Baoding is back, but July to August is really not recommended because it's just too...

Baoding, a historical and cultural city in Hebei Province, boasts rich natural and cultural landscapes and is conveniently close to Beijing and Tianjin, making it ideal for short trips. Here's a detailed Baoding travel guide covering attractions, food, transportation, and accommodation recommendations:

1. Must-Visit Attractions:
- **Historical & Cultural Sites**:
- **Zhili Governor's Office**
- **Highlights**: The best-preserved provincial-level yamen (government office) from the Qing Dynasty, known as "one governor's office, half of Qing history."
- **Ticket**: ¥30
- **Suggested Visit Time**: 1-2 hours

- **Ancient Lotus Pond**
- **Highlights**: A classical garden dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, most beautiful when lotus flowers bloom in summer, blending the grandeur of northern gardens with the delicacy of southern gardens.
- **Ticket**: ¥30 (recommended in summer)

- **Baoding Military Academy Museum**
- **Highlights**: China's first modern military academy, which trained notable figures like Chiang Kai-shek and Ye Ting.

- **Daci Pavilion**
- **Highlights**: A landmark ancient structure in Baoding, offering panoramic views of the old city, especially beautiful at night with lights.

- **Natural Scenery**:
- **Baiyangdian Lake** (in Xiong'an New Area, 1.5-hour drive from Baoding)
- **Highlights**: The largest freshwater lake in North China, perfect for lotus viewing, wooden boat rides, and salted duck eggs in summer.
- **Activities**: Reed marsh tours, visiting Gazi Village, and enjoying whole-fish banquets.
- **Best Season**: June-September

- **Yesanpo** (in Laishui County, 2-hour drive from Baoding)
- **Highlights**: A natural scenic area featuring canyons, caves, and rafting. Recommended spots: Baili Gorge and Juma River Rafting.
- **Ticket**: ¥115 for Baili Gorge

- **Langya Mountain**
- **Highlights**: Famous for the "Five Heroes" story, with stunning autumn foliage, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

- **Other Recommendations**:
- **Ranzhuang Tunnel Warfare Site**
- **Highlights**: Experience the underground tunnel networks from the Anti-Japanese War, great for kids' educational trips.
- **Mancheng Han Tomb**
- **Highlights**: The tomb of Liu Sheng, King of Zhongshan from the Western Han Dynasty, where the "Jade Burial Suit" (replica) was unearthed.

2. Baoding Food Recommendations:
- **Donkey Burger (Lürou Huoshao)**
- A local specialty. Recommended shops: **Yanjia Donkey Meat Old Store**, **Yongmao Donkey Meat**.
- **Baiyunzhang Baozi**
- A century-old brand, beef-filled buns served with vinegar and chili oil.
- **Governor's Tofu**
- A signature dish of Zhili official cuisine, known for its tender texture.
- **Baiyangdian Specialties**
- Whole-fish banquets, salted duck eggs, and stir-fried lotus leaf eggs.
- **Other Snacks**
- Candied hawthorns, Huaimao pickles (great as souvenirs).

3. Transportation Guide:
- **Getting There**
- **Train/High-Speed Rail**: Baoding Station (regular trains), Baoding East Station (high-speed rail, ~40 minutes from Beijing West).
- **Driving**: ~2 hours from Beijing (via Jinggang'ao Expressway).
- **Local Transport**
- Buses cover major attractions; taxi starting fare is ¥7; shared bikes are good for short distances.

4. Accommodation Recommendations:
- **Downtown Area** (convenient for Zhili Governor's Office, Ancient Lotus Pond)
- Mid-range: Starlight International Business Hotel, Yijia 365 Chain Hotel.
- Budget: Home Inn, Hanting.
- **Near Yesanpo/Baiyangdian**
- Opt for farm stays or resort hotels for a rural experience.

5. Itinerary Suggestions:
- **One-Day Trip**:
Morning: Zhili Governor's Office → Ancient Lotus Pond → Daci Pavilion
Afternoon: Baoding Military Academy Museum → Try donkey burgers
- **Two-Day Trip**:
- **Day 1**: Cultural sites in downtown Baoding (Governor's Office, Lotus Pond) + local food.
- **Day 2**: Baiyangdian (summer) or Yesanpo (autumn).

6. Tips:
- Summer: Sunscreen and mosquito repellent (especially at Baiyangdian); winter: dress warmly.
- Some attractions require advance booking (e.g., Zhili Governor's Office).
- Buy souvenirs at reputable shops to avoid overpriced items in tourist areas.

Baoding offers both profound historical heritage and refreshing natural scenery, catering to culture lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. Plan flexibly based on the season and your interests!