
Bao Zheng's Tomb, officially known as Bao Xiaosu Cemetery, is located in the forested area south of the Bao River in Hefei City, Anhui Province. Closely connected to the Bao Zheng Ancestral Hall, the cemetery houses the remains of Bao Zheng, his wife, and their descendants. The cemetery consists of a main burial area, supplementary burial areas, and an administrative area. The main tomb is shaped like an inverted hopper , and the chamber contains Bao Zheng's epitaph and a 2.4- meter -long golden nanmu coffin.
The cemetery's main buildings and ancillary structures, including halls, pavilions, chambers, and towers, were all designed according to the Song Dynasty burial system for second-rank officials. Every brick, stone, and tile fully adheres to the quality and specifications of Song Dynasty architecture, preserving the architectural style. The beautiful scenery, with gentle slopes and lush trees, offers a rare and tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city, a captivating blend of cultural landscape and garden art.
Bao Gong once said: " If any of my descendants who are officials in the future commit corruption, they shall not be allowed to return to their family, and they shall not be buried in the family cemetery after their death. If they do not follow my will, they are not my descendants. " Therefore, there is a legend that " unfilial descendants shall not be buried . "
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Tickets are included in the park-wide combined ticket
Summer ( June 1st - August 31st ) 8 : 00-18 : 00
Winter ( December 1st - February 28th ) 8 : 00-17 : 30
Bao Gong's Tomb is the burial site of Bao Zheng, a famous official during the Song Dynasty, known for his strict enforcement of justice. He is revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of fairness and integrity. The tomb and surrounding area commemorate his significant contributions to Chinese law and governance, making it an important historical and cultural site.
Bao Gong's Tomb is located in Hefei, Anhui Province. It is accessible by taxi or private car from the Hefei city center, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Public buses are also available, but it is recommended to take a taxi for convenience.
The tomb is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant. Weekdays tend to be less crowded compared to weekends and public holidays.
The entrance fee for Bao Gong's Tomb is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Some online platforms may offer ticket sales, but it is not necessary to buy tickets in advance.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. However, during peak tourist seasons, it may be helpful to buy tickets a day in advance to avoid long lines.
A visit to Bao Gong's Tomb typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the tomb and surrounding park areas. If you plan to visit the Bao Gong Memorial Hall as well, you may need additional time.
Guided tours are available at the site, and you can arrange one upon arrival. The guides typically speak Mandarin, and some may offer services in English if requested in advance. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin.
Start your visit by exploring the Bao Gong Memorial Hall to learn about Bao Zheng’s life and accomplishments. Then, take a walk through the park surrounding the tomb, where you can appreciate the statues and peaceful landscapes. Finally, visit the tomb itself for a more reflective experience.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not offered at Bao Gong's Tomb. Special tours may be available, but they need to be arranged in advance.
The site is generally not overly crowded, but weekends and public holidays can see a higher number of visitors. The best times to visit are early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons (autumn and spring).
The site has basic facilities including public toilets and a few rest areas. There are no large restaurants, but small shops may sell snacks and drinks. It’s recommended to bring your own water, especially during hot months.
Bao Gong's Tomb is accessible to elderly visitors and children, but some parts of the park may involve walking on uneven terrain. The site is relatively flat, but it may not be suitable for visitors with severe mobility impairments due to limited accessibility in certain areas.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and convenient at the site. It’s always good to carry some cash for small purchases.
There are a few local restaurants and food stalls near Bao Gong's Tomb where visitors can sample traditional Anhui cuisine. Options include small noodle shops and tea houses.
Vegetarian options are available at some local eateries. Halal food may be harder to find, but it’s recommended to check with restaurants nearby to see if they cater to specific dietary needs.
There are a few souvenir shops near the tomb, offering traditional Anhui handicrafts, Bao Gong-themed items such as statues and calligraphy, as well as local snacks.