Baoding Travel Guide

Baoding lies in the central part of Hebei Province with an area of 22,100 square kilometers and a population of 11 million. It borders Tianjin to the east, Shijiazhuang to the south and Shanxi to the west. Its landscape is set off by the loftiness and majesty of the towering Taihang Mountains and the boundless and level North China Plain.
 

History

Baoding is said to be the hometown of Emperor Yao, one of Chinese ancestors in ancient times. Baojing was the metropolis of Hebei Province and called “Shanggu”. It acquired the name "Baoding" during the Yuan dynasty — the name is roughly interpreted as "protecting the capital", referring to the city's proximity to Beijing. The city protected nearby Beijing and helped keep the area under control.
 

Attractions

With the geographical military importance, Baoding boasts plenty of historical sites and graceful landscapes. Those attractions include Great Wall at Zijinguan Pass, Western Qing Tomb, Mancheng Han Tombs, Dingzhou Porcelain Kiln Relic, Yesanpo Scenic Area, Baiyangdian Lake, ect.

Yesanpo Scenic Area is mainly a natural park with mountains, rivers, springs, natural caves, and forests. With Juyong Pass Great and Daoma Pass, Wall at Zijinguan Pass was known as “in three passes”.
 

Transportation

Baoding is located on one of the main routes in and out of Beijing, so the transportation of Banding is quite convenient and comfortable. With Jingguang Railway and Jingshi Expressway pass through and the Baojin Expressway starting from, Baoding provides frequent routs to Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan, Datong and so on. The Baoding Railway Station is in the center of the city of Baoding. People can take Bus 1, 2, 4, 5 to go there. The Baoding Coach Station lies on the intersection of Yuhua East Road and East Erhuan Road. Inquiry Number: +86 312-2023740.

Within Baoding, most buses charge a ticket price of 1 RMB, and the flag-fall rate of taxies is 5 RMB.
 

Climate

With an average temperature of 12 °C and annual rainfall of 550 mm, Baoding belongs to Temperate Continental Monsoon Climate. This area owns four distinctive seasons with cold winter, dry summer and sandy spring.
 

Food and Restaurants

As the birth place of Yu cuisine, Baoding boasts its varieties of delicious dishes and snacks. Local delicacies include Baiyunzhang steamed and stuffed buns, Majia Chicken, Donkey Burger, Bing Tang Hu Lu and so on.

Here are restaurants recommended:
Xanadu Western Restaurant: Affordable but delicious buffet
Address: No.388 South Lekai Main Street, Xinshi district
Tel: +86 312-3277888/8885

Tan Ji Wang Ping
Address: Shengxing Zhong Lu, Gaokai
Price: ¥30- ¥50
Tel: +86 312-3115867

Yan Jia Lv Rou Dian: offers the local delicious Donkey Burger.
Address: No. 645 Bei Da Jie
Price: ¥15- ¥30
Tel: +86 312-5092967

Starbucks Coffee
Address: Bei Guo Xian Tian Xia Square, No. 799 Chao Yanng Bei Da Jie, Xincheng
 

Accommodation

Some Recommended hotels in Baoding are following:

Sheng Shi Internation Hotel
Address: No.88 Fuqian Street, Laishui, Baoding, China

Huazhong Holiday Hotel Baoding
Address: 200 Chaoyang North Avenue, Baoding, China

Super 8 Baoding Railway Station
Address: 8 Xia Guan Street, Baoding, China
 

Shopping

Local specialties include Liulingzhui of Xushuo, Ding Porcelain, Louhu in Qizhou, Shibaozai cotton shoes, Jinsiguatan and some more. If you are interested in there local items, Yuhua Road of the ancient lotus pond's neighborhood must be the best choice for you!
 

Tips

1. Except city bus, you’d better negotiate about the price first while taking a taxi or rickshaw.

2. Limited places to go at night because restaurants and malls close at 8 pm, so you’d better dine and do your shopping before 8 pm.

3. The best time to visit Baoding is summer for it much cooler than other cities in China.

4. Baoding Post Bureau is located at Yuhua West Road, Beishi district.