Lasha is famous for its Potala Temple. However, it is too far away and too up high. So, if you want to get a similar feeling, visit Chengde's Small Potala instead. Chengde is located about 230Km north-east of Beijing. It is a popular one or two day trip destination for expatriates living in Beijing. It still takes 3 1/2 hours to get there from Beijing by car, the express way is under construction. When it is complete, it may take just two hours, I believe. The city of Chengde is worth visiting because many impressive sites are located side by side. My favorites are (1) Small Potala Temple, (2) Imperial Summer Palace, (3) Puning Temple. It took me 5 hours to visit just the above three. Other than those, there are 6 more outside temples, 8 in total. That's why some people stay over there. Again it is not easy to get there, but it is a worth while. See more..
Tip : buy the combined ticket for 280yuans (Mountain resort, Potala and Punning Temple) if you're going to visit the main sights. You can add HammerRock the price would be 320yuans if I remember. Really nice temple, dont miss the largest bouddha in a piece of wood (22m), very impressive. Few monks around, and people praying.See more..
4.5Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qing Dynasty(64 reviews) - Qing Tombs in Summer, better than Ming tombs Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Cemeteries
I went to the Qing tombs with my family in summer 2013 and were lucky enough to be driven there by family in China. While it's quite faraway from the rest of the Beijing sites, it's worth a day's trip to Zunhua to see these tombs. After seeing the site in Beijing I was quite disappointed with the fake and refurbished state of the sites, and the inability to get up and close to the site. The Qing tombs have no been refurbished, but this does not take anything away from its grandness. You are able to get up to the buildings and there is very little people around, allowing you to take your time and not feel rushed by the people around you. The underground sites were amazing, very detailed and beautiful marble carvings. It's cold in there, even in the middle of summer, so do bring something to wear. Better to go to this site than the Ming tombs.See more..
4.5Acient Lotus Flower Pond Resort(39 reviews) - Beautiful when the Lotus Flowers are in full bloom Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Awesome, peaceful park, and stunning when the masses of huge lotus flowers are in bloom. Highly recommend at the right time of year. I first visited in the first half of 2002 and again in Sept 2010. Fantastic both times.See more..
4.0Government Department(35 reviews) - Cool slice of history. Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites
As one that knows very little of Chinese history, this was a very enjoyable stop on our journey. We hired a guide that really explained all the history to us. She only spoke Chinese, so one of the guys with us did the translating. There are some interpretive signs, but they don't go into the depth that the guide did. This place is in a busy district with lots of shopping. After visiting the Government grounds, we walked around the town and took in the hustle and bustle.See more..
4.5Dajing Gate(26 reviews) - Wonderful Great Wall Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
It was a cool day to visit this lovely Gate and its surrounding. Walking around the place was good exercise for every one after a long private coach ride. You can even get a ride on a horse!!The sun was just ride as we enjoyed watching locals and tourists enjoying themselves taking photographs in front of the gate while others started to climb the hill from behind the wall. The souvenir shop is rather small. I would have loved to see more items to buy and bring home for friends and relatives. The guy in charge was extremely friendly, though non English speaking. The icecream sticks were delicious!! I would like to come back and visit in the near future.See more..
Also called the Round Pavilion, this structure was built in 1766 for the representatives of the Kazak, Khalkhas and other dignitaries of minority cultures who wished an audience with Emperor Qianlong.See more..
4.0Baoding Bell Tower(17 reviews) - Old City of Baoding Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites
The Bell Tower is in the oldest part of Baoding city. Good to visit and to know the history of the Bell Tower. Near the tower are many bargain shops.See more..
4.5Baiyangyu Great Wall(16 reviews) - Excellent location, no crowds Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites
We took a short detour to visit the Great Wall at Baiyangyu while driving from Beijing across to Qinhuangdao, and it was well worth it. Although a reasonably steep 15-20 min walk to get up to the wall from the village itself (and so requires at least average fitness), there is a very new, well maintained paved path and stairs the whole way. The wall itself is crumbling away in places, but still plenty of structure intact to make it an excellent place to visit. There is a great spot not far from where the pathway meets the wall where you can stand on the wall as it crosses a small knoll with steep drops down either side and look out across breathtaking views of the valley you have just walked up. We visited on a Thursday, and there was not another person on the wall for the 30 mins we spent up there, which really enhanced the experience. And as an added bonus, about three-quarters of the way up to the wall is a large (15m or so high) gold Buddha statue, built in 1996. We have now visited the wall in about seven different locations, and I would definitely rate Baiyangyu as a must see for wall enthusiasts with a bit of adventurous spirit.See more..
4.5Eight Outer Temples(14 reviews) - High Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites
It is the proof that old Chinese emperors used to handle border affairs through many different policies ...See more..
4.0Nuanquan Town(14 reviews) - A well preserved Garrison Town Historic Sites
Nestled west of Yuxian, this former Ming Dynasty Garrison town with its well preserved Gate house and walls is a step into the past. Don't miss a tour of the tunnels underneath the hills in town where they used to hide soldiers.See more..
3.5Mancheng Han-Dynasty Mausoleum(11 reviews) - Han Tomb Caves Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
We visited these two tombs which are about 100 yards apart up a small mountain. There is a cable car ride up and down - around 15 minutes at 50 RMB. Entrance to the site is 40 RMB. These tombs were closed up for 2000 years and only recently opened up for the public. well worth a visit. There is also a temple at the top of the hill.See more..
4.0Guangfu Ancient City(10 reviews) - Beautiful day trip from Handan! Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
My husband and I were stopping through Handan and wanted to do something fun that wasn't too far away. It's about an hour by bus to the Ancient City. It's really fascinating and huge! There are small shops and restaurants more aimed at tourists, but also small side streets with local homes, businesses, and schools where you can see how people live inside this ancient walled city, it's quite fascinating. We were there on a weekday and it was very quiet, we didn't see many tourists. There are many people offering bicycle carriage and minibus tours, but we preferred to walk around, you can also walk up onto the towers on each side of the city. There are many restaurants and we got some great food right outside the walled city (be aware English will probably not be spoken at most restaurants and shops).See more..
4.0Dingzhou Tower(9 reviews) - Tall and narrow Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites
It is your average park with a large concrete area in front, some kite flying but the entrance is around the back. You need to pay to get in and there is a higher tourist fee (yeah they spotted me). There is a small museum about the tower up front, a buddhist shrine / prayer area, fortune teller, rock pillar and then the tower, which is narrow and steep but a fun climb to the top with lots of artwork to see.See more..
4.0Temple of Distant Peace (Anyuan miao)(9 reviews) - Anyuan Temple: Overlooked but Most Beautiful Temple Grounds Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Anyuan Miao is probably the least-visited of the Chengde temples that you can officially tour, but to me it provided the most peaceful experience and has beautifully landscaped grounds. It located near Pule (pronounced Pu-la) Temple, which imitates the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Anyuan Temple has no such distinctive shape as found with other Chengde temples. It is the best for just sitting down on the many benches under a shady tree and taking it all in (nature, the classical architecture and the quietude.) Make it the last one to see on your temple tour. There are still many historic aspects to see within Anyuan, but the park-like setting is the best part. It has a very Zen-like atmosphere.See more..
4.5Baoding Military School(8 reviews) - Enjoy this park Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities
Everybody goes to this park after supper to enjoy life. People crowd to do verious tipes of dancing, TaiJi and many other activities. Children playing and running arround. Underneath this park there is a shopping centre where you can do shopping and accross the street on the eastern side are many restaurants to go to if you are hungry.See more..
4.0Dazhao Li Memorial(7 reviews) - Li Dazhao is famed for saying marriage should be based on love & not the old Chinese feudal system Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites
Li Dazhao was a leader in getting changes made in who one should marry (i.e., based on love and not the feudal marriage system and responsibilities of family members to each other, such as caring for the elderly. Part of the memorial hall was his former residence. On display is information on his life story. Annual visitors to the museum approximate 1.5 million, comprised of Chinese citizens and tourists from foreign countries.See more..
4.0Dingzhou Ancient Examination Place(4 reviews) - Architektonisch faszinierendes Relikt der späten Qing Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
Das südlich von Baoding gelegene Dingzhou war einst eine bedeutende Stadt, ist mittlerweile aber eine unbekannte Provinzstadt, die so gut wie keine ausländischen Besucher sieht. Dabei hat die Stadt einige Sehenswürdigkeiten zu bieten, darunter diese architektonsich einzigartige, 5-fach gestaffelte Prüfungshalle aus dem späten 19. Jahrhundert. In der Halle, die leider nur sehr wenige Besucher sieht, findet sich eine Ausstellung über das Prüfungswesen der damaligen Zeit, man sollte aber in erster Linie die Atmosphäre des Baus auf dich wirken lassen.See more..
I spent a bit of time here with my wife's family. This place is a replica ancient Chinese village. This place is geared towards Chinese tourists. Not much English is spoken. Many people have moved in and live in accommodation there. Highlights: stroll through the city taking in the sights including a Buddhist temple. We were there while it snowed and the houses were very pretty with the snow. There are plenty of Chinese and Korean restaurants to try. In terms of Western food there is nothing apart from the Dutch cafe which is nothing to get excited about. We found a Chinese style hotel near where all the jade shops are. Had a look through and it seemed pleasant. I'd probably stay there. See more..
3.0Xuanhua City Walls(1 review) - Large restored city wall section and southern gate tower Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Castles
Xuanhua was a huge ancient city, and part of the city walls remain. The southern city gate costs 5RMB to enter, and gives good views of the bell tower. The restored city wall is free to enter. Both are closed from 12 - 2pm. The restored city wall is over 2 km long, and is being restored as far as the eye can see north. Other ruined sections of city wall can be seen the southern park and the east of the city. Nearby attractions include the Liao Dynasty tomb, city towers, and Jimingyi Walled town. I paid a taxi to all of the above on a day trip from Beijing. From wikipedia - Historically, Xuanhua has been the "Gateway to Beijing," a city with a large garrison that was close enough to the capital to be strategically vital. Xuanhua was also the garrison headquarters for the soldiers on the Xuanda-Shanxi Military Area, commanding Xuanfu Zhen, Datong Zhen and ShanxiZhen of the Great Wall, one of the three military governorships of the great wall in the Ming Dynasty.See more..
5.0Great Wall at Dongjiakou(1 review) - Untrammeled Great Wall Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
The Great Wall at Dongjiakou is not for everyone. There is an initial one to two mile hike, sometimes steep to reach the wall. Those with difficulty walking will only be able to view it from the bottom. This section of the Great Wall is about 50 kilometers from the town of Qinhuangdao. You will need an in the know Chinese driver and or guide to find this location. Whether it is worth it to you to take an entire day or two to walk on a rugged and only sparsely restored part of the Wall is a personal decision you must make. For me and the few friends who accompanied me, this was a GREAT side trip to an area we know is authentic and original. We loved it. The hike in and climb to the wall can be done at a leisurely pace, so those who are a bit older, but able to walk and step up about 8 to 12" at a time will be able to make the climb. Take some snacks and water along. Not many places to eat, but as always your guide will be able to find some kind of restaurant in town, you just might not want to eat there. Again this depends on how adventurous you are in your eating habits. If you are picky or fastidious be sure and bring lots of snacks along with you. Enjoy!See more..
