Mountain Resort: A Summer Journey Through Time

Key Highlights Location: Downtown Chengde, 1 hr by high-speed train from Beijing Best Seasons: June–September (best for escaping the heat), October (stunning autumn colors) Must-Do Experiences: Boating on the lake, hiking in the mountains, exploring the palaces Hidden Gem: Enjoy the tranquil Misty Rain Tower all to yourself in the early morning 🌳 First Impressions: Opening the Door to History Enter through Dehui Gate at 7am, and the misty Zhijing Cloud Causeway is like an ink painting. Walking on the bluestone path that Emperor Qianlong once walked, the fragrance of lotus leaves mixes with the scent of ancient trees—this is not just an ordinary park, but a living museum. 💭 A Moment in Time Standing in front of the Danbo Jingcheng Hall, touch the golden Phoebe zhennan pillars and feel the coolness from your fingertips. Suddenly, you understand why Emperor Kangxi built his palace here; even the name of the hall reminds you to "be indifferent to fame and wealth to show your ambition." 🚶 In-Depth Guide 1. Lakeside Strolls Must-See Spots: Misty Rain Tower (location for the TV series "Princess Pearl"), Jinshan Pavilion Hidden Surprise: Watch wild duck mothers take their babies swimming at Moonlit River Island 2. Mountain Adventures Recommended Route: Take the sightseeing bus to Er Ma Road for a panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace Photography Tip: The light at 4pm is perfect for capturing the entire Outer Eight Temples 3. Plains Area Deer Spotting Best Times: Early morning or evening to encounter sika deer strolling around Cultural Experience: Find the "Sun and Moon Shine Together" phenomenon at Wenjin Pavilion 📸 Top 3 Photo Spots Shuixin Pavilion At sunrise, the reflections of the three pavilions on the water resemble floating fairy pavilions Wanshu Garden Take photos in Hanfu in the ancient pine forest and instantly transform into a character in a palace drama Yongyou Temple Pagoda The sunset casts a golden glow on the white pagoda, as if returning to the Qianlong era 🍵 Royal Cuisine Imperial Almond Tea: Brewed using the ancient methods of the Mountain Resort, slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste Fresh Flower Rose Cake: A Chengde intangible cultural heritage, with whole petals hidden in the flaky crust Venison Clay Oven Rolls: A specialty snack from the Qing Dynasty's royal hunts 💭 A Taste of Memory While having afternoon tea at Fangyuanju, the server said, "The pattern on this teacup is exactly the same as the one used by the emperor back then." Suddenly, it feels like we are only a cup of tea away from history. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations Guesthouses in the Mountain Resort: Enjoy the entire garden to yourself in the early morning Surrounding B&Bs: Choose a courtyard with a Qing Dynasty style Things to Avoid: Be careful when choosing hotels near the train station, as most have poor soundproofing ❗ Useful Tips The ticket includes the museum, be sure to hire a guide (or rent an audio guide) There are many mosquitoes in the lake area, so bring mosquito repellent Wear comfortable shoes for hiking in the mountains, as some sections are steep Protect the cultural relics and do not touch the buildings 🌿 Final Thoughts In the evening, sit by Ruyi Lake and watch the sunset cast a golden glow on the Zhijing Cloud Causeway. Suddenly, hear the ancient music played by the chimes floating from afar, and at that moment, you suddenly understand—the most precious thing here is not the scenery, but the calm and composed atmosphere that has been accumulated for 300 years.