China has a long, storied past. Emperors over the centuries have built monuments and palaces that exemplify their wealth, power, and influence. The imperial court would hold audiences, make announcements, or simply lock itself in the comfort of its palace. Fast forward to today, and these palaces are now museums that provide visitors with a glimpse of imperial life.
The Summer Palace in Beijing
Beijing is a busy metropolis. You’ll find numerous skyscrapers, commercial centers, hotels, and an urban sprawl that matches any other big city in the world. It has a charming mix of old and new that attracts tourists from everywhere. However, outside the capital is a getaway destination that I could imagine the imperial court going to. The place I’m referring to is none other than the Summer Palace.
The Summer Palace combines the beauty of nature and ingenious architecture. It combines gardens, landscaping, temples, pavilions, and palaces wherein the imperial family can relax and unwind. This architectural and design masterpiece dates to 1750. An extensive restoration took place in the late 19th century to restore its former glory after the ravages of a war in the mid-19th century.
The Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with significant cultural and historical value. Emperors and their royal court have used the palace in a variety of ways such as for recreational activities, administrative, and even spiritual purposes. As I explored the vast complex, I can understand why it has many functions. The views of the lakes, manicured gardens and landscaping create an ideal place to contemplate and reflect. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, you can find quite a few spots where you can get away from the crowds. You can imagine the emperor or empress admiring the landscape or taking a stroll in one of the halls. Some notable places in the palace include the Tower of the Fragrance of Buddha, Kunming Lake, and the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity.
You can spend an entire day here walking along its halls, checking out the views, or hanging out in one of the gardens. It’s an ideal place to get away from Beijing’s concrete jungle.
Escape to Chengde’s Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples
After visiting Beijing’s most recognizable landmarks and historic monuments, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden Palace, I looked for another noteworthy destination. I decided to visit the Mountain Resort of Chengde. I booked round trip train tickets and was off to discover another city in China.
The Summer Palace in Beijing impressed me, but when I explored Chengde’s Mountain Resort, I was equally fascinated. The Qing Dynasty used the Mountain Resort as their Summer Palace. Construction took several decades to finish, from the early 18th century to the late 18th century. Its similar in a way to the Summer Palace because it blends the beautiful landscape with man-made structures. I saw various temples, pavilions and gardens with a lake or the hills as their backdrop.
The Mountain Resort isn’t just a place for contemplation and relaxation; it also played an important role in administering the border regions. The imperial court received foreign envoys and ethnic groups’ leaders at the resort during their visit. They had temples built in the outlying areas of the resort. The harmonious blending of architecture, culture, and historical value has earned the resort and its outlying temples a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The resort has multiple scenic walking paths that take you through its pavilions, halls, and gardens. You can also check out the viewpoints that provide overlooking views of the beautiful landscape, rock formations, and temples. The serene atmosphere is in stark contrast to Beijing’s hustle and bustle.
The most spectacular temple I saw was the Putuo Zongcheng Temple. It dates to the 18th century and is referred to as the ‘Little Potala Palace’ because it resembles its counterpart in Tibet. Perched on a mountain, the main temple dominates the landscape while smaller buildings and pagodas zigzag their way down the side until the gate. Another noteworthy religious attraction in Chengde is Puning Temple. It also dates to the 18th century and blends Tibetan and Han architectural designs. The Mahayana Hall is a highlight because you’ll see the more than 22m high Arya Avalokiteshavra statue inside.
Chengde might not be on the list of most popular attractions in China. However, it’s worth a side trip from Beijing, if you’re interested to see a different part of the country. I would recommend spending more than a day because of the number of temples you can visit and the vastness of the resort. The natural and cultural landscapes and fresh air are a welcome respite from the big city’s urban sprawl.