Lianchi Academy in Spring

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.