Chengde history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Chengde is inextricably linked with the era of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Initially, this area was known as Jehol (Rehe), which translates as "Hot River," and was merely a small settlement. A turning point occurred in 1703, when Emperor Kangxi decided to begin the construction of a grand summer residence here — the Mountain Resort to escape the summer heat. The settlement received city status (under the name Chengde) later, in 1733, during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Chengde from a provincial area into the second political capital of the empire was driven by a strategic combination of several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in a mountain valley north of Beijing, creating a natural barrier against the summer heat and making it an ideal location for the seasonal relocation of the court.
• Political Diplomacy: Chengde served as a buffer zone and a meeting place for the Emperor with leaders of Mongolian tribes and Tibetan hierarchs, allowing for the management of border regions through "diplomacy of hospitality."
• Military Traditions: Proximity to the Mulan Imperial Hunting Grounds allowed for large-scale organized hunts, which served as a form of military manoeuvres for the Manchu army.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 18th century, Chengde became a unique cultural phenomenon where architecture served as an instrument of state ideology. Surrounding the imperial residence, a complex of twelve temples was erected (eight remain, known as the "Eight Outer Temples"), replicating famous religious structures of Tibet and China, including the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

The economy of early Chengde was entirely oriented towards serving the imperial court. Annual visits by the Emperor with thousands of officials, servants, and soldiers turned the city into a bustling trading centre, attracting goods from all over China and beyond.

Major Milestones in Chengde's History

• 1703 — Emperor Kangxi issues a decree to begin the construction of the summer residence "Mountain Resort" in the Jehol River valley.
• 1713 — Construction of the Puren Temple, marking the beginning of the creation of the famous ring of temple complexes around the imperial palace.
• 1733 — Emperor Yongzheng officially establishes the administrative unit of Chengde, a name meaning "Transmission of Imperial Virtue."
• 1771 — Completion of the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, a smaller scale replica of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, in honour of Emperor Qianlong's 60th birthday.
• 1792 — Completion of all major construction works on the palace and park ensemble, which lasted nearly 90 years.
• 1793 — Emperor Qianlong receives the first British diplomatic mission led by Lord George Macartney in Chengde.
• 1860 — Emperor Xianfeng moves the court to Chengde, fleeing military actions in Beijing during the Second Opium War.
• 1861 — Emperor Xianfeng passes away in the summer residence, followed by a political coup here that led to the rise of Empress Dowager Cixi.
• 1912 — With the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the city loses its status as the second capital of the empire and becomes an ordinary regional centre.
• 1928 — Chengde becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed Jehol Province.
• 1955 — After the abolition of Jehol Province, the city officially becomes part of Hebei Province.
• 1982 — The State Council of the PRC includes Chengde in the first list of 24 national historical and cultural cities of the country.
• 1994 — The "Mountain Resort" complex and its surrounding temples are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

Chengde's development is a journey from hunting grounds to a modern tourism hub. Several key stages can be identified that defined the current appearance and economy of the city:

• Creation of the "Second Capital" (18th Century): The construction of the summer residence was the city-forming factor. Unlike spontaneous settlements, Chengde developed systematically around the imperial complex. This led to the creation of unique infrastructure capable of hosting the court, army, and foreign embassies, laying the foundation for the urban economy.
• Architectural Synthesis of Cultures: The construction of the "Eight Outer Temples" held not only religious but also colossal cultural significance. The unification of Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian architectural styles turned the city into a symbol of the unity of a multi-ethnic empire, creating a unique architectural landscape with no analogues in China.
• Transformation into an Administrative Centre (20th Century): During the Republic and early PRC period, the city underwent complex administrative reform, serving as the capital of Jehol province before becoming part of Hebei. This time was marked by a transition from a court economy to attempts at industrialisation and the development of the mining industry in the surrounding areas.
• Global Recognition of Heritage (1994): The inclusion of the palace-park ensemble and temples in the UNESCO World Heritage List became a turning point for the city's modern history. This event reoriented the economy from industry to cultural tourism, launching large-scale programmes for monument restoration and urban environment improvement.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (21st Century): The inclusion of Chengde in the development strategy of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) capital region and the launch of the high-speed railway radically changed logistics. Reducing travel time to Beijing (to less than an hour) gave a powerful impulse to the development of weekend tourism and business activity.

Architectural Identity and Stages of Development

The urban planning history of Chengde is unique: it is a rare example of a city that grew exclusively around an imperial residence rather than trade routes. The architectural landscape is clearly divided into the historical core of the Qing era and modern development, which is forced to adapt to strict cultural heritage protection regulations.

The Qing Dynasty Era (18th Century): Imperial Synthesis

This is the "Golden Age" of Chengde architecture. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong sought to create an ideological model of the entire empire in miniature here, uniting the styles of different peoples of China.

• Traditional Palace and Park Style: Dominates the "Mountain Resort" complex. Unlike the pompous Forbidden City in Beijing, deliberate modesty reigns here: the use of grey brick, unpainted wood (Nanmu), and black tiles. Buildings are harmoniously integrated into the landscape, imitating the scenery of southern China (Suzhou and Hangzhou).
• Sino-Tibetan Style (Eclecticism): Vividly represented in the belt of the "Eight Outer Temples." This is monumental architecture combining Chinese wooden frame structures and tiled roofs with Tibetan massive trapezoidal walls, flat terraces, and golden pinnacles.

Modern Period (20th–21st Century): Urbanisation and Preservation

After losing its capital status, the city's development slowed, but in recent decades it has found a new vector directed towards tourism.

• Functionalism: Residential and administrative districts outside the historical zone are built up with multi-storey buildings made of concrete and glass, typical of modern China.
• Regulated Height Restrictions: In the buffer zones around UNESCO monuments, there is a strict ban on high-rise construction. New buildings are often styled to look ancient (neo-traditionalism) using elements of the Qing era so as not to disturb the historical panorama of mountains and temples.

Iconic Structures That Shaped the City's Look

• Zhenggong Palace: The main administrative complex of the residence. Executed in a strict Confucian style, symbolising the Emperor's frugality, and built from precious Nanmu wood.
• Putuo Zongcheng Temple ("Little Potala"): The grandest example of Tibetan style in Chengde. The building copies the Dalai Lama's palace in Lhasa, standing out with massive red and white walls on the mountainside.
• Puning Temple (Temple of Universal Peace): A unique architectural hybrid. The front part of the complex is executed in classic Chinese style (like Buddhist monasteries of the plains), while the rear part represents an architectural mandala in Tibetan style.
• Sledgehammer Peak (Qingchuifeng): A natural landmark which, although not a building, has dictated the orientation of temples and city viewpoints for centuries.

The Imperial Family and Rulers

• Emperor Kangxi (Aisin Gioro Xuanye) — The fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty. It was he who discovered the picturesque Rehe River valley during military manoeuvres and initiated the construction of the summer residence in 1703. His decision turned a remote village into the political centre of the empire.
• Emperor Qianlong (Aisin Gioro Hongli) — Kangxi's grandson, under whom Chengde reached its highest peak. He significantly expanded the palace complex and ordered the construction of the "Eight Outer Temples." Qianlong used the city for diplomatic receptions of Mongolian and Tibetan leaders, strengthening the unity of the country.
• Emperor Xianfeng (Aisin Gioro Yizhu) — The ninth emperor of the Manchu dynasty. His name is associated with a tragic period in the city's history: in 1860, he fled to Chengde from Beijing during the Second Opium War. Xianfeng died in the summer residence, signing decrees before his death that failed to prevent the struggle for power.
• Empress Dowager Cixi — One of the most influential women in Chinese history. Being a concubine of Xianfeng, she began her path to absolute power right here in Chengde. After her husband's death in 1861, she organised a palace coup (the Xinyou Coup) here, eliminating the regents and becoming the de facto ruler of China for half a century.
• Emperor Jiaqing (Aisin Gioro Yongyan) — Son of Qianlong. He continued the tradition of visiting the residence, but the gradual decline of the dynasty began during his reign. Jiaqing died suddenly in Chengde in 1820 (legend says by a lightning strike, though historians lean towards a heart attack).

Diplomats and Religious Leaders

• Panchen Lama VI (Lobsang Palden Yeshe) — A Tibetan spiritual leader. In 1780, he arrived in Chengde to congratulate Emperor Qianlong on his 70th birthday. The Xumifushou Temple (an analogue of the Tashilhunpo Monastery) was built specifically for his visit. His visit was a crucial event in strengthening ties between Beijing and Lhasa.
• Lord George Macartney — A British statesman and diplomat. In 1793, he led the first British embassy to China. His famous meeting with Emperor Qianlong took place in Chengde. Although the mission did not achieve its trade goals, the description of the city and court left by Macartney became a valuable historical source for Europe.