The Zhili Governor's Office and the Huai Army Headquarters are two historically distinct entities with completely different natures, functions, and historical backgrounds.

600 years of official residence secrets in Baoding! Feel the pulse of the Qing Dynasty at the Zhili Governor's Office

🚩Recommended Reasons
The best-preserved Qing Dynasty provincial government office in northern China! From the stone carvings on the main gate to the back garden, every spot is perfect for photos

📍Address
No. 301 Yuhua West Road, Lianchi District, Baoding (next to the Ancient Lotus Pond)

⏰Opening Hours
10.20-11.14: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
11.15-3.15: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
⚠️Closed on Mondays / Closed in winter

🎫Ticket: 35 RMB

🔍Route Guide
1️⃣ Screen Wall Square
Must-shoot 20-meter-long "Gong Sheng Ming" bluestone screen wall, where Qing officials would prepare before work
📸Photo spot: From the east side of the stone tablet, you can capture the entire screen wall with ancient cypress trees in the frame

2️⃣ Main Hall Courtyard
Authentically restored trial courtroom! The "Jie Shi Fang" in the northeast corner is an ancient anti-corruption declaration
💡Fun fact: Look for the raised "kneeling stone" on the floor of the main hall, where defendants stood during trials

3️⃣ Second Hall Residential Courtyard
The governor's private residence! The kang heated brick bed and ceremonial bucket in the west wing are original
🍵Hidden feature: Around the winter solstice, sunlight passes through the lattice windows and projects the character "Shou" (longevity) onto the main hall floor

4️⃣ Back Garden
A blend of Jiangnan garden style with northern architecture; the Taihu stone rockery was brought by Li Hongzhang from Jiangnan
🌿Seasonal tip: November is the most beautiful time when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow, perfect for shooting new Chinese style with the blue tiles

⚠️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
• The garden is closed in winter and lighting is poor; it’s recommended to enter before 2 PM
• Electronic guide devices require a 200 RMB deposit; joining a tour group for explanations is more recommended
• There are thresholds on the courtroom floor, so wear comfortable shoes