承德避暑山庄

Synopsis

Overview

The Chengde Mountain Resort, also known as the "Chengde Imperial Palace" or "Rehe Imperial Palace," is located in Chengde City, Hebei Province, China. It is the largest existing imperial garden and temple complex in China. Its construction began in the 42nd year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1703 AD) and spanned nearly 90 years through the reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong...

Overview

The Chengde Mountain Resort, also known as the "Chengde Imperial Palace" or "Rehe Imperial Palace," is located in Chengde City, Hebei Province, China. It is the largest existing imperial garden and temple complex in China. Its construction began in the 42nd year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1703) during the Qing Dynasty, spanning the reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong, taking nearly 90 years to be largely completed. The Mountain Resort was not only a summer retreat and a place for handling state affairs for Qing emperors but also a political center for consolidating national unity and fostering solidarity with ethnic minorities in the frontier regions. In 1994, the Chengde Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The resort synthesizes the finest elements of northern and southern Chinese garden art, combining the solemnity of palaces with the elegance of gardens, making it an excellent place to understand Qing Dynasty history, politics, architecture, and garden art.

History

The construction of the Mountain Resort was closely linked to the Qing Dynasty's frontier policies. In the early Qing period, Emperor Kangxi, aiming to strengthen northern border defense and enhance ties with ethnic groups like the Mongols, decided to build an imperial palace north of the Great Wall in the cool climate of Chengde. Originally named Rehe, this location was strategically positioned as a hub connecting the capital with the Mongolian grasslands. Construction began in 1703, with Emperor Kangxi personally selecting the site, conducting surveys, and inscribing the "Thirty-Six Scenic Spots." After Emperor Qianlong ascended the throne, he undertook large-scale expansions, adding new palaces and garden landscapes, forming the grand pattern of the "Seventy-Two Scenic Spots of Kangxi and Qianlong." Throughout the Qing Dynasty, several emperors spent nearly half of each year residing here, handling military and political affairs, receiving Mongol princes, Tibetan lamas, and foreign envoys. The famous "Mulan Autumn Hunts" were also based here. It witnessed the Qing Dynasty's ethnic policy of "uniting hearts within and beyond, achieving a consolidated enterprise" and stands as an important historical testament to the formation of a unified multi-ethnic nation.

Main Attractions

The Mountain Resort covers a vast area and is divided into four main sections: the Palace Area, Lake Area, Plain Area, and Mountain Area, each with distinct scenery.

1. Palace Area: Located in the southern part of the resort, this was where the emperor handled court affairs, held ceremonies, and lived. Main structures include:

   • Hall of Simplicity and Sincerity (Danbo Jingcheng Dian): The main hall of the resort, entirely built with precious nanmu wood, also known as the "Nanmu Hall." It was used for major ceremonies and receiving important envoys, featuring a simple, elegant, solemn, and dignified style.
   • Four Knowings Study (Sizhi Shuwu): A less formal hall where the emperor summoned close ministers and ethnic princes to handle daily government affairs.
   • Hall of Refreshing Mists and Waves (Yanbo Zhishuang Dian): The emperor's living quarters. In 1860, Emperor Xianfeng approved the Convention of Peking here.

2. Lake Area: North of the Palace Area, this section is modeled after the gardens and water systems of southern China, with scattered islets and pavilions dotting the landscape, creating a scene reminiscent of a water town. Main attractions include "Moonlight and River Sounds," "Ruyi Islet," and "Misty Rain Tower" (modeled after the one on South Lake in Jiaxing), which are delicate and intricate, offering changing views with every step.

3. Plain Area: Located north of the Lake Area, this open area features lush green grasslands. It was once the site for imperial activities like horse racing and wrestling. Here, you can find the Ten-Thousand Tree Garden, modeled after the Mongolian grasslands, and the Yongyou Temple Pagoda, modeled after Tibet's Samye Monastery, reflecting the integration of diverse ethnic cultures.

4. Mountain Area: Occupying about four-fifths of the resort's total area, this section features rolling hills and crisscrossing ravines. Numerous pavilions, temples, and paths are scattered throughout the mountains. Climbing to the heights offers panoramic views of the entire resort and the magnificent Outlying Temples. Main viewing points include pavilions like "Cloud-Capped Mountains on All Sides" and "Snow-Capped Southern Mountain."

Additionally, the "Outlying Temples" (actually 12 temples, 8 of which were managed by the Court of Colonial Affairs, hence the name) surrounding the Mountain Resort form an integral whole with it. These temples, grand and imposing, blend Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian architectural styles, symbolizing national unity and ethnic solidarity. The most famous among them are the Puning Temple and the Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace).

Practical Information

The following information is current general information. It is recommended to check the official website or call to confirm the latest details before your trip.

References

1. Official website of the Chengde Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples Scenic Area. Provides the most authoritative scenic area introductions, announcements, and practical information. http://www.cdmountainresort.com/
2. UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde. Introduces its World Heritage value and evaluation reports. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/703
3. Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China - List and Introduction of National 5A-Level Tourist Attractions. You can search for official information regarding the Mountain Resort as a top-tier national tourist attraction. https://www.mct.gov.cn/ (You can search for "Chengde Mountain Resort" within the site for related pages).