2-Day Chengde & Great Wall Tour from Beijing: Explore Jinshanling & Imperial Retreats

Day1 Beijing-Hebei by Car

Your adventure will begin with a hassle-free pick-up from your Beijing hotel, train station, or airport. You’ll be warmly greeted by your guide, who will hold a "Your Way Holiday" sign, ensuring a smooth transition from the moment you arrive. As we embark on your journey, your guide will share fascinating insights into the areas you’ll be traveling through, offering context on the cultural and historical significance of each site you visit. With your comfort in mind, we’ll ensure you have plenty of opportunities to rest, refresh, and enjoy the views along the way.

The drive to Chengde will take you through picturesque landscapes as we make our way to this historical city in Hebei Province, which holds great importance in China’s imperial history. Your first stop will be the grand Chengde Mountain Resort, a remarkable example of Qing Dynasty imperial architecture and design. This vast complex was once the summer retreat for the emperors, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling court life in Beijing. With your knowledgeable guide, you will explore the expansive grounds, which were carefully designed to blend with the surrounding natural beauty. The resort features a series of gardens, lakes, temples, and palaces, all set against a stunning backdrop of mountain ridges. The architectural style reflects the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty, showcasing the cultural sophistication and power of the emperors. One of the most impressive elements is the ten-kilometer-long wall, which meanders along the mountain ridges, providing a sense of both defense and serenity. This architectural marvel is considered one of the best-preserved examples of imperial palace walls outside Beijing. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide detailed stories and historical context, helping you understand the significance of the resort as both a royal retreat and a symbol of the Qing Dynasty’s imperial authority.

After your exploration of the Chengde Mountain Resort, you will enjoy a delicious Chengde-style lunch at a local restaurant, offering you the opportunity to savor authentic regional dishes. The local cuisine of Chengde is influenced by the surrounding regions and is known for its hearty flavors and fresh ingredients. A highlight of the meal will be roast lamb, a specialty of the area, tender and perfectly seasoned to capture the essence of local culinary traditions. You’ll also taste mutton hotpot, a dish beloved for its rich, savory broth and the tender, succulent meat that’s cooked to perfection. As you enjoy your meal, your guide will share insights into the region’s culinary history and the cultural significance of these dishes. Additionally, you'll have the chance to sample dumplings, another staple of Chinese cuisine that varies from region to region. Chengde’s dumplings are particularly special, often filled with local meats and vegetables, giving them a distinct flavor profile that complements the area’s unique culinary heritage. The lunch will not only satisfy your hunger but also provide a deeper connection to the culture and traditions of the region.

Next, you’ll visit Puning Temple, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in China, also known as the Temple of Universal Peace. Built in 1755 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, Puning Temple is part of the "Eight Outer Temples" of Chengde, which were constructed to showcase the Qing Emperor’s religious and political influence. As you enter the temple, you’ll be struck by its serene and peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. The temple is renowned for its massive wooden Buddha statue, which stands as one of the largest and most impressive wooden sculptures in China. This statue, along with the temple’s intricate carvings and statues, offers a glimpse into the deep Buddhist traditions that have shaped the region for centuries. Your guide will share fascinating details about the temple’s role in Chinese Buddhism and the Qing Dynasty’s use of religion as a means of consolidating imperial power. Whether you are interested in religious history, art, or architecture, the temple provides a rich and insightful experience that connects you to the spiritual heritage of China.

After your visit to Puning Temple, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing journey. Feel free to reflect on the day’s incredible experiences and ask your guide any remaining questions about the history, culture, and landmarks you’ve explored. Whether it’s the architectural marvels of Chengde Mountain Resort, the spiritual significance of Puning Temple, or the flavors of Chengde’s regional cuisine, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this historically rich area.

Day2 Hebei-Beijing by Car

Your second day begins with an exploration of the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, often referred to as a miniature version of the Potala Palace. Built in the late 18th century, it was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong as part of the Qing Dynasty’s efforts to honor Tibetan Buddhism. This temple complex is stunning in its grandeur, with intricate Tibetan-style architecture that contrasts with the surrounding landscape of lush green hills. Your expert guide will offer in-depth insights into the temple’s religious and historical significance, explaining its connection to the Qing emperors and their attempts to strengthen ties with Tibetan Buddhism. As you walk through the temple’s vast courtyards, you’ll discover beautiful statues, colorful prayer flags, and detailed frescoes that depict various aspects of Tibetan culture and spiritual life. Your guide will also share stories of the temple’s construction, its unique design features, and the monks who lived and practiced here. The peaceful atmosphere provides a reflective environment for visitors to appreciate the rich spiritual heritage of this UNESCO-recognized site.

After your enlightening visit to Putuo Zongcheng Temple, you’ll head to Beijing for a delightful lunch. Depending on your preferences, you’ll be guided to a local restaurant where you can indulge in authentic Beijing cuisine. You might choose from popular dishes like Zhajiangmian, a savory noodle dish with soybean paste, or enjoy the satisfying flavor of Peking Duck in a more casual setting. Alternatively, you can opt for lighter fare like dumplings or a hotpot-style meal, where you’ll experience a mix of flavors and textures that highlight the diversity of Beijing’s culinary traditions. Your guide will ensure that the meal is tailored to your tastes, offering suggestions based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. This midday break provides an opportunity not only to recharge but also to engage with your guide, who can share more stories about Beijing’s rich food culture and its role in Chinese history.

Following lunch, your day continues with a trip to the Jinshanling Great Wall, one of the most striking and well-preserved sections of the Wall. Unlike the more tourist-heavy sections of the Wall, Jinshanling offers a quieter, more authentic experience. The wall here stretches across rugged mountains, with dramatic watchtowers and steep inclines that provide magnificent panoramic views. As you walk along the ancient structure, your guide will take you through its history, explaining the military significance of the Wall during the Ming Dynasty and its role in protecting the northern borders of China. You’ll learn about the techniques used in its construction, as well as the challenges faced by the workers who built it. Along the way, your guide will point out the various features of the Wall, including the observation towers, battle platforms, and sections that have been carefully restored to maintain their original appearance. The hike offers a chance to experience the Wall up close, giving you a sense of its immense scale and strategic importance. As you reach higher points, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and distant forests, which make this one of the most picturesque sections of the Great Wall.

After your day of exploration, you’ll be escorted back to Beijing, where your guide will ensure a seamless return to your hotel or train station. Whether you're heading to the airport to catch a flight or simply returning to your accommodations, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. Your guide will be on hand to answer any final questions and to help you with any last-minute arrangements. The drop-off service ensures that your journey ends as smoothly as it began, allowing you to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for China’s imperial history, cultural treasures, and natural beauty, making this two-day adventure a truly unforgettable part of your travel memories.

Price Per Person in US Dollars