Chengde has only one railway Station, which connects the small City with the Main Railway Station of Beijing (Beijing Zhan) and other regional destinations. Chengde is further connected to the Capital Beijing by means of the G45 Highway (and S11 Road).
Catch the train to Chengde from Beijing's Main Railway Station (Beijing Zhan) situated in the Dongcheng District. From there it is a lenghty six hour trip up to the moutainous resort town, stopping at just about every village along the way.
From the reservoir, the train line turns slightly more westward to meet the foothills of the Xilao Tu Shan to head towards the major town of Xinglong of Tangshan Prefecture in Hebei Province. At Xinglong the railway line resumes its north-easterly course slowly climbing into the hillsides. At some point just north of Xinglong the railway to Chengde intersects with the outer layer of the Great Wall of China (Chang Cheng) which leads from east to west through these regions. Not much of it remains here however, as most of the bricks of the
Chengde railway station itself is modest in size, fairly dull but otherwise modern. There are but a few platforms.
Outside and in front of the main station is a wide parking space, which is usually clogged with local taxi drivers looking to send tourists off to their assigned Hotels. Make sure you know the fair price and be on your way.
As a note for railway enthousiasts: there are several train tunnels situated near the town of Chengde and the central Shuangqiao District. Although it takes some scouting about, and the proper use of google maps, one could rent a cab and try reaching them to get a closer look and maybe catch some spectacular photos of the old trains that still pass along this route. Sadly, but obviously for the better, steam trains are no longer in use along the route to Chengde or anywhere else in Beijing City Province and Hebei Province. Within these regions all remaining steam trains
A single tracked railway passing through central Shuangqiao District some ways south of the Imperial Summer Palace.
have been shipped to museums, such as in Beijing and in the "Coal Capital"of north China, Datong in north Shanxi Province.
Many important Bus connections run via the main Train Station (Chengde Zhan).
The main Bus Station of Chengde however can be found in the extreme south of town, beyond and south of Chengde Town.
Chengde Car East Station as this station is named, can be found on the east bank of the Luan River along 101 National Road and lies but half a kilometer from the main intersection leading up to G25 Changshen Expressway (Toll Road), the main car route to Beijing.
BICYCLES IN CHENGDE:
Although it remains dangerous sections of Chengde are very pleasant to bicycle. All structures within the flat valley and along the Luan River are fairly easy to reach without too much effort. The green hills beyond are more of a challenge. Bring your own bicycle if you are into serious mountain biking !
Find several bicycle rent stations along the road leading up to the Imperial Palace Complex.
YouTube Video: Catch the train from Beijing to Chengde for a memorable ride and a stay you will likely never forget !
wall have been plundered for the re-use in the construction of rural homes and farms during the period of
the Cultural Revolution (1966 AD - 1976 AD). Several of the Great Wall of China sections in this part of Hebei Province have suffered similarly. Yet, it is an enjoyable moment when one passes through the (now somewhat restored) Great Wall by train.
Beyond lie only smaller rural villages and several green valleys among which lie several rivers. Bridges are crossed and tunnels are passed through before the train reaches the stop over station of Shanbancheng, which even today is but a small semi-industrial village.
After passing through the rural town of Shanbancheng, the railway disects, leading north-east and north. Turning north, the train passes up the valley of the Luan River and through the outskirts of Chengde Town (now District) to pass in the view of the iconic Guixing Lou Daoist Temple situated atop a ridge across the river. From this point the Chengde Station (Chengde Zhan), lies but a few minutes further up the valley.
Due to necessity as well as convenience, the main train station of Chengde is situated in the extreme south of the Shuanqiao district of the city, where it is placed on the
Travelers marvel at the view of the countryside and the (restored) Great Wall of China while comfortably seated and catered in their carriage.
east bank of the river just north of the narrows which gives access to the valley in which the town, now grown to city size is situated. Find it on CheZhan Jie' (Airport Road).
