Baoding, the gateway to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, boasts the solemnity of imperial mausoleums and the charm of water town wetlands

【3 days 2 nights, about 2800 RMB per person! Baoding Guide: A key area near the capital, a slow-paced city with vibrant life】

Day 1: Arrive by high-speed train at **Baoding East Station** (30 minutes direct from Beijing/Shijiazhuang, round trip about 300 RMB), take a taxi to check in at a hotel in the ancient city center (e.g., Diangu International, 400 RMB/night × 2 = 800 RMB). In the afternoon, stroll through the 【Zhili Governor’s Office】 (50 RMB entrance fee) — the Qing Dynasty’s “Number One Government Office,” to experience the turbulent times of the Beiyang government. Then visit 【Ancient Lotus Pond】 (30 RMB entrance fee), a famous northern garden with pavilions reflecting on the water, perfect for enjoying the rich autumn atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore 【Baiyangdian·Lotus Grand View Garden】 (60 RMB entrance fee, boat ticket about 80 RMB extra), take a wooden boat through the reed marshes, admire the water town scenery and lotus ponds under the moonlight, and visit the filming location of "Little Soldier Zhang Ga." For lunch, try stewed mixed fish, salted duck eggs, and flatbread. In the afternoon, return to the city and check out 【Military Academy Square】 + 【Huai Army Office】 (free), to learn about the century-long history of Baoding Military Academy.

Day 3: Climb 【Qing Western Tombs in Yixian】 (1.5 hours from the city, 80 RMB entrance fee, including the Tai Mausoleum), where emperors Yongzheng, Jiaqing, and Daoguang rest, surrounded by mountains and ancient pines, serene and solemn. Alternatively, choose 【Bailixia in Yesanpo】 (optional, off-season substitute for Qing Western Tombs) for hiking through spectacular gorges. Before leaving, buy souvenirs: donkey meat sandwich (recommended “Yan’s Donkey Meat”) and Dingxing pastries.

💰Budget breakdown:
Transportation 500 (including city and scenic area transfers) + Accommodation 800 + Food 600 + Attractions about 270 + Miscellaneous 830 ≈ **2800 RMB**

📌Tips:
- The best season for Baiyangdian is June to October, perfect for lotus viewing and picking lotus roots;
- Qing Western Tombs cover a large area, it’s recommended to hire a guide or use an electric cart;
- Eat donkey meat sandwiches hot, paired with millet porridge for the most authentic taste.

⚠️Avoid pitfalls:
❌ Don’t trust “wild guides” at scenic area entrances, attractions are concentrated and well signposted;
❌ Specialty shops near the train station overcharge, supermarkets offer the same products at better prices.

Three days and two nights, traveling through history and vibrant life. Baoding is the gateway to the capital region, with the solemnity of imperial mausoleums, the elegance of water town wetlands, and the warm hospitality found in a street-side donkey meat sandwich. Come here, visit the government office, drift through the reeds, eat donkey meat sandwiches, and understand the depth and vitality of this city at a slow pace.

Post by LUNA MAY | Oct 3, 2025