Walking in the Emperor's Back Garden: A Time-Folding Garden Narrative

❤Passing through three palace gates, the tree shadows shake off three hundred years of cicada songs. The sandalwood fragrance from Danbojingcheng Hall has not yet dissipated when my shadow already steps on Qianlong's footprints—cracks in the blue bricks are like tree rings, and the gold lacquer in the caisson ceiling resembles stars. ❤The Rehe River whispers between rock crevices, folding Jiangnan's misty rain into the dome of a Mongolian yurt. As wild ducks glide over the winding paths and cloud embankments, withered lotus suddenly straighten their stems, holding up half a cinnabar seal from Emperor Kangxi's poetry manuscripts. The tour guide's loudspeaker startles a flock of gray magpies, as the ink from Park Ji-won's "Rehe Diary" begins to blur on the pink walls of Yunshan Villa. ❤Dusk spreads over the rockery of Wenjin Pavilion, and I find half a copper mirror in a hidden compartment of the library. The mirror reflects fragments of the seventy-two scenic spots: Mongolian princes' sable fur coats sweep past Shuixin Pavilion, while missionaries' telescopes aim at the Lion Grove in Wenyuan. A golden carp leaps out of the mirror, and in the splashing water droplets hides half the moonlight of the Qing Dynasty. Travel Guide: I. Basic Information Address: Lizheng Gate Avenue, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, Hebei Province Opening Hours: Peak season (April-October): 7:00-18:00 Off-season (November-March): 8:00-17:30 Tickets: Mountain Resort Scenic Area: 130 yuan (peak season) / 90 yuan (off-season) Mountain shuttle + boat tour combo ticket: about 150 yuan (optional) II. Transportation Guide How to reach Chengde: From Beijing: High-speed rail: Beijing Chaoyang Station → Chengde South Station (about 1 hour), then 20 minutes by taxi to the resort. Bus: Beijing Sihui Bus Station → Chengde East Bus Station (about 3 hours). Self-driving: Take the Beijing-Chengde Expressway, about 3 hours' drive. Local transportation: The Mountain Resort is located in the city center, take a taxi or bus (such as routes 1, 5, 7) to the "Mountain Resort" stop. III. Recommended Tour Routes 1. Palace Area (Must-visit) Main attractions: Danbojingcheng Hall (Nanmu Hall), Sizhi Study, Yanbozhishuang Hall (Empress Dowager Cixi's residence). Features: Experience the royal architectural style and historical stories of the Qing Dynasty; recommended to follow a guide or rent an audio guide (20-30 yuan). 2. Lake Area (The Highlight) Recommended route: Winding paths and cloud embankments → Yanyu Tower (filming location for "Princess Returning Pearl") → Jinshan Pavilion → Rehe Spring (the shortest river). Activities: Take a boat ride (50 yuan/person) or walk along the lake to experience scenery similar to Jiangnan gardens. 3. Plain Area Highlights: Wanshu Garden, Shimadi (grassland scenery), Wenjin Pavilion (Qing Dynasty library, modeled after Tianyi Pavilion in Ningbo). 4. Mountain Area Suggestion: Take the mountain shuttle (60 yuan/person) for a panoramic view of Chengde and the Little Potala Palace (Putuo Zongcheng Temple). IV. Must-Visit Surrounding Attractions The Outer Eight Temples (World Cultural Heritage): Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace): Tibetan style, red and white building complex. Xumifushou Temple (Panchen Lama's Palace): Magnificent golden roof with glazed tiles. Tickets: Each temple charges separately (about 80 yuan/temple), combo tickets are more economical. Qingchui Peak National Forest Park: Unique hammer-shaped mountains, suitable for hiking enthusiasts. V. Accommodation Recommendations High-end: Chengde Mountain Resort Resort (inside the scenic area, quiet environment) Value for money: Chengde Yunshe Inn (near the resort, artistic style) Characteristic homestay: Chengde Old Town Courtyard (experience old town atmosphere) VI. Food Recommendations Pingquan Lamb Soup: Chengde's special breakfast, recommend "Laowu Lamb Soup." Ludagun: Traditional Chengde snack, sticky and sweet. Youmian Wozi: Coarse grain food, perfect with mushroom gravy. Recommended restaurants: New Qianlong Restaurant (local cuisine, average 80 yuan per person) Qiao Family Manchu Eight Bowls (Manchu flavor, average 60 yuan per person) VII. Important Notes Strong UV rays in summer, prepare sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Many mosquitoes in mountain areas, insect repellent recommended. Wear comfortable sports shoes, as the Mountain Resort is large (564 hectares) and requires a lot of walking. Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area to protect the ancient environment. VIII. Suggested Itinerary (2 days, 1 night) Day 1: In-depth tour of the Mountain Resort (Palace Area → Lake Area → Mountain Area) → Enjoy Chengde cuisine in the evening. Day 2: Outer Eight Temples (select 2-3) → Qingchui Peak → Return journey.