The palace area
Halls of state and living.
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The summer palace of the Qing emperors, built over 89 years between 1703 and 1792 at Chengde north of Beijing, where emperors spent months each summer away from the heat of the capital: the Kangxi Emperor stayed here for twelve summers and the Qianlong Emperor for fifty-two, and UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1994. The resort covers 5.6 square kilometres, almost half the area of the city of Chengde, taking in the palace area with its halls for ceremonies, state affairs and the imperial family's living quarters, then a lake district whose scenes copy many of southern China's famous gardens, and pastures, forests and hills ringed by a long wall; it is known for its 72 named views chosen by the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors. Tickets cost CNY 130 from April to October and CNY 90 for the rest of the year, half price for students and free for over-60s with ID, per visitor guides. The resort is huge, so allow a full day and use the boats or resort buggies.
Halls of state and living.
Southern garden scenes.
Within the wall.
Lizhengmen Street, central Chengde, Hebei
At least a full day, as it covers 5.6 square kilometres; it pairs with the Jinshanling Great Wall on a two-day trip.
The city has restaurants run by Hui Muslims under the halal sign, and the area is known for lamb dishes, while other restaurants may serve pork, so ask before ordering.