Baoding

The Western Xia empire was destroyed by the Mongols in the 14th century, however a community of Tangut people from the Western Xia erected these pillars far away in Baoding in the 16th century. It is one of the few examples of the complex Tangut script found outside of Western China.

The Baoding Museum is a large museum with a lot of city and Great Wall history.

Opened in early 2024, this new museum is a branch of the Paleozoological Museum of China, which is based in Beijing. It is many times larger than the Beijing branch and claims to be one of the largest natural history museums in Asia.

Built in 1729, this was the office of the Viceroy of Zhili from the time of its construction up until the fall of the Qing Dynasty. It is considered to be the best preserved Qing-era provincial governor’s office in China and has thus become one of the most popular attractions in central Baoding.

The Baoding Military Academy was one of the top military academies in China during the early 20th century. It was founded in 1902 by the Viceroy of Zhili, Yuan Shikai, and continued to operate until 1923.

Visitors are required to make a booking on the museum’s WeChat account before visiting the museum.

Yesanpo is a burgeoning tourist area in Laishui County, with an area of 600 km². It is a national key scenic area, scenic natural landscape, trees flowers and trees mainly springs cave. It is 100 km away from Beijing.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the tombs in Baoding, there are more of them in the surrounding Yi county. Four Qing Dynasty emperors are buried here, including the Yongzheng Emperor, the third emperor after the Qing conquered China, who reigned over an era of prosperity, and the Guangxu Emperor, the…

A man-made lake not far from the Western Qing Tombs. There is a walking path to the area's mountain top with views of the steep rock cliff.

A big reconstructed historic town near the Western Qing Tombs. It resembles Gubei Water Town in the Miyun District of Beijing. Activities include drinking a shot and smashing the bowl (from Shanxi) and buying local specialties like cigars (the tobacco leaves are grown locally).

China's largest natural lake offers peaceful water scenes and expansive lotus gardens. Boats are available for small groups, and some islands on the lake have restaurants that cook with local ingredients and hotels for overnight stays.

A small rural village known for its large population of free-roaming cats. Access is mainly by self-driving, as there is only one main road leading into the village and public transport options are limited. The cats are generally calm and friendly.

A historic academy built in a Jiangnan-style courtyard layout, combining classical gardens, former official residences, and traditional academy spaces. In summer, the ponds filled with lotus flowers are a highlight.

The museum recreates scenes of old Baoding, including traditional streets, shops, and workshops. It focuses on the food culture, history, and traditional culinary techniques of Baoding and the wider Hebei region.

A hot spring resort combining indoor and outdoor pools with water-based recreation. The complex has around 50–60 different hot spring pools, along with sauna facilities and a buffet restaurant. It is a popular place to relax and unwind.

A well-known local spot for donkey meat burger (lǘròu huǒshāo), popular with residents. The signature set pairs a freshly baked donkey meat burger with a bowl of tofu soup, a classic Baoding combination.

A restaurant specializing in Baoding-style dishes. The signature dish is stir-fried pork kidney, known for its slightly sweet-and-sour flavor. Another popular dish is Shiji dry-fried chicken, which is mildly numbing and spicy. A good option for trying local Baoding stir-fry cuisine.

Beef broth with flatbread is one of Baoding’s well-known local foods, made by serving sliced beef and flatbread in a rich, slow-simmered beef broth. This restaurant specializes in the dish and also offers a range of classic stir-fried dishes, making it a good choice for a full local-style meal.

A traditional Beijing-style copper hot pot restaurant serving freshly sliced beef and lamb with a house-made sesame sauce. A good choice for visitors who want to try classic northern Chinese hot pot.

A small, private bar with a vintage-style interior. Jazz music is often played, and the menu focuses on house cocktails and a selection of beers. The bar occasionally hosts a “drinking challenge,” where finishing ten cocktails within a set time qualifies for a free bill.

An American-style bar with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu includes cocktails, whisky, and a self-serve beer selection, along with a wide range of light meals such as burgers, tacos, and pasta.

A livehouse-style bar offering a range of house specialty cocktails. Live bands perform every night, making it a popular spot for music and nightlife.

A comfortable chain hotel offering luggage storage, parking, a gym, and a laundry room. A breakfast buffet is available for ¥40 per person.

Free breakfast, children’s play area, cafe, luggage storage, airport transfer service

A mid-range chain hotel with clean and comfortable rooms. Facilities include a private parking lot, free buffet breakfast, luggage storage, and car rental services.

A mid-range chain hotel located about 250 m from Baoding Railway Station. The hotel includes a Chinese restaurant and a cafe, and offers luggage storage and parking. Check-in is self-service, with no traditional front desk.