Province is the city where Qing emperors came to relax during the long hot
summers.
Some 250 kilometers
(156 miles) north of the capital Beijing, it is set dramatically among rolling green
hills, craggy peaks and verdant maize fields.
Chengde is still a popular retreat. These days the masses from Beijing and beyond descend
on the city in droves every weekend to escape the pollution and ramble in lush
countryside.
Many magnificent temples and palaces have made it a famous historical and cultural city,
as well as one of China's foremost scenic spots.
The sprawling Imperial Mountain Resort is the key attraction. It once served as second
political center of the Qing imperial court.
When the temperatures soared in Beijing, emperors conducted state affairs and engaged in
essential political intrigue in relative cool and comfort. The resort was listed in the
directory of the world's cultural heritage sites in 1994.
Around the resort loom 12 huge Buddhist temples in a variety of architectural styles,
including Tibetan. These are some of the most elaborate and unusual temples in China.
To have them all together, spread across the leafy hills just to the north and northeast
of the city, is a very special treat — and an easy way to fill many rolls of film in a
single afternoon.
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Pule Temple
blends Han and |
