The simple answer: it depends !
I went to Chengde - it's really worth it ! A great and highly interesting place !
It depends , on how many temples you want to visit and how intensive.
I tried to plan to go there by train- but you have to stay overnight or for two days to manage the sights.(Think of the hotel costs). So I hired a driver (who contacted me after seeing my post here)- he took us there and back in one day for about 1000- 1100 yuan in a good car. But- as we were 3 people and he did it very well: it was a great trip !!!

Take the train - 4 hours. A long distance bus is about the same but it's more expensive.

Two days should be plenty to see all the places of interest.

There are few trains but many busses. You can find them at DongZhiMen. Busses arrive a little outside Chengde, take at taxi from there. Some busses run to a hotel in the city, so it might be worth asking.
You can also take a train or bus from Tianjin (might be an option if the train schedule is better).

Ride a bike 3 days...!

This sounds interesting - I've been itching to do a short road trip. But is there anything else to do there besides visiting temples and scenic hikes? What about the restaurants?

you can go to chengdu from beijing by train ,you can go to Beijing railway station for more infomations

Hi, I would like to find a reliabl and not so much expensive taxi driver to take 2 persons from beijing to Datong (grotto, monastery, dragon wall) in one day, and anothr daily excursion to and from Chengde also during one day. We can get up early so no problem...))) If you have info on the pric or can sugst a driver pls do so. Thank you.

Do you want to pay a visit to China after 2008 Olympic Game, Do you hear about Guilin Yangshuo where earn the reputation of having the most beautiful landscape under heaven. It is a dream place for many tourists both from domestic and abroad who want to see the real natural landscape and touch the countryside life.

Hilltops pop up from nowhere like trees in the forest and they are shaped like buns, camels, fishes, saw-teeth, horses, etc. Rivers flow around like green silk ribbons while the hills reveal themselves as jade hair-pins. Guilin embraces great landscapes like green hills, clear waters, pretty rocks and fantastic caves.

Yangshuo Guilin is a highlight for tourists to China and it is a must-visit City in China. Or you will miss those beautiful landscapes there.

You can stay here for couple of days exploring the countryside, you can hike, bike, scooter, rock climbing, hot air balloon, white water rafting, take mud bath in the water cave, kayak, learn Martial Arts, learn Chinese cooking ect.

Visit Elephant Hill: the symbol of Guilin,
Reed Flute Cave: “the art palace of the nature "where you can see beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone flowers with various shape, all glistening in colorful lights which create breathtaking splendor.
Walk along 4 lakes and 2 rivers nearby center of Guilin.
Li River Cruise, you will feast your eyes with the most beautiful limestone Karst towering pinnacles.
Take stroll in West Street, or drink beer or coffee just enjoy your holiday.
Bamboo rafting in Yulong River to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Yangshuo countryside tour, you can see farmers working in rice fields, water buffalo eating grasses or ploughing the fields, the elders playing traditional cards, children greeting you and so on.
Take hot air balloon to see the panoramic view of Yangshuo countryside.

Visit Longji Rice Terraces, you can see the spectacular view of Rice Terraces as well as ethnic tribes daily life.

Huangyao old town: the perfect combination of old buildings and scenery. The movie of The Painted Veil was taken in the town.

Night Activities:
Ethnic Folklore Show, A theatrical dance and music performance daily. The show tries to recreate the culture of the various ethnic groups around Gu
Dreamlike Acrobatic Show: Watching a Chinese Acrobatics Show, You will truly have an unforgettable experience of your life.
Cormorant Fishing: Watch fisherman using cormorant fishing with lanterns.
Liu Sanjie Lightshow: it features a cast of 500 of people wearing traditional Zhuang, Miao and Yao dress.

If you want to tour China but fail to pay a visit to Guilin, it is equal to having not toured China! If want to get the best experience out of Guilin please visit www.guilinprivatetours.com, we will make sure you have a once in a life time experience.

No specific knowledge about this.I always visit on all inclusive holidays packages but i never went there .

Can search, set travel routes, select the optimal way to travel

So how many times does it take?