How to Get from Beijing to Chengde by High-Speed Train (2026)
Quick Answer
Take the high-speed train from Beijing Chaoyang Station to Chengde South Station — as fast as 52 minutes, ¥74–106 for a second-class seat — then take city bus K2/69 or a taxi to the Mountain Resort. Over 50 trains run daily from approximately 06:08 to 20:43, making this an easy and flexible day trip or overnight getaway.
| Factor | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fastest | High-speed train Beijing Chaoyang → Chengde South (52 min) |
| Cheapest | High-speed train (fares start at ¥74) |
| Most flexible | 50+ trains daily, no advance planning needed on weekdays |
| Best For | Anyone wanting to see the imperial Mountain Resort and "Little Potala Palace" |
Chengde (承德) is a city in Hebei Province, about 180–250 km northeast of Beijing, famous for the Mountain Resort (避暑山庄, Bishu Shanzhuang) — the vast imperial summer palace of the Qing Dynasty — and the Putuo Zongcheng Temple (普陀宗乘之庙), often called the "Little Potala Palace." It is an easy 1–2 hour train ride from Beijing.
Compare Your Options
| Method | Time (one way) | Cost (one way) | Transfers | Difficulty | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | 52 min – 1h 53m | ¥74–124 | 0 (plus local transport) | Easy | ⭐ |
| Long-distance coach | ~4 hrs | ~¥85 | 0 | Moderate | |
| DiDi / private car | 2–2.5 hrs | ¥400–600 | 0 | Easy |
Option 1 — High-Speed Train (Recommended)
The Beijing–Shenyang high-speed railway connects Beijing with Chengde via dozens of daily G-series trains. Most depart from Beijing Chaoyang Station (北京朝阳站), with some also leaving from Beijing West (北京西站) and Beijing Station (北京站).
Step-by-step
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Get to Beijing Chaoyang Station (北京朝阳站). This station is in eastern Beijing, served by several bus routes. The nearest metro access is via the Beijing Chaoyang Station shuttle bus from nearby subway stops, or take a taxi/DiDi directly. Allow extra time as the station is not directly on a metro line (as of 2026).
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Buy your ticket. Book through the 12306 app, Trip.com, or at station ticket machines. Second-class seats cost ¥74–106 depending on the train (some slower routing trains cost up to ¥124). You will need your passport for booking and boarding.
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Board the train to Chengde South Station (承德南站). There are 50+ departures daily, from approximately 06:08 to 20:43. The fastest trains take just 52 minutes; most take 55–70 minutes. A few indirect or stopping trains take up to 1 hour 53 minutes.
[!TIP] For a day trip, take an early train (before 08:00) to maximize your time in Chengde. The G7851 departs Beijing Chaoyang at 06:08 and arrives Chengde South at 07:07 — ideal for a full day. The G3557 departs at 06:50 and arrives at 07:42 (52 min).
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Arrive at Chengde South Station and transfer to the Mountain Resort.
From Chengde South to the Mountain Resort
Chengde South Station is about 15–20 km from the city center and the Mountain Resort.
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City bus K2 or 69 | ~50–60 min | ¥2 | Get off at Huoshenmiao (火神庙) or Chengde Theater (承德剧场), then walk ~400 m |
| Taxi / DiDi | ~30–40 min | ¥45–55 | Most convenient; use DiDi app to avoid overcharging |
High-speed train details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary departure station | Beijing Chaoyang (北京朝阳站) |
| Other departure stations | Beijing West (北京西站), Beijing Station (北京站) |
| Arrival station | Chengde South (承德南站) |
| First train | ~06:08 |
| Last train (Beijing → Chengde) | ~20:43 |
| Frequency | 50+ trains daily; every 10–30 minutes |
| Duration | 52 minutes – 1 hour 53 minutes |
| Second class | ¥74–124 (most common: ¥95–106) |
| First class | ¥118–198 |
| Business class | ¥259–430 |
| Distance | ~189 km (direct) |
Example direct trains
| Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration | 2nd Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G7851 | 06:08 | 07:07 | 59 min | ¥74 |
| G3557 | 06:50 | 07:42 | 52 min | ¥106 |
| G3667 | 10:36 | 11:28 | 52 min | ¥106 |
| G171 | 17:32 | 18:21 | 49 min | ¥106 |
| G3679 | 19:58 | 20:58 | 1h 0m | ¥106 |
[!IMPORTANT] There is also Chengde Station (承德站) in the city center, served by a few regular/slower trains. The "Starlight Yanzhao" tourist train (Y963) from Beijing Station terminates there, but it takes about 4.5 hours and is designed as a sightseeing experience, not efficient transit. Always check whether your ticket says Chengde South (承德南) for the high-speed train.
Option 2 — Long-Distance Coach
Long-distance coaches run from several Beijing bus stations to Chengde, but they are slower and less comfortable than the train.
- Departure points: Liuliqiao Coach Station (六里桥客运站, Metro Line 9/10), Sihui Coach Station (四惠客运站), and others
- Frequency: Approximately every 30–60 minutes during daytime
- Duration: About 4 hours (can be longer in traffic)
- Fare: Approximately ¥85
- Arrival: Chengde Coach Station in the city center, closer to the Mountain Resort than the HSR station
[!TIP] The coach is only worth considering if all convenient train times are sold out (rare on weekdays) or if you are traveling with a lot of luggage and prefer a city-center arrival.
How to Get Back
- High-speed trains from Chengde South to Beijing run from approximately 07:28 to 22:08, with 50+ daily departures. The journey takes 51 minutes to 1 hour 58 minutes. Last trains typically arrive back in Beijing before 23:30.
- Book your return in advance on weekends and holidays, as evening trains can sell out.
- If you miss the last train: Coaches from Chengde to Beijing run into the evening but are less frequent after 18:00. A taxi or DiDi back to Beijing costs ¥400–600. Budget hotels near Chengde South Station are available if you prefer to stay overnight.
[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify on 12306 before travel. Train times are adjusted periodically; always check the day before your trip.
Chinese Names You May Need
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Chengde | 承德 |
| Chengde South Station | 承德南站 |
| Chengde Station (regular) | 承德站 |
| Beijing Chaoyang Station | 北京朝阳站 |
| Beijing West Station | 北京西站 |
| Beijing Station | 北京站 |
| Mountain Resort (Bishu Shanzhuang) | 避暑山庄 |
| Putuo Zongcheng Temple | 普陀宗乘之庙 |
| Huoshenmiao bus stop | 火神庙 |
| Chengde Theater bus stop | 承德剧场 |
| Liuliqiao Coach Station | 六里桥客运站 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Going to the wrong Beijing station. Most Chengde trains depart from Beijing Chaoyang (北京朝阳), not Beijing South or Beijing North. Some also leave from Beijing West and Beijing Station — always check your ticket.
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Confusing Chengde South with Chengde Station. High-speed G-trains arrive at Chengde South (承德南), which is outside the city center. The older Chengde Station (承德) is closer to downtown but served only by slower trains. Plan your onward transport accordingly.
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Underestimating the transfer from Chengde South. The HSR station is a 30–40 minute taxi ride or 50–60 minute bus ride from the Mountain Resort. Factor this into your day-trip timing.
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Not booking tickets ahead on weekends. While weekday trains rarely sell out, weekend and holiday morning trains to Chengde can fill up. Book 1–2 days in advance on 12306.
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Trying to see everything in a few hours. The Mountain Resort alone covers 5.6 km² and requires 3–5 hours to explore properly. Add the Outer Eight Temples and you really need a full day or an overnight stay.
Before You Go
- The Mountain Resort is open daily from approximately 07:00/08:00 to 17:30/18:00 (seasonal). Buy tickets in advance through the official WeChat account or at the gate.
- The Putuo Zongcheng Temple ("Little Potala Palace") and Xumi Fushou Temple are about 10–15 minutes by taxi from the Mountain Resort and are well worth visiting.
- Chengde is cooler than Beijing in summer (often 3–5°C lower), but still cold in winter. Bring layers.
- The mountain sightseeing bus inside the resort (¥60) is highly recommended — 75% of the resort is mountainous and walking it all is exhausting.
Still Not Sure How to Get There?
Our local team can help with train tickets, Mountain Resort entry, temple visits, or arranging a private guide for your Chengde day trip. Get in touch or message us on WhatsApp.
Related Guides
- Beijing Travel Guide — full city guide with itineraries and practical tips
- 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China
- How to Use DiDi in China — taxi and ride-hailing tips for China
Train schedules and fares are based on 12306 listings via Trip.com/Ctrip (checked August 2026), TravelChinaGuide Beijing–Chengde train guide (updated May 2026), and ailieche.com train timetable data. Local bus information is based on Chengde public transport sources. Schedules and fares may change — verify on 12306 before travel.
Last verified: August 2026
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