6. The Chengde Imperial Summer Villa, Hebei Province
Set against the background of a lush mountainscape, the Chengde Imperial Summer Villa was at one time the summer resort used by emperors of the Qing Dynasty. As far as the eye can see, the entire region consists of lush grasslands and tranquil farms.
This is the most significant architectural and park complex preserved in China and one of the world’s largest palace and park ensembles that have survived to this day. Its area exceeds 40,000 square kilometers. The construction of the complex began in 1703 and was finally completed 89 years later. Today, Chengde Imperial Summer Villa, which is not far from Beijing, is a World Heritage Site.
On the territory, divided into a courtyard of official receptions and private chambers of the imperial family, there are many palaces and ceremonial buildings, most of which reproduce the styles and even landscapes characteristic of various parts of the Qing Empire.
