The rich culture and history of Chengde reflects the importance of Chinese history within a modern day context. Chengde, located in Hebei Province, China, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its rich past intertwines with the rise and fall of dynasties, the forging of empires, and the evolution of Chinese civilization. Known historically as Rehe, named after the river that flows hot due to underground springs that feed it, Chengde holds a significant place in Chinese history, primarily due to its association with the Qing Dynasty and the construction of the magnificent Chengde Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, the history of Chengde dates back over two millennia, with evidence of human habitation found as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). However, it was during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) that Chengde became what we know it as today. In 1703, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty decided to establish a summer residence in Chengde to escape the summer heat of Beijing and to consolidate the Qing Empire's control over the vast territories of northern China. This marked the beginning of Chengde's transformation into an imperial retreat and a center of political and cultural activity as a seat of the emperor’s political power.
The construction of the Chengde Summer resort began in 1703 and continued for over 90 years under the reigns of several Qing emperors, including Kangxi and his grandson, Qianlong. It served as the Qing emperors' summer palace and a venue for hosting diplomatic events, military inspections, and religious ceremonies, and was the seat of the emperor during the summertime. One of the most iconic features of the Chengde Mountain Resort is the Eight Outer Temples, a group of Tibetan Buddhist temples built between 1713 and 1780. These temples were constructed to symbolize the Qing Dynasty's multiculturalism and religious tolerance, as well as to strengthen the empire's control over the border regions inhabited by ethnic minorities. The temples' architectural styles vary, reflecting Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Mongolian influences, making them unique cultural treasures.
The importance of Chengde in the political influence of the Qing government is not to be overlooked. Through the conversion of the Manchurian class to Buddhism, the Qing government supported their claim and gained the support of both Mongolians and Han who were Buddhist followers of the time. Through the use of Tibetan Buddhism as a way to liken themselves to the masses, the Manchurian government of the Qing Dynasty gained legitimacy within the eyes of the Chinese people.
Chengde's strategic location also made it an important military and administrative center during the Qing Dynasty. The city served as a key garrison town and a staging area for military expeditions against the Mongols and other nomadic tribes in the north. The Qing emperor would often hold court with these tribes at Chengde as well. In addition to its political and military significance, Chengde played a crucial role in the development of Chinese culture and the arts. The Chengde Summer Resort served as a cultural hub where poets, scholars, and artists gathered to exchange ideas, create works of art, and celebrate the beauty of nature. The resort's architecture, landscaping, and artistic treasures inspired generations of Chinese artists and architects, influencing the development of garden design, painting, and sculpture throughout the Qing Dynasty and beyond.
However, Chengde's prosperity and importance began to decline in the late Qing Dynasty. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Chengde gradually lost its political and cultural significance, becoming a provincial town, overshadowed by neighboring cities like Beijing and Tianjin. Despite its decline, Chengde's historical legacy and architectural wonders continue to attract visitors from around the world. Many travelers from around the globe travel to Chengde in order to visit the Chengde Mountain Resort. With its serene landscapes and majestic temples, the resort remains a testament to China's imperial past and its enduring cultural heritage. Today, Chengde is a vibrant modern city that honors its history while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
While Chengde was a central aspect to our trip this time around, another central part was our visit to the Hushiha Village. There, I learned much about the reality of life in the agricultural farmland areas of China. Firstly, I would like to talk about the serenity and beauty of the surrounding mountains. From Huangshanling to the various other structures in the area, the natural beauty of these farmland regions has been preserved due to the lack of urban development in the area. While this is economically deficient for the people residing in these areas, there still remains some positive aspects to their situation. They are able to live simply, without many of the negative influences from nearby urban regions. Food is plentiful, though simple, and can be sourced through local methods. The food we consumed while there consisted of homegrown vegetables, farm-raised animals, as well as fruit from a local orchard. These were all grown by the volunteer teachers at the school we visited, showcasing the organic and natural quality of the food consumed in the region. Additionally, the natural scenery of the area is a wonder to behold. The stars are brighter, the sky clearer, and the air cleaner. Such beauty is rare, and should be cherished despite what was sacrificed in order to keep it that way. Life is peaceful and tranquil, with friends and good music. One can imagine that living in such a region for those who are from a good economic background would be especially nurturing and uplifting.
On the flipside, the lack of economic development in the area spells out troubles for the locals. Many parents work in the city, leaving their children home alone or with their grandparents, who do not have the ability to take care of their grandchildren. While it is more common for the mother to stay behind and take care of the children while the father works in the city, the living situations of these families are still strained. Worst of all, there are some children who are orphans, having lost both their parents in various ways. They do not have anyone to take care of them, and live solely through the goodwill of the school and volunteer teachers. One can only imagine what their situation is like during the summer when school is out of session.
Furthermore, many of the students have lost their way. There is less of an interest in learning, and more so an interest in working, living the fast life in the city and not thinking about tomorrow or any other responsibilities. These issues, their dislike of learning, is often attributed to the rise of Tiktok (Douyin) and other forms of social media, as well as their guardians’ inability to take care of their emotional needs. Barely one third of the students at the middle school make it to high school, with various other outcomes including vocational school or simply starting a job. The hope of these villagers and their children has seemingly been sucked out of them. The military-like schooling schedule that controls every minute of their day only presses them down rather than uplift them. There is only so much one can do, as this social phenomenon is complicated and difficult to unravel.