Baoding Food and Sightseeing Guide: Travel Through Time and Taste the Century-Old Stories and Donkey Meat Sandwiches of Zhili Prefecture

Baoding is not just about the serious mission of "defending the capital and stabilizing the world"; it is a historic small city where you can stroll slowly and savor every moment. --- Day 1: Travel Through Time and Experience the Zhili Era Morning: Zhili Governor’s Office — A Government Office, Half of Qing History When you arrive in Baoding, this must be your first stop. It’s right in the city center, very convenient. Don’t underestimate this gate that doesn’t look particularly grand; inside is the “provincial government building” of Qing Dynasty’s Zhili Province. Big historical figures like Li Hongzhang and Zeng Guofan worked here. Step inside, and the weight of history hits you immediately. The main hall, second hall, official residences, garden... all very well preserved. Standing in the hall, you can almost hear the officials discussing state affairs back then. My favorite spot is the garden at the back — small but exquisite. Sitting under the corridor, take a break and imagine whether Minister Li Zhongtang once pondered national matters here. Take your time here, spend an hour or so, especially if you’re interested in history. Noon: Hungry? Try Baoding’s Traditional Flavors! After leaving the Governor’s Office, your stomach will definitely be growling. Don’t go to big malls; instead, head into the nearby Yuhua Road or Ju Alley. Baoding’s delicacies are hidden in these small streets and alleys. Top must-eat: Donkey Meat Sandwich (Donkey Burger)! This is absolutely the soul of Baoding cuisine! You must find a donkey meat sandwich shop that looks like it’s been around for a while. Freshly baked sandwich bread, crispy and flaky on the outside, filled with finely chopped, steaming hot donkey meat, topped with some rich broth... oh my, one bite and your mouth is full of flavor, the satisfaction is incredible! Remember, eat the round sandwich bread — it’s the Baoding style signature. If you want to try more, you can also taste beef-covered flatbread or Bai Yunzhang steamed buns, both are local old brands recognized by residents. Afternoon: Ancient Lotus Pool — The Exquisite Royal Garden After lunch, take a stroll to the Ancient Lotus Pool, very close to the Governor’s Office. It’s called the “City’s Penglai,” a perfect example of a small and delicate garden. Once you enter, you’ll feel like you’ve instantly traveled from the bustling city into a tranquil landscape painting. Summer is the best time to visit, with lotus flowers blooming all over the pond, pavilions and towers reflected in the water, a breathtaking sight. Even outside of flower season, the ancient buildings and stone inscriptions inside are worth seeing. Walk along the winding corridor, lean on the railing and watch the koi fish in the water — it’s very relaxing. This place is perfect for photos, so make sure your phone is fully charged. Evening: Stroll Yuhua Road and Experience the Ancient City Nightlife Don’t go far at night, just wander around Yuhua Road. Now Yuhua Road is brightly lit, blending ancient charm with modern city vitality. You can find a café to sit in or a quiet bar for a drink to end your first day. --- Day 2: Seek Wild Fun and Explore Ancient Sites Morning: Mancheng Han Tombs — Explore the Underground Palace of Prince Jing of Zhongshan If you have enough time, I strongly recommend spending half a day visiting the Mancheng Han Tombs. They are located in Mancheng District of Baoding, so you’ll need to take a car there. This is the tomb of Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan from the Western Han Dynasty, and his wife Dou Wan — the ancestor Liu Bei often mentioned. The biggest highlights are the “Gold Thread Jade Burial Suit” and the “Changxin Palace Lantern” (Note: the originals are in national or provincial museums, but the tomb site and replicas are still very impressive). When you enter the huge tomb carved into the mountain, the mysterious and overwhelming feeling of traveling through thousands of years is something you can’t experience in a museum. Climb the hillside and you can overlook the scenery of Mancheng — a wonderful feeling. Afternoon/Alternative: Jingxiu Park or Former Site of the Army Officer School · If you like natural scenery: After returning to the city, you can visit Jingxiu Park, a large leisure park for Baoding residents with lakes and towers. You can row a boat and experience the local slow life. · If you are a military/history enthusiast: Visit the former site of the Army Officer School. This was the first formal army school in modern China, training many military talents, known as the “Cradle of Generals.” Although there aren’t many buildings, its historical significance is very high and it offers a unique perspective on modern history. --- Some Thoughtful Tips: 1. Transportation: Baoding’s city center is small and attractions are concentrated. Riding a shared bike or taking a taxi is very convenient. For the Mancheng Han Tombs, it’s recommended to take a taxi or check for tourist shuttle buses. 2. Accommodation: It’s best to stay near Yuhua Road, where eating, drinking, and entertainment are convenient, and the nights won’t be boring. 3. Pace: Baoding is not a city for rushing around. It’s best to slow down and truly feel its profound history and cultural heritage. Don’t rush the sights; slow down and you’ll discover its beauty. 4. More Food Tips: Besides donkey meat sandwiches, try Huai Mao pickled vegetables as souvenirs — they have a very unique flavor. Baoding is like a fine aged wine that you need to savor slowly. Hope you have a great time and enjoy delicious food in Baoding!