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Prefecture-level city in Hebei, China
Photo: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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西夏文石幢 xī xià wén shí zhuàng
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.
保定博物馆, 保定市博物馆
The Baoding Museum is a large museum with a lot of city and Great Wall history.
保定自然博物馆
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. Notable items in the museum’s collection include the world’s only complete skeleton of a Chinese velociraptor and some well-preserved pterosaur eggs.
直隶总督署, Zhili Governor-General’s Office
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.
保定市动物园
保定军校纪念馆
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. Around a third of the army officers who fought for China during the Second Sino-Japanese War received training here, including Chiang Kai-Shek. As of May 2024, the museum is closed for renovations.
河北大学博物馆
Visitors are required to make a booking on the museum’s WeChat account before visiting the museum.
野三坡 yě sān pō
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.
清西陵 qīng xī líng
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 penultimate emperor in Chinese history. The tomb of the Guangxu Emperor, the last imperial tomb to have been built in Chinese history, was the only one of the four to have been looted, and hence is the only one whose burial chamber is open to the public. The grave of Puyi, China's last emperor, is in a nearby commercial cemetery, though it differs little from other modern-day graves.
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). Stroll around at leisure and have a cup of coffee by the canal.
白洋淀 bái yáng diàn
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.
阜平猫村
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. Many walls in the village are decorated with graffiti murals created by local residents. Visitors are not allowed to bring their own cat food; those who wish to interact with the cats can purchase food directly from villagers.
莲池书院
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.
保定宴饮食博物馆
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. Visitors can sample local snacks and dishes on site, and some intangible cultural heritage activities are available, such as sugar painting and dough figurine making.
兴芮温泉
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.
老驴头驴肉火烧非遗店
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.
史记炒腰花
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.
白府牛肉罩饼
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.
帅福德火锅
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.
老巢酒吧
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.
马天尼露台
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.
全季酒店
A comfortable chain hotel offering luggage storage, parking, a gym, and a laundry room. A breakfast buffet is available for ¥40 per person.
摩登四季酒店
Free breakfast, children’s play area, cafe, luggage storage, airport transfer service
桔子酒店
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.
汉庭酒店
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.
By train
Baoding Station is near the city center. It offers less frequent train services from Beijing Station.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Shijiazhuang · International · SJW
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Articles and travel topics about Baoding and China.
Travel tipsHow to qualify for China's 144-hour visa-free transit, set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with foreign cards and navigate train travel as a foreigner.
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ItinerariesHow to link Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai by high-speed bullet train, booking Great Wall hikes, Terracotta Warriors and modern urban towers.
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Nature & adventureHow to explore Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars, ride the Bailong Elevator and drift down the Li River through Guilin and Yangshuo karst peaks.
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Travel tipsThe Western Xia (西夏 Xī Xià in Chinese), also known as the Tangut Empire, was an ancient empire in what is now western China.
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