LAO BAO DING

Today we continue our trip to Baoding. In fact, Baoding has two old streets, West Street and East Street. East Street is now a gathering place for small vendors, and the goods are very cheap. In order to maintain its original state, West Street has relatively few shops, and you can mainly experience the old buildings.

This place is great, I have dinner with my classmates several times, it's very affordable!!!

Stroll and eat on Baoding West Street! Step into the vibrant atmosphere of the Ming, Qing, and Republican eras! ✨ As soon as you step onto Baoding West Street, you'll be captivated by the vibrant blue bricks and gray tiles! This isn't just any old street; it's a living fossil that holds hundreds of years of Baoding's history. Ming and Qing dynasty eaves, Republican-era Western-style buildings, and the aroma of time-honored shops blend together, leaving you wanting to wander all day long. 😆 🌟West Street Must-See Feature: A Time Capsule of Old Baoding - Architecture buffs revel: The entire street boasts numerous preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the Republic of China, like old shops with carved brackets and Republican-era Western-style buildings with red brick walls and arched windows. Every photo you take is a classic throwback! - Time-honored shops abound: A must-see experience of the "Baoding flavor" here! At the century-old Huaimao Pickles, you can sample a variety of pickles, all savory and flavorful. At Bai Yunzhang's Baozi Shop, the beef buns burst with juice, perfect with a bowl of millet porridge. There's also a shop selling traditional Baoding pastries, where the puff pastry takes you back to childhood. - Intangible Cultural Heritage is super fun: Stalls showcasing paper-cutting, clay sculpture, and sugar painting are lined up along the street. You can try your hand at making a Baoding paper-cut, or even have a Chinese zodiac sugar painting created by a master artist – a truly sweet experience! - Cultural and creative shops are incredibly captivating: Many old buildings have been converted into cultural and creative shops. There are notebooks featuring West Street illustrations and refrigerator magnets featuring Zhili culture, making them perfect souvenirs. 📅Day Trip Itinerary: Shop, Eat, and Photograph Without Wasting Time 1. 9:00-11:30 AM: Browse Time-Honored Shops and Enjoy Breakfast Enter through the archway at the east end of West Street. Start with breakfast at Yan's Donkey Meat Hot Pot (crispy crust and overflowing with donkey meat!). Then browse Huaimao Pickles and the old herbal medicine shop to experience the urban atmosphere of old Baoding. 2. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience + Retro Photoshoot Go to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Area to practice paper cutting and clay sculpture, then walk along the street to photograph Republican-era-style shops and old counters. In the evening, wait for the sunset by the bell tower; the sunlight filtering through the brick walls creates a truly atmospheric atmosphere. 3. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Night Lantern Tour At night, the streets are lit up with red and yellow lanterns. Stroll through the night market, grab a bowl of traditional yogurt, and enjoy the evening breeze. It's truly relaxing! 🚗Transportation +🍜Food +🏨Accommodation: Recommended by Nanny ▶ How to Get There? - Public Transportation: Take Baoding Bus Lines 1, 4, or 12 to the "Gu Lianhuachi" stop. It's a 5-minute walk to the West Street entrance – super convenient. - Driving: Park in the Baoding Shopping Mall Parking Lot and the Zhili Governor-General's Office Parking Lot nearby, both within a 10-minute walk. During peak hours, it's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot! ▶ Must-Try Food List - Main Courses: Yan's Donkey Meat Hot Pot (classic lean donkey hot pot), Bai Yunzhang Steamed Buns (beef filling), Clay Oven Shaobing (super delicious with meat filling) - Snacks: Old Baoding Yogurt (in a glass bottle, super nostalgic), Sugar-Roasted Chestnuts (a must-try in autumn and winter, warming and sweet) - Drink: Street-Style Red Date Millet Porridge (warm and soothing, perfect with steamed buns) ▶ Recommended Accommodations (Close to the Street and Convenient for Shopping) 1. Baoding Bell Tower Novara Hotel: Just a 3-minute walk from West Street, the hotel has a modern style and offers views of the Bell Tower in the morning. Excellent value! 2. Baoding Zhili Hotel: Located near West Street, the decor reflects Zhili cultural elements and is close to the Zhili Governor-General's Office, making it super convenient for exploring the surrounding area! 3. Baoding Yijia 365 Hotel (West Street): Located right next to the street, within easy walking distance of shopping. This budget-friendly hotel is perfect for those on a budget. 📸 Photo Spots + Tips: 100% Photo Results 1. The Archway at the East End of West Street - Tip: Wear a light-colored dress or a Republican-era-style dress (like a qipao or school uniform). Stand directly below the archway and shoot from a low angle, framing both the archway and the blue sky for a harmonious effect. 2. Huaimao Pickle Counter - Tip: Lean in front of the counter, holding a bottle of pickles as a prop. Shoot from the side to capture the moment you're holding the item for a truly retro look! 3. Republican-era-style Shops - Tip: Look for shops with wooden doors and windows and signs like "XX Foreign Company" or "XX Bookstore." Stand at the doorway, turn sideways and smile, and use your phone's portrait mode to blur the background and highlight the subject. 4. Bell Tower at Night - Tip: At night, the bell tower lights up. Turn on your phone's night mode and stand slightly in front of it, letting the light fall on your face. Take a half-body shot to avoid a dark image. 5. Lantern Street - Tip: Walk along Lantern Street and have a friend take a photo of you from behind. The lanterns will create a warm glow on your body, creating a super gentle image! 5 Must-Visit Scenic Spots in the Neighborhood: Don't miss these! 1. Zhili Governor-General's Office: A 10-minute walk! This former office of the Zhili Governor-General during the Qing Dynasty boasts magnificent red walls and gray tiles, offering a glimpse into Baoding's historical significance. 2. Ancient Lotus Pond: Right next to the Zhili Governor-General's Office! This Jiangnan-style garden, rarely seen in northern China, fills the pond with lotus blossoms in the summer, making it a stunning place for photo ops. 3. Baoding Army Officers School: 15-minute taxi ride! This famous modern Chinese military academy features a memorial hall and historic buildings, perfect for history lovers. 4. Baoding Bell Tower: Located at the west end of West Street! Built in the Ming Dynasty, it's a Baoding landmark and is a great place to admire during the day or admire the lights at night. 5. Baoding Museum: 20-minute taxi ride! Free admission, featuring exhibitions of Baoding historical relics and replicas of the Mancheng Han Tombs, perfect for learning. Hey guys! Baoding West Street is truly one of those places you never want to leave! It's a vibrant mix of old-school charm and new energy. A full day of shopping, eating, and taking photos isn't enough! Remember to like and bookmark this guide, and follow me! I'll be showcasing even more off-the-beaten-path and exciting travel destinations next time, so let's explore the world together!

Start your city walk at the "Gateway to the Capital" 🔛 Pass by the Ancient Lotus Pond and experience the beauty of the quaint gardens 🌿 Then check in at "Donkey Meat Cao," a time-honored establishment with a vibrant, local flavor~ Come to Baoding! Sharing this incredible itinerary 💖 ✔️ Stroll around the Ancient Lotus Pond, taking in the ancient buildings, the lake, and the blue sky—any photo will become your screensaver, and you'll be filled with pure bliss. ✨ "I'm filled with bliss! The quaint Ancient Lotus Pond" and "Summer gardens are especially beautiful" are absolutely true! ✔️ A popular check-in spot, "Gate of Gyeonggi" is a truly stylish spot. The heart-shaped traffic light at the entrance of "Donkey Meat Cao" is both romantic and unique, and definitely a must-try! 📷 ✔️ Enjoy endless delicious food! The dishes at Lao Baoding Restaurant are incredibly delicious, and the sesame seed eggs are a must-try. The handmade rice cakes at "Bai Mi Bai Gao" on Yuhua Road are incredibly sticky and satisfying. Grab one on the CityWalk and enjoy a relaxing stroll while eating. 🍘 ✔️ The accommodations were also amazing. There's a small gift box at the front desk, and the amenities are comprehensive, including 24-hour hot water and a free microwave. The rooms are cozy, and the hallway paintings are quite interesting. A comfortable stay is the true way to enjoy a trip! 💒 Zeus Esports Movie Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a variety of room types, perfect for solo gaming or teaming up with friends. The robotic arm monitor allows for flexible angle adjustments, maximizing the gaming experience. As dusk drifted over the old streets, I sorted through my travel photos and discovered that Baoding’s beauty is hidden in the textures of the ancient buildings, in the red light of the heart-shaped lanterns, in the softness of the rice cakes, and in the thoughtful details of the little treasure box of my accommodation... It turns out that "falling in love with a city" is so delicate that even the camera can't capture it 🌿

Below are travel guides and itineraries for Tianjin, Baoding, Tangshan, and Qinhuangdao: Tianjin Travel Guide • Recommended Attractions: A must-see is the Tianjin Eye, offering panoramic views of the city from the clouds. Five Avenues offers stunning views of international architecture and is perfect for cycling and photo ops. The Italian-style street offers a European-style romantic atmosphere. Experience the authentic Tianjin life at the Ancient Culture Street, where you can savor delicacies like Goubuli steamed buns. The Porcelain House is a dreamlike castle crafted from ancient porcelain fragments. • Recommended Food: Enjoy local specialties like Erduoyan fried cakes and Nanlou pancakes. Try black garlic beef at Guiyuan Restaurant or enjoy seafood at Fisherman's New Village Seafood and Sea Intestine Rice. Baoding Travel Guide • Recommended Attractions: The Zhili Governor-General's Office is a well-preserved residence of the Governor-General. The Ancient Lotus Pond is a masterpiece of northern Chinese gardens. Experience the suspended glass plank road at Baishishan World Geopark. Enjoy the refreshing breeze at Yishui Lake. Also worth a visit are the free Baoding Military Academy Memorial Hall and the Ranzhuang Tunnel Warfare Site. • Recommended Food: Baijia Pancakes are a traditional intangible cultural heritage delicacy. Restaurants like Xiaofangniu Fried Food Restaurant and Lao Baoding offer authentic Baoding flavors. Tangshan Travel Guide • Recommended Attractions: Tangshan Banquet offers local snacks and a taste of local folk culture. Hetou Old Street offers stunning night views and performances like iron flower making. Nanhu Park boasts a large lantern festival and exciting performances. You can also visit the Eastern Qing Tombs to learn about the culture of the royal mausoleums. • Recommended Food: Specialties like Chess Piece Pancakes, Xiaoshan Fried Cakes, and Sauce-Sauce Tile Fish can be found at Tangshan Banquet and other locations. Qinhuangdao Travel Guide • Recommended Attractions: Shanhaiguan offers the grandeur of the ancient Great Wall. Beidaihe offers beautiful coastal scenery with a stroll along the beach. The Golden Coast boasts fine, golden sand, perfect for sailing and other activities. You can also enjoy the cultural sceneries of Xigang Garden and watch the sunset from Tiger Rock. • Recommended Food: Explore foodie hotspots like Qinhuang Alley and Gongfuzhuang to sample local snacks. You can also purchase seafood at the morning market and have it processed. Travel Routes • Tianjin to Baoding: Self-driving routes include the G18 Rongwu Expressway, which connects to the G0211 Jinshi Expressway, and then to the G1812 Cangyu Expressway. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed rail, such as the G2619, which takes just one hour from Tianjin West to Baoding East. • Baoding to Tangshan: Self-driving routes include the G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, which connects to the S3700 Tianjin-Xiong'an Expressway, and other expressways. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes. High-speed rail routes include the G1298, which connects Baoding East to Tangshan in approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. • Tangshan to Qinhuangdao: Self-driving routes include the S0105 Ring Expressway, which connects to the G1 Jingha Expressway, and takes approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train, which has a frequent and convenient service. #TasteFood #TasteAuthenticFood #BeijingTravelGuide #MyCityDragonBoatRace