In 1703 the legendary Kanxi Emperor chose Chengde as his imperial summer residence. During the reign of the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors it was expanded and became the site not only of China’s largest royal gardens, but also what is probably one of China’s most impressive collection of temples and pagodas, including the Putuo Zongcheng Tempel, based on Tibet’s Potala palace. Today the imperial mountain resort is a UNESCO world heritage site and only two hours away from Beijing, there is no better place to escape the busy capital and take a break in the mountains.
Staying with an LTL-approved local Chinese family in an international standard apartment, you will have two hours of Mandarin class each day, plus two hours of Tai Qi or Chinese Music (Gu Zheng).
Mandarin will be your exclusive daily mode of communication, whether discovering the old Imperial Summer Residence and Temples of Chengde, making dinner with your host family or having drinks after class. This is the best way to fully develop your language skills and use what you have learned.
During your trip you will also discover why Chengde was called 避暑山庄 (“avoiding the heat mountain villa”) and why the Kangxi Emperor spent the hottest months there instead of the Forbidden City.
With the full Chengde Survival Kit, LtL not only helps you to get there and back, but we will have your bicycle and local SIM card waiting for you upon arrival. Your family will pick you up from the station and show you their home town, all with LtL support available if needed. Since this is a weekend program, it fits in perfectly with a regular class or work schedule.
2-day package includes:
2hr/day 1-on-1 Mandarin classes (4hr total)
2hr/day Chinese Culture classes (4hr total)
Round trip transport between Beijing and Chengde
Homestay with full board
Chengde Survival Kit
Package cost: 2,400 RMB
Three weekend package: 6,000 RMB
Book a Chengde weekend with your course in Beijing or Tianjin and receive a 10% discount.
Read a report by a past participant
Notes:
- Chengde Survival Kit includes: transport from and to Chengde via train or bus, Chinese SIM card, train station pick-up, Chengde map, bicycle and 24/7 full LTL staff support
- Culture Classes available in Chengde: Chinese Music (Gu Zheng) and Tai Qi
