the 53 steps (use the sloped east side with handrails). From here, you’ll have a panoramic view: the upturned eaves of Yanyu Tower, the clear Rehe Spring, and the distant Little Potala Palace. Emperor Kangxi praised it: "One glimpse of Jinshan reveals the beauty of the whole world."

Look for the stone tablet south of the pavilion with Kangxi’s poem. This spot is a photographer’s paradise—misty in the early morning like an ink painting, golden at sunset. Fun fact: the **10-yuan RMB note** features a photo taken here! Don’t forget to snap your own picture.

4. Wenjin Pavilion: Treasure House of The Complete Library of the Four Treasuries

Tucked in the Lake District’s north is the modest but hugely significant Wenjin Pavilion. It’s one of the "Seven Libraries of the Four Treasuries" built to house the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries*—the largest collection of Chinese classics, compiled under Emperor Qianlong.

Built in 1774, its design follows the "water conquers fire" principle for protecting books. A pond in front reflects the pavilion, creating a beautiful and symbolic scene.

It once held 36,304 volumes, meticulously categorized and bound in colors representing the four seasons. The Wenjin Pavilion edition is exceptionally valuable—it was the last northern copy completed, personally reviewed by Emperor Qianlong, and triple-checked by chief editor Ji Xiaolan, making it the most accurate version.

In 1914, the collection was moved to the National Library of China in Beijing, where it remains a national treasure. While the books are no longer here, Wenjin Pavilion still inspires awe as a guardian of cultural heritage.

5. Yanbo Zhishuang Hall: Witness to Imperial Life and History

Back in the palace living quarters, we find Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, the emperor’s bedroom. Its name comes from a Southern Dynasties poem, describing refreshing scenery that dispels worries.

The hall has seven bays, elegant and understated—a shift from the formal front halls, reflecting the "governing in front, resting in back" layout.

Inside, the central bay was for daily life, the west bay a Buddhist shrine, and the east bay a study. Though simply furnished, it exudes refinement.

This hall is linked to a turbulent chapter: in 1860, during the Second Opium War, Emperor Xianfeng fled here and died in its west room in 1861. Here, Empress Dowager Cixi plotted the Xinyou Coup, seizing power and shaping modern China.

Today, it preserves Xianfeng’s dragon bed, furniture, and portraits, silently telling stories of that era. Standing here, you sense the weight of history.

6. Chengde's Culinary Delights: Four Must-Try Specialties

Now for the fun part—food! Chengde’s cuisine blends Manchu, Han, Mongolian, and other flavors. Here are four must-tries:

1. Imperial Lotus-Wrapped Chicken

Originally “Beggar’s Chicken” from Hangzhou, imperial chefs refined it into an emperor’s favorite. A local chicken is marinated, stuffed, wrapped in lotus leaves and pig netting, then encased in clay mixed with local soil and spring water, and roasted for two hours.

Crack open the clay—the feathers come off with it, revealing tender, fragrant meat. It’s savory with a hint of lotus and earth. A Chengde icon, available in restaurants and street stalls.

2. Chengde Eight Bowls

A traditional Manchu banquet dish, later blended with Han techniques. Despite the name, it refers to eight cooking methods like stewing and steaming. The spread is hearty—braised pork knuckle, ribs, meatballs, and seasonal veggies—bold in flavor yet balanced.

It reflects Manchu generosity and Han delicacy. Once served at imperial and folk celebrations, it’s still found in Chengde’s old restaurants. Perfect for sharing.

3. Lǘ Dǎ Gǔn (Donkey Rolls)

A classic Manchu snack from the Qing era. Glutinous rice dough is rolled with red bean paste and brown sugar, then coated in roasted soybean flour—looking like a donkey rolling in dust, hence the name.

Golden, soft, and chewy, with a nutty soybean aroma and sweet filling. Easy to enjoy, find it at street stalls everywhere.

4. Nansha Cake (Shortbread Cake)

An imperial pastry that became a popular local snack. Made with wheat flour, sugar, lard, and sesame, it’s crispy, flaky, and melts in your mouth. Fillings range from classic sugar-sesame to red bean or jujube paste.

Once a must at Qing banquets, it’s now a beloved Chengde souvenir—great for breakfast, tea, or gifts.

7. Farewell, But Not Goodbye

Dear friends, our tour is ending. We’ve seen Lizheng Gate’s symbolism, Danbo Jingcheng Hall’s wisdom, Jinshan Pavilion’s views, Wenjin Pavilion’s legacy, Yanbo Zhishuang Hall’s stories, and tasted unique flavors. This resort is more than a garden—it’s a carrier of history.

Maybe you’ll remember the nanmu’s fragrance, the lake views, the ancient texts, or the lotus-wrapped chicken. These are your special souvenirs.

Chengde’s beauty changes with the seasons—spring blossoms, summer lotuses, autumn ginkgo, winter snow—and lives through its enduring history.

Farewell isn’t an end, but a new beginning. Share the stories, scenery, and flavors. Chengde Mountain Resort will always be here, waiting for your return in another season to rediscover its echoes of time.

Wishing you a safe journey and all the best. Until we meet again!