[2025 Baoding Attraction] Travel Guide for Lianchi Academy (Updated Apr)

In early March, visit the ancient Lianhua Pond Park in the heart of Baoding, a city steeped in history and culture. While the lotus flowers may not be in bloom, you'll have ample time to delve into the park's rich heritage. Named after the lotus pond, Lianchi Academy is now part of the ancient Lianhua Pond Park. Originally built by Zhang Rou, the Prince of Runan, during the Yuan Dynasty (1227–1234), the park suffered severe damage from an earthquake. It underwent extensive renovations and expansions in the late Ming Dynasty, transitioning through various roles as a private garden, government office, academy, imperial palace, and finally, a public park. During the Qing Dynasty, Lianchi Academy flourished as a renowned center of learning, attracting numerous scholars. Later, it was transformed into an imperial palace, marking its peak. The academy's pavilions, terraces, and bridges, nestled among the landscape, formed the famous "Twelve Scenic Spots of Lianchi." Three Qing emperors—Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Guangxu—visited and stayed at the park. Emperor Qianlong, in particular, made seven visits, even summoning officials from the Zhili Governor's Office, bestowing upon them imperial calligraphy, and composing poems with his ministers, leaving behind numerous stone inscriptions and tablets. In the Qing Dynasty, Lianchi Academy played a crucial role in disseminating traditional Confucian culture. It attracted esteemed scholars and nurtured morally upright intellectuals, earning the high regard of the Qing court and establishing itself as the highest educational institution in Zhili Province.

🕙Business hours: 08:00-17:00 all year round 🌈Ticket price: 30 yuan. ⏳Play time: 1-2 hours. 📍Detailed address: No. 246, Yuhua Middle Road, Lianchi District, Baoding City, Hebei Province. 👍Recommended attractions: ✅Wanjuanlou: A special library in Lianchi Academy, which has a collection of more than 30,000 volumes of books in history. It was once gifted by Emperor Yongzheng and Emperor Qianlong. ✅Zhili Library: The earliest provincial library, built in 1908 by Lu Jing, the Zhili Education Commissioner, has a combination of Chinese and Western architectural features. ✅Stele Carving Gallery: Ancient Lotus Pond has collected more than 140 steles from past dynasties, including the "Dragon Flying" stone inscribed by Emperor Kangxi, steles inscribed by Emperor Qianlong and other emperors, as well as calligraphy works such as "Lianchi Academy Calligraphy Collection" ✅Ancient Lotus Pond Garden: One of the ten famous gardens in China, the garden has rockery, strange stones, pavilions, terraces, trees and lotus ponds in a staggered arrangement, with bridges such as Wanhong Bridge and Qubu Bridge interspersed among them. 🏨Accommodation: 🌈Grand Hyatt Hotel (Baoding Wanbo Plaza) 🌈GreenTree Inn Express Hotel (Baoding Lianchi South Street)

When I went to Baoding to visit my friends, I found out that the best anorectal hospital in China is not in Chengdu, but in Baoding, because it can protect the buttocks! Back to the topic, this city that I had never actively wanted to visit before also has its own heritage and many small and beautiful spots, which is very suitable for citywalk! · 1️⃣ West Street Baoding West Street was formed after Baoding was rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty. It has the overall style characteristics of the Ming, Qing and Republic of China periods, combining Chinese and Western styles. [Zhili Post Office] [Florence Coffee] is very good at producing coffee. · 2️⃣ Zhili Governor's Office Learn about the culture and historical stories of the Qing Dynasty government offices. 1-9 official refrigerator magnets are very beautiful! · 3️⃣ Daci Pavilion The majestic and magnificent ancient building is magnificent. The temple is filled with the lingering Buddhist sounds and a sacred atmosphere, and is one of the landmark buildings in Baoding. 👉You can visit the [Baoding Catholic Church] next to it, and there is also the [Bell Tower Bread], you have to queue up one hour in advance. · 4️⃣ Huaijun Office The overall architectural style is compatible with both north and south. The reception courtyard, theater (Tindar plays when the sun is good), Xiantang, and Zhaozhong Temple are in the Hui style, and the northern courtyard is in the form of a northern quadrangle. · 5️⃣Baoding Museum It’s a pity that the museum’s treasure, the bronze horse 🐴, was taken away by the Shijiazhuang Museum, and only a replica remains. [Baoding Art Museum] [Guan Hanqing Grand Theater] is right next to it! · 6️⃣China Paleozoological Museum First of all, the architecture is very outstanding, a masterpiece by a master. Then there is the largest paleontological museum with numerous fossils. The dinosaur fossil exhibition area is extremely shocking. · 7️⃣Baoding City Exhibition Center The technology exhibition hall perfectly integrates sound, light and electricity, and there is a free "flying over the horizon" experience. · 8️⃣Lianchi Academy One of the eight scenic spots in Baoding Ancient City, Emperor Kangxi once carved a stone with the inscription "Dragon Flying" in his handwriting. Don't miss it if you like the history of ancient buildings and gardens. · 9️⃣ Qingxiling The grand royal mausoleum complex is magnificent. · In general, Baoding is a very surprising city. I hope you can spend 2-3 days to visit this city that even the donkeys don't want to leave.

Gulian Pool Guide 1. Basic Information Original Name: Xuexiang Garden Location: No. 246, Yuhua West Road, Lianchi District, Baoding City, Hebei Province History: Built in the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, it has a history of nearly 800 years and is one of the top ten gardens in China and a national key cultural relic protection unit. 2. Opening Hours and Transportation Opening Hours: Please check the scenic area announcement for specific opening hours. Transportation: You can take bus No. 35, 39, 66, Baoding Mansion Tour Line/D1 to get there, or drive to the scenic area address, and there is a parking lot nearby. 3. Tour Route Recommended Route: Enter from the main entrance of the scenic area, first visit Chunwu Slope, then go to Zhuojin Pavilion (the best viewing point for lotus flowers in summer), then visit Pianliu Cave, Guanlan Pavilion and other attractions, and finally visit Zhili Library, Shuidong Building and other ancient buildings to learn about the history and culture of Gulian Pool. Photo Spots: Lotus Pond (summer), Zhuojin Pavilion, Guanlan Pavilion. 4. Tickets and Discounts Ticket Price: CNY 30 per ticket, free for children under 1.8 years old, discounts for students, seniors, and veterans. 5. Notes Please follow the management regulations of the scenic area and protect cultural relics and the natural environment. Please pay attention to sun protection and hydration when visiting in summer. 6. Food Recommendations After the tour, you can taste Baoding's special food around the scenic area, such as donkey meat fire and beef pancake. I hope this guide can help you better visit Gulian Pool in Baoding and enjoy a pleasant tour!

The ancient lotus pond is located in the downtown area of ​​Baoding City, with its main entrance facing south. The total area is 24,000 square meters, of which the pool area is 7,900 square meters. The pool water is divided into two ponds, north and south, by the central island, and two winding east-west channels connect the two ponds. Nantang is crescent-shaped, surrounded by steep cliffs and verdant pines and cypresses. Beitang is an irregular rectangle with jade-stone banks and drooping willow trees all around. The Shuixin Pavilion is located in it. Lotus ponds have been surrounded by water since ancient times, with water being the most attractive feature and the pond being named after lotus. The various scenes in the garden are small and exquisite, elegant and unique, ingenious in their simplicity, and they bring together the essence of the ancient architectural and garden styles of northern and southern China. The Lotus Pond is actually the pearl of ancient gardens in northern my country. Our ancestors once described it as "almost as if there is Penglai in the city". The Ancient Lotus Pond was originally named Xuexiang Garden. It was dug by Zhang Rou, King of Runan in the Yuan Dynasty and built between 1227 and 1234 AD. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1284 AD, leaving only a deep pool of clear water and lush lotus flowers. Since the Ming Dynasty, it has been commonly referred to as the "Lotus Pond" in historical records. In the late Ming Dynasty, a large-scale renovation and expansion was carried out. The prefect, Cha Zhilong, regarded the lotus as a "water mirror" and ordered the construction of a gate with a horizontal plaque inscribed with the words "Water Mirror Office" to inspire others and himself: those who govern should mirror the blue sky and clear water. From then on, the Lotus Pond became a gathering place for dignitaries, and "Shuijian Office" became another name for the Lotus Pond. In the Qing Dynasty, the Lianchi Academy was built, and it was home to many talented people and became famous both at home and abroad. The lotus pond was also used as the emperor's temporary palace, where the emperor stayed many times during his travels. The ancient lotus pond reached its peak after several renovations. The garden is filled with magnificent buildings, classics, cultural relics, pearls and treasures, as well as exotic flowers, fairy birds and beasts, painted boats, and fragrant lotus flowers, all of which are placed among the mountains and rivers, interwoven into paintings and poems. Mountains, water, towers, terraces, pavilions, halls, verandas and pavilions are scattered in an irregular manner, forming the famous Twelve Scenes of the Lotus Pond, which has earned it the reputation of "Urban Penglai".

Visiting the Ancient Lotus Pond was at noon. After drinking the iced mung bean water at the entrance, I walked into this 4A scenic spot in Baoding. Inside is the Lianchi Academy, an official academy supervised by Li Wei during the Yongzheng Emperor's period. The Qianlong Emperor visited the academy three times. It is also an imperial palace, with twelve famous scenes such as Chunwu Slope, Wanjuan Building, Hanlu Pavilion, Pianliu Cave, and Hancang Pavilion, making it a classic of northern and southern gardens. Its history is also full of vicissitudes. After the invasion and ravages of the Eight-Nation Alliance, the ancient buildings were reduced to ashes. Now, it is a garden with newly restored buildings. I feel a sense of discomfort and humiliation, recalling the glory of the past, inevitably feeling a bit desolate. I am ignorant of architecture, but the pavilions and towers are gathered here. The solitary pavilion in the lotus pond, the pavilions built against the mountain, are small and exquisite yet ingeniously unique. Touring from the left side, the rockery, lotus leaves, lotus flowers, and ancient stone tablets make it feel like walking through a painting. The calligraphy masterpieces and garden structures in front of me are truly amazing, with different landscapes being intriguing. Here, I had the fortune to visit the history museum of the Ancient Lotus Pond: In the Yuan Dynasty, it was initially called 'Xuexiang Garden,' a private garden. The Ming Dynasty Baoding prefect repaired it and returned it to the government. During the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, the governor of Zhili, Li Wei, chose this place to build the Lianchi Academy, and gradually some classic buildings gathered here. In modern times, the Zhili Library and the Hebei Provincial Museum also moved here for office. The famous twelve scenes here are garden classics. It is said that there are principles from the 'I Ching' (Book of Changes) in them. I am truly ashamed, but the principles of mutual generation and restraint in the I Ching must have some truth. Just looking at the surface, I am already amazed. The deeper meanings can probably only be discerned by experts.

Baoding Ancient Lotus Pond is one of the famous classical gardens in northern China, located in the center of Baoding city, Hebei Province, with a history of nearly 800 years. It was founded in 1227, at the junction of the Jin and Yuan dynasties, originally named Xue Xiang Garden, and later got its name from the flourishing lotus in the pond, hence known as the Ancient Lotus Pond57. Covering an area of about 32,000 square meters, with some sources mentioning 24,000 square meters, it is one of China's top ten historic gardens and was named a national key cultural relics protection unit in 2001. The garden's founder was the Mongolian military general Zhang Rou. During the Yuan dynasty, it remained a private garden, became the prefectural yamen in the Ming dynasty, and was further expanded in the Qing dynasty to form the 'Twelve Scenes of the Lotus Pond' covering 100 acres, earning the reputation of 'Urban Penglai'. During the Yongzheng era, the Governor of Zhili, Li Wei, founded an academy in the garden, which was converted into a Scholar's Pavilion in 1904, and into a primary school in 1912. In 1936, when Song Zheyuan was in charge of the Hebei provincial government, he restored the Lotus Pond Academy, but its history came to an end due to the Lugou Bridge Incident. The Ancient Lotus Pond is centered around the pond water and the Lin Yi Pavilion, with exquisite buildings, cultural relics, rare flowers, mythical creatures, painted boats, and fragrant lotuses, creating a beautiful scroll of 'scenery within the lake, poetry within the scenery'. The garden style is exquisite and delicate, with a clear and inclusive ambiance, combining the essence of ancient architectural garden styles from both northern and southern China, and is acclaimed as the pearl of ancient northern Chinese gardens.

The Ancient Lotus Pond, located on Yuhua West Road in Baoding, Hebei, was originally named Xue Xiang Garden. It is one of the 'Eight Scenic Spots of Shanggu' in Baoding, known as 'Lotus Ripple Summer Splendor'. Founded in the Yuan Dynasty, it is a classical garden that combines the beauty of both southern and northern Chinese gardens, integrating a garden, imperial palace, and academy. The garden layout is meticulous, with mountains, water, buildings, platforms, pavilions, halls, and galleries scattered in an elegant disorder, earning it the nickname 'Penglai of the City'. Ticket price: 30 yuan Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 Address: No. 246 Yuhua West Road, Baoding Transportation: Accessible by multiple bus routes such as 1, 4, 6, 8, 12, etc., to Lianchi Academy.

The Ancient Lotus Pond, originally named Xue Xiang Garden, is located at No. 244 Yuhua West Road, Lianchi District, Baoding City, Hebei Province. It was established in the 22nd year of the reign of Emperor Taizu of the Yuan Dynasty (1227), and was founded by Marshal Zhang Rou, the Prince of Runan of the Yuan Dynasty. The total area is 24,000 square meters, of which the pond area is 7,900 square meters, and the building area is 3,680 square meters. It is a 3A-level tourist attraction, a national key cultural relics protection unit, and one of the ten most beautiful gardens in China.

Baoding Ancient Lotus Pond, located in the scenic area of the old city district, is one of China's top ten gardens and is known as the 'Penglai of the City'. Here, you can find quaint architecture, fresh lotus ponds, quiet shaded pathways, and exquisite stone carving art. You can admire the beautiful stone bridges and stone boats, enjoy flower and bird painting exhibitions, and taste ancient-style tea at the Xinye Tea House. Don't miss the Ci Mei Treasure Temple, Zi Yun Zen Temple, and the group of brick pagodas. This place is full of charm that will make you linger and forget to return!

#springblossom Witnessing the beauty of spring is never enough! This time, I visited Baoding city. Went to the most popular tourist attraction in Baoding called Lianchi College. It's good for photo-taking and strolling around with family. Some people also took pre-wedding photos here, since it has super romantic ambience. There are many kinds and colors of flower here that makes you feel the vibe of ! Opens daily from 08.00 AM to 17.30 PM, but I prefer to come in the morning (exactly 08.00 would be best!). Recommended time to visit: 1-2 hours.

Who doesn't love the #springblossom ambience? Here is one of the best area to enjoy the flowers blooming in Baoding. Aside of its beauty, this attraction also has many good historical buildings. Ticket entrance for adults is also quite reasonable, only 30 RMB per person. 📍 Lianchi College Yuhua West Road no. 246 Lianchi District, Baoding, Hebei Province. How to reach this place? ✨ Take Baoding city bus number 61, 4, or 39. ✨ Take online taxi, and input 'Lianchi College' on the destination column.

The ancient Lotus Pond, one of the top ten famous gardens in China, covers an area of 35,000 square meters. The ancient Lotus Pond was initially built by Zhang Rou, the king of Runan in the Yuan Dynasty, from 1227 to 1234, during the end of the Jin Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty, and was a private garden at that time. In the Ming Dynasty, it was changed to a government garden, known as the 'Water Mirror Office'. During the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, the Lotus Pond Academy was built; during the Qianlong period, it became the emperor's palace, forming twelve scenes, namely: Chunwu Slope, Huanan Yanbei Grass Hall, Wanjuan Tower, Gao Fen Pavilion, Wanhong Pavilion, Zao Yong Tower, Hanlu Pavilion, Pianliu Cave, Hancang Pavilion, Hechai, Ruidang Jing She, and Jiangtang. It is known as the 'Urban Penglai'. Emperor Qianlong visited the Lotus Pond seven times in his life. The Lotus Pond Academy was built in the eleventh year of Zheng (1733), and was built by Li Wei, the governor of Zhili, and is located in the ancient Lotus Pond garden, known as the 'Urban Penglai'. Named after the Lotus Pond, this academy has become a major highlight in the garden. The Lotus Pond is famous for its academy, and the academy is also famous for the beauty of the Lotus Pond garden and its charm to attract students. The Lotus Pond Academy has a dedicated library - Wanjuan Tower, which collected up to 30,000 volumes (volumes) of books at most. According to historical records, at the beginning of the establishment of the academy, Emperor Yongzheng bestowed a batch of books on the academy. During the Qianlong period, the court bestowed a number of books such as the 'Thirteen Classics' and 'Twenty-One Histories' on the academy, including many good copies of ancient books. In the thirtieth year of Qianlong (1765), Fang Guancheng, the then governor of Zhili, allocated 300 taels of silver to buy 400 boxes of books, further expanding the scale of the academy's collection. In the eleventh year of Tongzhi (1872), Huang Pengnian served as the dean of the Lotus Pond Academy for the second time, and was also responsible for the compilation of the 'Jifu Tongzhi'. He took 1,200 taels of silver from the income of the 'Jifu Tongzhi' carving, and bought 15,111 volumes of books for the academy. After Li Hongzhang took office as the governor of Zhili, he raised funds for the Lotus Pond Academy to buy books three times, enriching the old collection and making the academy's collection reach the highest historical level of 33,711 volumes (volumes). Huang Pengnian's 'Taolou Wen Chao' records: 'Raise 1,500 gold, buy books for volumes, a total of 33,711, increase the cabinet by ten, and use ten to increase the cabinet by twelve, and use twelve to support it, and store it in the Wanjuan Tower.' Huang Pengnian also personally wrote the 'Wanjuan Tower Book Catalogue' and 'Wanjuan Tower Collection Book Monument' two articles. The many ancient books and books collected by the academy have benefited the scholars who study here.

Located diagonally opposite the Governor's Office in Baoding, the ancient Lotus Pond is a private garden with a rich historical background. It was built during the transition from the Jin to the Yuan Dynasty, and evolved into an official garden during the Ming Dynasty, named 'Ancient Lotus Pond' due to the blooming lotus in the garden. During the Yongzheng era, the Governor of Zhili, Li Wei, transformed the Lotus Pond into the Lotus Pond Academy, becoming a cultural palace at that time. In the Qianlong era, the Governor of Zhili, Fang Guan, followed the emperor's will and turned it into the emperor's palace. Qianlong visited seven times in his lifetime, and emperors like Jiaqing, Guangxu, and Cixi also visited, adding much color to this garden. The Lotus Pond is not only an ancient private garden, but also one of the national cultural preservation units, and can be called one of the top ten famous gardens in China. In the exhibition in the small square pot in Figure 12, we were fortunate to see a literary group represented by Baoding writers such as Sun Li, Liang Bin, Xu Guangyao, and Tie Ning. This is a rare exhibition for writers among the national cultural preservation units, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the blend of literature and history. The tickets for the Lotus Pond and the Governor's Office of Zhili are both 30 yuan, and those with a teacher's qualification certificate can enjoy free admission, and bus rides are also free. These preferential policies make tourists feel the enthusiasm and kindness of the people of Baoding. Walking by the ancient Lotus Pond is like traveling through a time tunnel, getting close to history. This is not only a solemn cultural heritage, but also a pure land, leaving a colorful historical scroll. The ancient Lotus Pond, like a bright pearl, is embedded in the historical city of Baoding. Its existence not only witnesses the passage of time, but also carries the cultural precipitation of the old. If you want to feel the heaviness of history in Baoding, the Lotus Pond is definitely a place not to be missed. Entering this garden, you will appreciate the deep cultural heritage of Baoding and feel the tranquility and charm of the ancient city. Whether it's tasting the feelings of literature or immersing in the memory of history, the ancient Lotus Pond will become a unique and unforgettable scene in your journey.