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Take China Group Tours in 2026 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>Take China Group Tours in 2026 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>
Want DEEPER imperial experience beyond the Forbidden City? While the Forbidden City served as the winter palace, Chengde was the Qing emperors’ summer retreat - the “Second Imperial Capital” where Kangxi and Qianlong once governed the vast empire.
For an IN-DEPTH journey into imperial heritage, this 2-day Chengde tour is the perfect choice. Visit the UNESCO-listed Mountain Resort, the largest existing royal garden in China, and explore the surrounding Eight Outer Temples - the emperor’s “diplomatic and religious stage.”
On Day 1, discover the heart of the Mountain Resort: walk through the Palace Area where emperors handled state affairs, enjoy the elegant Jiangnan-style Lake Area, and admire the open plains reminiscent of the northern grasslands.
On Day 2, marvel at the Little Potala Palace with its grand Tibetan-style architecture, and visit Puning Temple to witness the harmonious blend of Han and Tibetan religious art.
Useful Tip from AOT: If you haven’t visited the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace yet, it’s best to spend 2 days exploring Beijing’s classic highlights first. This Chengde tour perfectly complements the royal heritage sites of Beijing.
View Destinations
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Drive from Beijing to Chengde | |
| 1-2 | Chengde | Chengde Mountain Resort (Palace Area - Lake Area - Plain Area), Little Potala Palace, Puning Temple |
| Beijing | Get back from Chengde to Beijing |
Beijing 
Chengde
Beijing
This morning, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Beijing for the journey to Chengde Mountain Resort, located about 230 km northeast of Beijing (about 3-3.5 hours’ drive).
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chengde Mountain Resort is the largest surviving imperial garden in China - twice the size of the Summer Palace and eight times that of the Forbidden City. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it served as the summer retreat for emperors such as Kangxi and Qianlong, who handled state affairs, received foreign envoys, and met tribal leaders here. Together with the nearby “Eight Outer Temples,” the resort forms a magnificent complex of northern-style imperial gardens and temples - an essential extension to any Beijing cultural journey.
The resort is divided into four main areas: the Palace Area, Lake Area, Plain Area, and Mountain Area. Your half-day exploration will focus on the essence - Palace, Lake, and Plain Areas.
Enter through Lizheng Gate and begin at the Palace Area, where the emperors once lived and governed. Visit the Chengde Mountain Resort Museum, and pass by landmarks such as Danbo Jingcheng Hall (the main ceremonial hall for receiving officials), Sizhi Study (where Emperor Kangxi reviewed memorials), and Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, the imperial residence. Don’t miss the Yunshan Shengdi Tower, offering a panoramic view over the lake and plains below.
Continue with a leisurely stroll through the Lake Area, admired for its serene bridges, pavilions, and southern-style charm. Modeled after the famous lakes of Hangzhou and Jiaxing, this area captures the refined beauty of Jiangnan. Walk along willow-lined causeways and graceful zigzag bridges to Yanbo Tower, where mist and reflections create a poetic landscape.
Finally, take a short sightseeing bus ride through the Plain Area, a vast expanse of open meadows and wildflowers. Imagine imperial military parades once held here by Qing emperors. Visit Wanshu Garden, featuring 28 yurts once used for royal banquets to entertain Mongolian princes and foreign dignitaries.
After your exploration, your driver will escort you to your hotel in Chengde.
Optional Evening Show:
In the evening, you may choose to enjoy the “Grand Ceremony of the Kangxi Dynasty”, a spectacular immersive live show. The 70-minute show follows the legendary life of Emperor Kangxi, one of China’s greatest rulers, portraying his dreams of peace, prosperity, and unity during the Qing Dynasty. It is held at the Dingsheng Cultural Industrial Park.
Dining:
Accommodation:
Pace:
After breakfast, set out to explore the famous temple complex north of Chengde Mountain Resort, collectively known as the “Eight Outer Temples” (Waiba Miao). Together with the Mountain Resort, these temples form part of Chengde’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing the harmony among China’s diverse ethnic cultures during the Qing Dynasty. Built with strong Tibetan and Mongolian architectural influences, they were constructed to honor and welcome regional leaders from Tibet, Mongolia, and other frontier areas.
Your first stop the most iconic one - the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, often called the “Little Potala Palace.” Completed in 1771, it was modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, rising majestically up the hillside in layers. Follow the route uphill: from the Mountain Gate → Stele Pavilion → Five-Pagoda Gate → Glazed Archway → White Terrace → Grand Red Terrace → Hall of All Laws Return to One (Wanfa Guiyi Dian).
The Grand Red Terrace is the architectural highlight - the main body of the temple complex. Standing before it, you’ll truly feel the grandeur and magnificence of this Tibetan-style masterpiece. At the top, the Hall of All Laws Return to One, with its gilded bronze roof shimmering under the sunlight, offers breathtaking views across the mountains and Chengde city below.
Don’t miss the Five-Pagoda Gate, a white Tibetan-style terrace topped with five small stupas in red, yellow, green, white, and black - each representing different elements of Buddhist wisdom.
Photography Tips: Capture the grandeur of the temple by shooting upward from the entrance for a dramatic perspective, and later enjoy panoramic shots of the city and hills from the top terrace.
Later, continue your exploration at Puning Temple (Temple of Universal Peace). Built in 1755, it was to commemorate the Qing Empire’s victory over the Dzungar rebellion. The temple’s name reflects the wish for universal harmony and peace under heaven.
Puning Temple is a remarkable example of “One Temple, Two Styles” - its front section follows the traditional Han Chinese Buddhist layout, while the rear section is designed in the Tibetan mandala style, symbolizing the unity of different cultures and faiths within the empire.
Enter through the mountain gate and explore the classic Chinese-style halls, including the Heavenly King Hall and Mahavira Hall, recognizable by their elegant yellow-glazed roofs. Moving deeper, you’ll find yourself immersed in Tibetan architecture inspired by Samye Monastery in Tibet, with its distinctive stupas and prayer halls.
The highlight of your visit is the awe-inspiring 22.28-meter wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), gilded and painted in gold. This magnificent sculpture holds a Guinness World Record as one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in the world, radiating both power and serenity.
After your temple visit, your guide and driver will transfer you back to Beijing, either to your hotel or directly to the airport/train station for your onward journey.
Extend Your China Adventure:
Beijing itself deserves at least 2-3 full days of exploration. Make sure you have planned that. If you’d like to explore more of China, consider adding destinations such as Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Shanghai (The Bund), Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains), Chengdu (Giant Pandas), Guilin (Karst Landscapes), or Tibet (Mount Everest). Each offers its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Beijing Chengde journey. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next adventure across China!
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
Vehicle ServiceAirport/Train Station TransfersProfessional Guide ServiceDriver ServiceHotel AccommodationDaily Hotel BreakfastMeals as SpecifiedEntrance FeesGreat Wall VisitInsuranceSpecial ExperiencesComprehensive Service
China Visa FeeInternational / Domestic AirfareTransportation During Free TimeOptional ActivitiesMeals Not ListedBeveragesExtra Expenses Inside Scenic AreasTips for Guide and DriverPersonal ExpensesSingle Room Supplement
For deeper local experience, you can have in-depth Hutong tour, including Shichahai, Yinding Bridge, and Bar Street (about 20 minutes by rickshaw), and local family visit. You can also try Chinese calligraphy, mask painting, or paper cutting here - just tell us what interests you most!
Tianjin Tour (1-day trip): Explore the Italian Style Street and the Five Great Avenues.
Chengde: Visit the Qing Dynasty’s summer retreat and royal mountain resort.
Inner Mongolia Tour: Escape the summer heat with grassland adventures, horseback riding, and the Naadam Festival.
If it’s your first trip to China, we recommend exploring the Golden Triangle - Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai - or even Guilin for its stunning karst landscapes. The 8 to 10 days tour offers perfect mix of ancient wonders, modern cities, and natural beauty.
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Step 1: Find Your Ideal Trip: Focus on the tour that interests you most, and browse the “Day-by-Day Itinerary” section to understand the details.
Step 2: Consider Your Preferences: Before sending an inquiry, take a moment to think about your personal requirements - such as activities or experiences you’d like to include in your Beijing tour.
Step 3: Submit an Inquiry: Click the “Inquiry” button, fill in your travel details and contact information. Please note that our quotation service is completely FREE.
Step 4: Receive Your Quote: Our Beijing/China travel advisor will contact you soon by email with personalized quote based on your travel information and preferences.
Step 5: Modify Your Itinerary: Work with your travel advisor to adjust your itinerary and travel details until everything meets your satisfaction.
Step 6: Confirm Your Booking: Once you’re happy with your plan, make a deposit payment, and we will send you an Official Confirmation Letter for your trip.
Step 7: Settle the Balance: Please complete the final payment before you arrive in China to begin your tour.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Trip with AOT: Get ready to enjoy your Beijing adventure with Asia Odyssey Travel!
We offer a wide selection of carefully chosen 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels in Beijing. Most are conveniently located in prime areas - within the Second Ring Road, around Wangfujing, and the CBD - offering easy access to top attractions (Forbidden City, Hutongs, Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street), shopping, and dining.
Room Options:
Depending on your group size, we can arrange standard twin rooms, king-bed rooms, family rooms, or triple rooms. If an extra bed is needed, please let us know in advance so we can confirm availability with the hotel.
All hotels provide daily buffet breakfast, and we ensure each room is comfortable, non-smoking, well air-conditioned, and spacious - for a truly pleasant stay in Beijing.
Tip: Already have a preferred hotel in mind? Just let us know - we’ll be happy to help with the booking!
Data in submission...Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Beijing Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Tripadvisor 4.9
4.9 | 16,674 reviews
I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional experience.
Starting in Beijing, everything kicked off seamlessly — airport pick-up worked well, and our guide made us feel comfortable right away. Over the month we moved through a very broad selection of China’s landscapes, cities, history and culture. From the imposing Great Wall of China and Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient capitals, ethnic minority regions, high-speed train rides, rural scenery and modern metropolises.
Some of the highlights for me:
I recently completed the “21-Day China Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from the U.S., I found the journey both impressive and very well managed.
Starting in Shanghai, our arrival went smoothly — airport pick-up, a comfortable downtown hotel, and a friendly local guide who helped us get oriented right away. From there, the itinerary took us through a carefully curated mix of China’s highlights: we explored ancient towns, visited imposing historical monuments, traveled on high-speed trains and domestic flights, and experienced both modern cities and scenic countryside.
Some of the standout moments for me:
I highly recommend this tour to fellow American travelers. It offers an excellent balance of history, nature, and city life — all arranged in a smart, hassle-free manner. Thanks to Asia Odyssey Travel for making it an unforgettable experience.
I just came back from the 30-Day China Panorama Tour from Guangzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever joined.
From the moment I landed in Guangzhou, everything was well-coordinated. The local guide greeted us at the airport and made us feel welcome right away. We started with classic Cantonese highlights like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lychee Bay, and traditional dim sum — a great introduction to southern China’s culture.
The route that followed was impressive. We cruised along the Li River in Guilin, cycled through Yangshuo’s peaceful countryside, and admired the Longji Rice Terraces. In Yunnan, Dali and Lijiang’s old towns were full of character, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Chengdu was all about pandas and Sichuan food, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong looked like scenes from a painting, and Chongqing’s mountain city views were unforgettable. The trip ended with Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, and Shanghai’s skyline — the perfect contrast of history and modern life.
Everything ran smoothly throughout. The guides were professional and friendly, the hotels were clean and comfortable, and transportation was efficient. My personal highlights were sharing bamboo rice with local villagers in Longji, standing by the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and watching the city lights in Chongqing after dinner.
We made a trip with Asia Odyssey Travel in August 2025 throughout China ( Macao_Hong-Kong_Guilin_Xian_Beijing_Shanghai. We were a group of 5 families, in total 17 people, from Spain. The tour was fantastic, thanks to our Travel Agent/Consultant Mandy. She is very professional, effective in her work, fast, friendly, and she adapted the trip to our group.
Everything during our trip was very well scheduled, all the tour guides were nice, the hotels great, the transport and everything very well organized.
Mandy took a great interest in our trip and made our experience wonderful. We had a nice time in China.
In a few words, she made a great work and it wasn´t easy as we were a big group and we needed Spanish speaking tour guides, something that she got without problem.
I recommend Asia Odissey Travel and of course Mandy!
For the last thirty years, I have always organized my trips by my self, dealing directly with all aspects of the trip (flights, transfers, hotels, transport, attractions, etc). For this first trip to China, not knowing the language and given the size of the country, I decided to rely on a Chinese travel agency which, being specialized, could give me the level of quality to which I am used in my travels. Asia Odyssey Travel, in the person of Olivia Zeng our Travel Consultant, has not only met our expectations, but has far exceeded them in terms of professionalism, competence, availability and kindness. Our entire 12-day tour, departing from Beijing and arriving in Shanghai, touching the main places of classical China, was perfect and tailor-made for us. All the drivers and all the guides (Frank in Beijing, Timo in Xi'an, Summer in Chengdu, Becky in Guilin, Sarah in Shanghai and Linda in the transfer to the Shanghai train station) made us feel pampered and protected and told us many aspects of China, ancient and modern, which allowed us to grasp a little of the essence of this wonderful country. I highly recommend those who want to travel to Asia to take advantage of the perfect AOT service and, certainly, if I decide to return to those areas, I will organize my next trip with Olivia and AOT.
I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional experience.
Starting in Beijing, everything kicked off seamlessly — airport pick-up worked well, and our guide made us feel comfortable right away. Over the month we moved through a very broad selection of China’s landscapes, cities, history and culture. From the imposing Great Wall of China and Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient capitals, ethnic minority regions, high-speed train rides, rural scenery and modern metropolises.
Some of the highlights for me:
I recently completed the “21-Day China Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from the U.S., I found the journey both impressive and very well managed.
Starting in Shanghai, our arrival went smoothly — airport pick-up, a comfortable downtown hotel, and a friendly local guide who helped us get oriented right away. From there, the itinerary took us through a carefully curated mix of China’s highlights: we explored ancient towns, visited imposing historical monuments, traveled on high-speed trains and domestic flights, and experienced both modern cities and scenic countryside.
Some of the standout moments for me:
I highly recommend this tour to fellow American travelers. It offers an excellent balance of history, nature, and city life — all arranged in a smart, hassle-free manner. Thanks to Asia Odyssey Travel for making it an unforgettable experience.
I just came back from the 30-Day China Panorama Tour from Guangzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever joined.
From the moment I landed in Guangzhou, everything was well-coordinated. The local guide greeted us at the airport and made us feel welcome right away. We started with classic Cantonese highlights like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lychee Bay, and traditional dim sum — a great introduction to southern China’s culture.
The route that followed was impressive. We cruised along the Li River in Guilin, cycled through Yangshuo’s peaceful countryside, and admired the Longji Rice Terraces. In Yunnan, Dali and Lijiang’s old towns were full of character, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Chengdu was all about pandas and Sichuan food, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong looked like scenes from a painting, and Chongqing’s mountain city views were unforgettable. The trip ended with Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, and Shanghai’s skyline — the perfect contrast of history and modern life.
Everything ran smoothly throughout. The guides were professional and friendly, the hotels were clean and comfortable, and transportation was efficient. My personal highlights were sharing bamboo rice with local villagers in Longji, standing by the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and watching the city lights in Chongqing after dinner.
This tour was incredible. We were skeptical about combining Vietnam's slow-paced beauty with China's massive scale, but the contrast was brilliant. Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai's towering skyline felt like a time warp! Seeing history at the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors was profoundly moving, while the natural grandeur of the Zhangjiajie mountains was simply unforgettable. The flights and rail connections were perfectly organized, easing any stress for our older family members. Truly an epic expedition guided by real experts.
Seriously the best month of our gap year. We called it the "banana route" because of the way we traveled from the chaos and charm of Vietnam right into the futurism of Shanghai and then into the refined order of Japan (Nara's deer were everything!). The planning done by the team was flawless. We got to see three totally distinct worlds: the temples of Hanoi, the Great Wall of China, and the shrines of Kyoto. All without worrying about Visas or logistics. We want a huge, eye-opening adventure, this is the one.
Our agent Chia is simply the best! She was in contact with us every step of the way from the time we committed to the Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai tour. There was absolutely no stress with the entire tour ie. Pick ups, train/ plane tickets, payments. Each time Chia was able to answer any questions that we had almost immediately. The tour itself was great, met some really nice people from different parts of the world. Groups were a maximum of 12 so the guides were always very attentive - in Tibet, we only had 3 left in the group. We have travelled quite extensively but this is the first time we have engaged in a tour and it certainly did not disappoint. Highly recommended!
We made a trip with Asia Odyssey Travel in August 2025 throughout China ( Macao_Hong-Kong_Guilin_Xian_Beijing_Shanghai. We were a group of 5 families, in total 17 people, from Spain. The tour was fantastic, thanks to our Travel Agent/Consultant Mandy. She is very professional, effective in her work, fast, friendly, and she adapted the trip to our group.
Everything during our trip was very well scheduled, all the tour guides were nice, the hotels great, the transport and everything very well organized.
Mandy took a great interest in our trip and made our experience wonderful. We had a nice time in China.
In a few words, she made a great work and it wasn´t easy as we were a big group and we needed Spanish speaking tour guides, something that she got without problem.
I recommend Asia Odissey Travel and of course Mandy!
We relied on this agency to organize a 22-day trip to China, covering Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Guilin, Xi’an, Pingyao, and Beijing. From the very beginning, Isaac, our travel consultant, proved to be extremely helpful: once we shared the cities we wanted to visit and the itinerary we had in mind, he immediately structured the entire journey, carefully arranging transfers from airport/train station and in the cities, guided tours, hotels, train tickets, and entry passes to various attractions and landmarks. Thanks to his support, planning was smooth and collaborative.
Once in China, all the guides we met along the way turned out to be knowledgeable, reliable, and friendly. Besides assisting us during the tours, they also gave us great tips for the evenings, which we had chosen to keep free in order to explore the cities on our own. This balance between guidance and independence made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
After comparing notes with friends who traveled to China with other agencies, we realized that our experience with Asia Odyssey was not only organized with greater care and attention, but also allowed us to save quite a lot compared to other options.
For the last thirty years, I have always organized my trips by my self, dealing directly with all aspects of the trip (flights, transfers, hotels, transport, attractions, etc). For this first trip to China, not knowing the language and given the size of the country, I decided to rely on a Chinese travel agency which, being specialized, could give me the level of quality to which I am used in my travels. Asia Odyssey Travel, in the person of Olivia Zeng our Travel Consultant, has not only met our expectations, but has far exceeded them in terms of professionalism, competence, availability and kindness. Our entire 12-day tour, departing from Beijing and arriving in Shanghai, touching the main places of classical China, was perfect and tailor-made for us. All the drivers and all the guides (Frank in Beijing, Timo in Xi'an, Summer in Chengdu, Becky in Guilin, Sarah in Shanghai and Linda in the transfer to the Shanghai train station) made us feel pampered and protected and told us many aspects of China, ancient and modern, which allowed us to grasp a little of the essence of this wonderful country. I highly recommend those who want to travel to Asia to take advantage of the perfect AOT service and, certainly, if I decide to return to those areas, I will organize my next trip with Olivia and AOT.
