Baoding Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 保定 (bǎo dìng)
Population: 11,860,000
Area: 19,000 square kilometers (7,336 square miles)
Location: in the central area of Hebei Province, north China
Administrative Division: 5 districts (Jingxiu, Lianchi, Mancheng, Qingyuan, Xushui); 4 county-level cities (Xushui, Zhuozhou, Dingzhou, Guo’ an, Gaobeidian); 15 counties; 2 development area
Area Code: 0851
Zip Code: 561000
GDP (2019): CNY 355.7 billion (USD 51.56 billion)

Located in central Hebei Province, Baoding is bounded on the north by Beijing and Zhangjiakou, on the east by Langfang and Cangzhou, and on the south by Shijiazhuang and Hengshui, as well as on the west by Shanxi Province. Seated in the center of Beijing, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang, this city is 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Beijing, 145 kilometers (90 miles) west of Tianjin and 125 northeast of Shijiazhuang and it is considered as the south gate of Beijing. The short distance from the capital city makes it one of the top tourist destinations to enjoy a weekend trip from Beijing. Baoding possesses a great number of historical sites as well as natural views. Lush forest, inscriptions on precipices and secluded caved at the Yesanpo Scenic Area and a large-scale of lotus at the Baiyangdian Lake are the highlights of a Baoding tour. Besides, Baoding people always advocate culture and pay attention to education. Numerous schools were built from the end of the Qing Dynasty (1636 - 1912). Now, Baoding still has a great number of institutions of higher education.

Baoding belongs to the warm temperate zone semi-humid monsoon climate with most rainfall concentrated in summer. It has clear seasons with relatively great temperature difference. For the sand-dust weather, the spring is dry with slight pollution.

 When to Go: Most visitors choose to visit there in autumn for the cool weather. In addition, many tourist festivals and ceremonies are held in summer and autumn, so, they are the best season for visiting. 

 History: The city area originally came into being during the Warring States Period (476BC-221BC). In the Song Dynasty (960-1279), it was ascended to be Baozhou, becoming a big city in North China. The city was destroyed by the southward invasion of Genghis Khan and rebuilt in 1227. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the central government set up Baoding Shire here. During the early ages of the establishment of PRC in 1949, Baoding acted as the capital city of Hebei Province.

 Physical Features: Lying along the east foot of the northern part of Taihang Mountains, the terrain of Baoding inclines from the northwest to southeast and is mainly comprised of the western mountain area and eastern plain. In the east of the plain, there are many waterfilled depressions and shallow lakes.

 Local Highlights:
Local traditional operas: Haha-qiang of Qingyuan County, Baoding Laodiao (old tunes)
Local Folk Customs: Lion Dance of Xushui County, Shadoe Play of Zhuozhou City
Folk Music: Luogao Ancient Music of Laishui County
Handicrafts: Quyang Stone Carvings, Baigou Clay Figures, Yishui Inkstone, Twisted-Placenta Artistic Pottery, Reed Knitting
Special Local Products: Baiyangdian Preserved Egg, Kuihuai Pickles

 In addition, the Lantern Festival of Zhuozhou City held in the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Peach Blossom Festival of Shunping County in April and the Lotus Festival of Baiyangdian Lake from July 23rd to September 23rd can provide something more perfect to your journey to Baoding.