Baoding, a seriously underrated treasure ancient city!

Sisters who see this, are you also looking for a nearby Beijing destination reachable by high-speed train, with few crowds, great food, and rich history? Baoding is truly full of surprises — “one governor’s office, half of Qing history,” red-walled ancient buildings, Jiangnan-style gardens, century-old streets, and the city filled with the aroma of donkey meat sandwiches. Two days of exploring and eating costs only a few hundred yuan per person. Just back from Baoding, here’s a heartfelt guide to copy👇 🚗 Transportation guide Take the high-speed train to Baoding East Station or Baoding Station (Baoding Station is closer to attractions). The fastest trip from Beijing West takes 40 minutes with many trains available. A taxi from the station to downtown costs about 15–20 yuan. Public transit is also convenient. Driving via the Jinggang’ao Expressway from Beijing takes about 1.5 hours. ⚠️ Avoid unlicensed taxis at attraction entrances; prioritize ride-hailing or official taxis. 🗺️ One-day essential itinerary (just follow it) 9:00 Zhili Governor’s Office — the best-preserved provincial Qing dynasty government office in the country. The red walls and golden tiles create a strong historic atmosphere. Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang once worked here. Tickets are 30 yuan, half price for students. Recommended visit time is 1.5–2 hours. 11. 00 Catholic church — a stunning blend of Chinese and Western styles, a perfect photo spot. Wearing a light-colored dress here will make your photos legendary. 12. 00 Ancient Lotus Pond — right next to the governor’s office, just a few minutes’ walk. A Yuan dynasty classical garden, full of blooming lotus flowers in summer, with pavilions and corridors reflected in the water. Wearing Hanfu makes every photo a classic ancient-style shot. Tickets are 30 yuan. 14. 00 West Street — “Zhili’s first street,” with bluestone pavement and old buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republic eras. All are Baoding’s time-honored brands. Have lunch and take photos here in one go. The evening lights create an unbeatable night atmosphere. 15. 30 Chrysanthemum Alley (free) — a must-visit for art lovers, every door is a beautiful backdrop. It hides many artistic cafes and afternoon tea spots. 17:00 Daci Pavilion (free) — Baoding’s landmark and the highest point in the old city. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the ancient city. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays. If you have more time, add the China Ancient Animal Museum (Baoding Natural History Museum), which houses rare dinosaur fossils. 📸 Best photo spots In front of the red walls at Zhili Governor’s Office for ancient-style photos; the Water Heart Pavilion and Nine-Bend Bridge at Ancient Lotus Pond are prime spots; the heart-shaped traffic light on West Street adds a romantic filter for couples and friends; the Catholic church’s light and shadow cross create a strong atmosphere; every door in Chrysanthemum Alley is a stunning backdrop. 🍜 Food highlights (so good you’ll be full to bursting) Donkey meat sandwich — Baoding’s absolute signature! Freshly baked with a crispy, flaky crust, the donkey meat is stewed for four hours until tender and flavorful. Look for Yan’s Donkey Meat Sandwich (654 North Yonghua Street), Yonglongmao Donkey Meat Sandwich (608 South Yonghua Street), and Sanchun Donkey Meat (845 South Yonghua Road). About 15–20 yuan per person. Beef cover pancake — a provincial intangible cultural heritage! Ordering “two covers two” (2 taels of beef + 2 taels of pancake) is old Baoding slang. Recommended is Zhili Anjia Beef Cover Pancake Main Store (199 West Swan Road). About 30–50 yuan per person. Baoding specialties: governor’s tofu, fish-flavored shredded pork, chicken lip pop, sesame egg (not found outside Baoding). Recommended restaurants: Baoding Banquet (North Chaoyang Street), Qiangsheng Restaurant (West Swan Road). Snacks: Bell Tower big bread (a childhood memory for old Baoding residents), candied hawthorn, traditional yogurt, rabbit ribs (addictive the more you chew). ⚠️ Travel tips Never forget the three sun protection essentials — sunscreen + hat + arm sleeves. Getting two shades darker in one day is no joke. Temperatures can reach 35℃ at noon. It’s best to finish Zhili Governor’s Office and Ancient Lotus Pond before 10 AM, hide indoors for lunch and stew dishes at noon, then head out to West Street after 4 PM. Don’t go on Monday — Zhili Governor’s Office is closed on Mondays (except public holidays). Wear comfortable shoes — expect about 20,000 steps per day. Don’t trust private docks at Baiyangdian, use the official entrance. Don’t believe low-priced one-day tours at the attraction entrance; many hide forced shopping. Baoding isn’t big, but two days really isn’t enough. Go now before it gets overcrowded 🏯