From the long-standing charm of the Zhili Govern-general's Office to the picturesque natural landscapes, each attraction in Baoding tells a captivating story with its unique allure. Today, let's embark on a journey of exploring the past and present, taking in the splendid sights, and discover the must-visit tourist destinations that will leave you enchanted.

Zhili Govern-general's Office

Zhili Govern-general's Office is a well-preserved provincial government office building in the Qing dynasty with a typical northern Chinese architectural style. The entire complex is divided into three parts - the East, Central, and West Sections, following the front hall-rear living quarters layout, similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Baiyangdian

Baiyangdian is the largest lake on the North China Plain. Renowned for its abundant resources and scenic beauty, it is hailed as the "Northern Jiangnan." The vast expanse of water, expansive lotus and water lily fields collectively form the distinctive wetland landscape, and it also holds the memories of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression waiting to be explored.

Langya Mountain

Langya Mountain got its name from its towering and precipitous peaks, resembling the fangs of a wolf. It is famous for the heroic deeds of the Five Martyrs during the war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Langya Mountain is rich in cultural connotations and has many attractions, including Lotus Peak, Chess Board Hill, Stone Chess Board, Silkworm Maiden Temple, Laojun Hall, Mihun Valley and the Red Agate Cave, as well as the so-called most dangerous Glass Skywalk in China.

Western Qing Tombs

Western Qing Tombs, one of the World's Cultural Heritage, is solemn and majestic, with over a thousand palaces, hundreds of stone buildings and sculptures, and the burial sites of 80 emperors and empresses. Each mausoleum is a frozen historical scroll. The vast tomb area is home to 15,000 ancient pines and 200,000 young pines, hailed as the "largest artificial ancient pine forest in China" and the "natural oxygen bar."

Mancheng Han Tombs

The Mancheng Han Tombs are cliff-side "cave tombs" belonging to Liu Sheng (the Marquis of Zhongshan) and his wife Dou Wan. Composed of a tomb passage, a corridor, a north side chamber, a south side chamber, a central chamber, and a rear chamber, the tombs also feature ingeniously designed anti-theft and drainage systems. The precious artifacts excavated here, such as the gold-threaded jade garment, showcase the prosperous grandeur of the Han Empire.

Wang Kuai Reservoir

The Wang Kuai Reservoir is a large-scale hub project primarily for flood control, as well as irrigation and power generation. The reservoir area is surrounded by lush, continuous mountains and forests to the south and north, presenting a picturesque scenery that makes it an ideal destination for angling, summer retreats, and convalescence. Visitors can enjoy various activities nearby, such as water sports, boating, fishing, catching freshwater snails, picnicking, and camping. One can also rent a boat to explore the nearby small islands.

Ranzhuang Tunnel Warfare Site

The Site is an important battlefield remnant from the the war of resistance against Japanese aggression. It preserves the old streets, houses, walls, pigsties, camouflaged entrances to underground tunnels, and 34 defensive structures. The intersecting underground tunnel network is a microcosm of the 250,000-kilometer underground "Great Wall" in the Hebei Plain that could both fight and hide, attack and defend, and maneuver freely.

Yesanpo

Yesanpo is a scenic area in northern China that uniquely integrates mountains, water, forests, caves, springs, and waterfalls. With its pristine natural landscape, it boasts rich flora and fauna resources. Attractions like Qingquan Mountain, Juma River, Yugudong Spring, and Longmen Tianguan each have their independent yet complementary charm, creating a distinctive landscape.

Baishi Mountain

Baishi Mountain consists of over 100 peaks, high and low, each standing independently. It is named after the white marble that covers the mountain body. This place is home to China's only marble peak forest landscape and the most magnificent sea of clouds, as well as the largest deciduous larch and red birch forests in North China, making it a famous mountain resort and a sacred mountain of love.

The Wangs' Manor

The Wangs' Manor is the largest and most complete existing mansion of a wealthy merchant family in China. The architectural style is distinct from both imperial palaces and ordinary residences, earning the saying "For imperial architecture, look to the Forbidden City; for folk architecture, look to the Wangs' Manor."

Traveling in Baoding is not just a journey, but also a spiritual cleansing and a dialogue with history. Whether you are passionate about cultural exploration or captivated by natural beauty, you will always find your own moments of awe and delight in Baoding. Pack your bags and embark on this journey - let's encounter history and envision a bright future in Baoding!

Translator: Pan Wenrui

Reviewer: JIANG Wenyi