Baoding Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Baoding, China including information on popular attractions, local culture, food and drink scene, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Baoding

Baoding is a city in the Hebei Province of North China that offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history. The city is known for its numerous ancient temples, museums, and scenic spots. The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and natural parks, making it a popular destination for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. The city is known for being friendly and welcoming, with a rich history dating back more than 1,400 years.

List of Places to Visit in Baoding

Baoding has a lot to offer to both locals and tourists. Here is a list of some of the must-visit attractions in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Baoding Museum: Admire an impressive collection of artifacts highlighting the history and culture of this ancient city.
  • Yuhua Stone Forest: Explore a collection of unique limestone rock formations that resemble stone trees spread out over a vast area.
  • Wulong Temple: Wander through this ancient temple known for its stunning architecture and incredible collection of priceless artworks.
  • Zhongshan Park: Located in the heart of Baoding, this park is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the New South Gate and the Bell Tower.

Natural Attractions of Baoding: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Puhe River Scenic Area: A great location to enjoy scenic views of Puhe River and indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
  • Hangzhou Bay Beach: A tranquil beach away from the crowded tourist spots, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • Daqingshan Natural Reserve: A beautiful park on the western edge of Baoding that offers great hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Baoding

Baoding has several scenic hiking and biking trails in and around the city. Here are a few of the best routes to explore.

  • Puhe River Scenic Area Hiking Trail: The hike from the Puhe River Scenic Area towards the east is an excellent trail that is easy to navigate and offers spectacular scenic views.
  • Puzhao Temple Hiking Trail: In addition to the historic Puzhao Temple, this area offers excellent scenic trails that lead up to the temple
  • Daqingshan Hiking Trail: The Daqingshan nature reserve is also known for its fantastic hiking route suitable for hikers of differing levels of expertise.

Best Things to Do in Baoding: Activities and Tours

Baoding offers a wide range of activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Baoding:

  • Take a tour of the ancient temples: Explore the ancient temples of Baoding, such as the Puzhao Temple and the Wulong Temple.
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Visitors can enjoy scenic trails in nature reserves and scenic areas like Daqingshan Natural Reserve and Puhe River Scenic Area.
  • Attend the International Kites Festival: Every year in September, this festival attracts kite lovers from all over China.
  • Visit local markets and shops: Spend some time shopping in Baoding’s local markets to buy some souvenirs such as silk and tea leaves.

Week-Long Itinerary for Baoding

If you are planning to spend a week in Baoding, here is a suggested itinerary for visitors to make the most of the city.

Day Activities
1 Visit Baoding Museum, Yuhua Stone Forest and Puzhao Temple
2 Enjoy a scenic river walk along the Puhe River Scenic Area and have lunch near the river
3 Take a guided tour to the Hangzhou Bay Beach and return to Baoding city in the evening
4 Visit Wulong Temple and Zhongshan Park
5 Hike in the Daqingshan Nature Reserve or bike along the scenic Wuli River
6 Shop for souvenirs at Baoding markets like the Yangshi Market or the Xushui Baigou Mall
7 Attend the International Kites Festival or attend a local event in the city

Food and Drink Scene of Baoding

Baoding has a thriving food and drink scene that offers a rich variety of local cuisine. Here are some dishes and drinks that you must try while in Baoding:

Must-Try Dishes

  • BaoDing Roast Duck: A delicious crispy roast duck that is most popular in Baoding cuisine.
  • Meigancai: A pickled vegetable dish commonly added to rice and porridge dishes.
  • Baoding Meat Pie: A popular snack that contains minced meat, green onion, and ginger wrapped in a pastry shell.

Local Beverages

  • Baigou Beer: A local beer that is well known for its light taste and refreshing finish.
  • Baigou Pear Juice: Made from the local fresh pears, this juice is known for its sweetness and unique flavor.

Where to Stay in Baoding: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Baoding has several accommodation options that cater to different budgets and interests. The following are some of the best places to stay in the city:

  • Zlatan Hotel Baoding: This modern hotel is located right in the heart of Baoding city, offering various cuisines and conveniences like fitness center and salon.
  • Baoding Jinjiang Hotel: One of the city’s most affordable options, this hotel offers simple rooms and is close to the major attractions and city amenities.
  • Baoding Tangquan Golf Hotel: A luxurious resort with a spa and a top-rated golf course, which makes it a perfect location for visitors who would enjoy the sport.

What to Buy in Baoding: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can buy some unique souvenirs in Baoding. Here are some of the best things you should consider buying:

  • Baoding Roast Duck: A staple in the Baoding cuisine, this delicacy can be purchased as a souvenir for friends and family back home.
  • Silk: Baoding is known for the high-quality silk produced in the area, which is used for clothes, pillowcases, and other textiles.
  • Baigou Leather Goods: A range of leather goods, including bags, shoes, and wallets has widespread recognition, and interesting items can be found in the Baigou Leather Mall.

Local Culture and Customs of Baoding

Baoding’s local culture and customs are unique and deeply rooted in history. The city is known for its devotion to education and its high literacy rate. Many historical figures and scholars call Baoding their birthplace. Residents of Baoding city speak Hebei dialect, which is different from standard Mandarin Chinese. Visitors to the city should try to respect the locals’ customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Baoding

The best time to visit Baoding is during the autumn months of September to November when weather is comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking, and the landscape is painted with autumn colors. Temperatures can get quite hot during the summer months of June to August, and the winter months of December to February contain a cold weather, so visitors wishing to enjoy winter sports should be prepared.

Do’s and Don’ts of Baoding

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and engage in local activities
  • Purchase souvenirs and other local products

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious places or cultural symbols
  • Litter or vandalize public property
  • Be impolite or rude to locals or other visitors

Safety and Health

It is advisable that visitors familiarize themselves with the necessary safety precautions and requirements before travelling to Baoding. This also includes taking care of personal health and well-being.

Safety in Baoding:

Baoding is relatively safe compared to most Chinese cities, however, visitors are advised to keep their valuables safe and be aware of pick-pocketing in crowded areas, especially around tourist attractions and markets. If an emergency occurs, visitors should dial 110 for the police or 120 for an ambulance.

Health in Baoding:

The tap water in Baoding is not suitable to drink, and visitors should consume bottled water or boil tap water before consumption. Visitors should be aware of the air pollution levels, which can fluctuate in the city, and take appropriate precautions such as wearing masks or avoiding outdoor activities if necessary.

Getting to Baoding: Transportation Options and Logistics

Baoding can be accessed using various modes of transportation, including planes, trains, buses, and private cars.

Airports Near Baoding

The nearest airport to Baoding is Beijing Capital International Airport, which is about 150 kilometers away. There are shuttles, buses, and taxis available at the airport for transport to Baoding.

Bus Stations Near Baoding

Baoding has several bus stations that can be accessed for travelling to nearby towns and cities. The main bus stations in Baoding are Baoding Central Bus Station and Baoding East Bus Station.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Baoding by train, with frequent train services available at the Baoding Railway Station.

How to Get Around in Baoding

Baoding has a well-developed transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and metro subway system. The bus system is reasonably priced, easy to use, and covers most of the city. Taxis are an excellent option for travelling to remote areas, and they are reasonably affordable. Visitors can also use the metro subway system, which is convenient for longer trips.

Where to Go Next from Baoding: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Baoding is an excellent base for exploring nearby regions like Beijing, Tianjin, and other destinations in Hebei Province.

  • Beijing: The capital city of China is merely 2 hours by fast train from Baoding, and is known for attractions such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, and famed entertainment areas for nightlife like Sanlitun.
  • Tianjin: Known for its unique architecture, waterways, and food, the city of Tianjin is only a little over an hour away and is worth a day trip.
  • Zhangjiakou: Approximately 2 hours away from Baoding, Zhangjiakou is a beautiful mountainous region with a unique blend of culture and natural scenery, especially beautiful in ski season.

Conclusion

Baoding is a city with a rich culture, history, and unique attractions that provide a memorable experience for visitors. With excellent transport links, reasonable prices, and a wide range of accommodation options, Baoding is an excellent destination for tourists and travelers looking to explore North China’s heritage and natural parks. Its charming atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for an authentic Chinese experience.

Location in China Location in China Backstreet in Baoding Backstreet in Baoding New Railway Station New Railway Station Imperial tombs Imperial tombs Tangut dharani pillars Tangut dharani pillars Baoding Balls Baoding Balls Donkey burgers Donkey burgers