Overview:

The Chengde Mountain Resort is an imperial palace located in Chengde, in the northeastern part of China. Constructed during the Qing Dynasty, this palace was the summer resort of the emperors of China during the 18th century. In addition to the palace itself, the resort is known for its eight outlying temples, as well as its large natural landscape and gardens. The outlying temples are mostly Buddhist and Tibetan in style, with strong ethnic characteristics. The buildings are well-preserved and known for their colorful sculptures and vivid frescoes. Together, the palace and outlying temples have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for their combination of beauty and cultural significance. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Qing Dynasty imperial architecture: The Chengde Mountain Resort and its outlying temples feature the unique and iconic architectural style of the Qing dynasty, encompassing gardens, bridges, pavilions, temples, palaces, courtyards and archways. 2. Eight Outer Temples: The complex features eight outer temples, depicting different architectural styles and Buddhist beliefs of the different ethnic groups under the Qing rule. 3. Picturesque Natural Setting: The resort grounds and outlying temples are nestled within picturesque rolling hills and valleys of the Chengde area and surrounded by forests, meadows and rivers. 4. Long History: The Chengde Mountain Resort and its outlying temples have been in existence since the 18th century and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. 5. Ancient Wall of China: The resort complex is partially surrounded by a re-built portion of the Great Wall of China, making this an even more impressive and historical sight. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Chengde Mountain Resort is an imperial retreat in China that was built during the reign of the Qing dynasty's Kangxi and Qianlong Emperors. It is located in Chengde city, in the Hebei Province, and it is the largest imperial garden in the world. It was originally built as an imperial summer escape from the baking heat of Beijing. The resort is composed of three main parts: a palace complex, the plain area, and the beautiful mountain area, which includes a total of over 200 temples. The first construction at the resort began in 1703 with the Outer Palace, which served as an imperial residence. Later, the Kangxi Emperor even extended this palace to become the largest complex of its type at the time. Emperor Yongzheng later expanded the palace, which was followed by the Kangxi Emperor. During Qianlong's reign, the resort was renovated and expanded further, including the addition of many imperial gardens and architectural structures. The famous Eight Outer Temples were built during Qianlong's reign to signify the Eight Extremes of the dragon, and they form part of the most attractive parts of the Chengde Mountain Resort. The largest temple, the Puning Temple, is located at the center of the resort and is a renowned historical site. It was built to honor Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Many of the temples have been destroyed and restored multiple times, and today, many of the original features remain along with a few modern improvements. Both the Imperial Resort and the Eight Outer Temples are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The resort is a popular place to visit for tourists and locals alike. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Chengde Mountain Resort is the largest royal garden located in a World Heritage Site. It was created in the 18th century for the emperor of the Qing Dynasty to spend his summers and holidays. 2. The resort spans over 1 million acres and is larger than the Forbidden City in Beijing. 3. It is located in the city of Chengde in North China and it is made of forested mountains, hills, temples, palaces, pavilions, pools, and a lake. 4. There are a total of 108 mountain temples around the resort with some dating back 1100 years. 5. One of the main temples is the Puning Temple which is one of the most spectacular examples of Chinese architecture from the Qing Dynasty. 6. Chengde Mountain Resort was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. 7. The resort attracted numerous artists and scholars throughout its history and today it remains an important tourist attraction in China. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era