Chengde Mountain Resort Museum

Chengde Mountain Resort Museum

The Chengde Mountain Resort Museum is a patriotic education base.

The Mountain Resort Museum is situated within the Mountain Resort, the largest existing imperial garden in China. It currently comprises three architectural complexes: the Main Palace Area of the Mountain Resort, the Songhe Studio, and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Pine Breezes. Along with the Palace Museum in Beijing and the Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum, it is recognized as one of China’s three major museums of Qing Dynasty history. The museum currently has 12 departments, including the Office, the Organization and Personnel Division, the Finance Division, the Exhibition Department, the Publicity and Education Department, the Security Department, the Cultural Relics Conservation Department, the Tourism Management Division, the Maintenance Team, the Cultural Relics Management Division, the Research and Documentation Office, and the Public Access Division.

The Mountain Resort Museum is world-renowned for its rich collection, primarily featuring imperial treasures from the Qing court, with over 30,000 pieces of court art. It has been listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s 500 major museums. The museum currently offers nearly 30 restored displays (such as the Hall of Tranquil Benevolence, the Study of Four Wisdoms, and the Chamber of Breezy Delight) and thematic exhibitions (including hanging screens, clocks, porcelain, enamelware, and glassware). These systematically showcase a splendid and profound chapter in the history of Eastern civilization, providing visitors with intellectual enrichment and spiritual enjoyment to reflect on history and life.

Main Palace: Constructed between 1711 (the 50th year of the Kangxi reign) and 1713 (the 52nd year of the Kangxi reign), and renovated in 1754 (the 19th year of the Qianlong reign), the Main Palace covers an area of over 10,000 square meters with 219 halls. It served as the primary location where Qing emperors handled state affairs and conducted daily life during their stays in Chengde. Following traditional Chinese principles such as "Nine Five, the Flying Dragon in the Heavens, Auspicious for Meeting the Great" and "Heavenly Protection for Ninety Years," the complex was designed with nine courtyards for both state functions and private residence. Along the central axis are, in sequence, the Lizheng Gate, the Palace Gate, the Wumen Gate, the Hall of Tranquil Benevolence, the Study of Four Wisdoms, the Hall of Imperial Longevity, the Chamber of Breezy Delight, the Cloudy Mountains and Supreme Land, and the Xiu Yun Gate. Symmetrically arranged along the sides are auxiliary halls, corridors, and side rooms. This complex not only strictly adheres to the grand and solemn layout of imperial architecture but also features a well-spaced, garden-like design full of winding paths and secluded charm. Here, you can personally experience the grandeur of the royal hunting expeditions, the splendor of the Kangxi and Qianlong eras, and the prosperity of a unified multi-ethnic empire.

Songhe Studio: Built in 1749 (the 14th year of the Qianlong reign) and located to the east of the Main Palace, this eight-courtyard complex was constructed as a retirement retreat for Empress Dowager Xiaoshengxian, the mother of Emperor Qianlong. It was named “Songhe Studio” (Pine and Crane Studio), symbolizing longevity. The complex includes the Gate Hall, Songhe Studio, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, the Fifteen-Room Mirror Wing, the Screen Gate, the Hall of Virtuous Succession, and the Pavilion of Distant Vistas. The Hall of Virtuous Succession was where Emperor Jiaqing studied and resided as a prince, and after 1832 (the 20th year of the Daoguang reign), it was used to enshrine portraits of successive Qing emperors. This courtyard is shaded by ancient trees, adorned with flowers, plants, rocks, and hills, offering an elegant and unique environment.

Pavilion of Ten Thousand Pine Breezes: As the earliest architectural complex in the palace area of the Mountain Resort, it is situated on a high terrace overlooking the lake, encircled and connected by a semi-enclosed corridor. The main hall, the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Pine Breezes, faces south, while the other halls are irregularly arranged, showcasing a flexible layout with a distinctive charm reminiscent of Jiangnan-style garden architecture.

Visiting Route of the Mountain Resort Museum: Lizheng Gate — Outer Wumen Gate (Museum Entrance) — Inner Wumen Gate — Hall of Tranquil Benevolence — Study of Four Wisdoms — Mirror Wing — Chamber of Breezy Delight — Scenic Cloudy Mountains — Xiu Yun Gate (Exit).

Location: Within the Mountain Resort, Shuangqiao District, Chengde City, Hebei Province

Transportation: In Chengde City, take bus routes 5, 6, 6 Interval, 10, 11, 15, etc., and get off at the Mountain Resort stop.

Self-driving Route:

From Beijing (entire Jingcheng Expressway): Sun Palace Bridge (North Third Ring) — Wanghe Bridge (North Fourth Ring) — Laiguangying (North Fifth Ring) — Houshayu — Gaoliying (North Sixth Ring) — Huairou — Miyun — Gubeikou — Chengde. Upon exiting the Chengde Expressway, you will arrive at the southern end of downtown Chengde.

From Tianjin: 1. Tianjin — Jixian County — Xinglong — Chengde County — Chengde City, total distance 330 km; 2. Jingjintang Expressway — Beijing Sixth Ring — Jingcheng Expressway — Chengde.

Further Reading:

· National Second-Class Museum of China