No backtracking | Baoding and Xiong'an tested travel guide, all food, attractions, and tips organized

1. Basic information 📍Location: Baoding old city is about a 50-minute drive from Xiong'an New Area. It’s a 30-minute high-speed train ride away. The two cities are well connected, making it perfect for a weekend trip. ⏰Best season: Lotus blooms in Baiyangdian from July to August. September to October offers cool and comfortable weather. Recommended trip length: 3 days 2 nights. 💰Budget per person: 800–1,200 CNY (including accommodation, admission tickets, and meals) 🚗Transportation 1. Self-driving (highly recommended) About 1.5 hours from Beijing, 2 hours from Tianjin; 50 minutes from Baoding city center to Xiong'an Rongdong; 25 minutes from Xiong'an to Baiyangdian dock. The entire route is on highways and easy to drive. Paid parking is available at all major attractions. 2. High-speed train Beijing West → Xiong'an station in 50 minutes; Xiong'an station ↔ Baoding East high-speed train in 30 minutes. After arriving in Xiong'an, taxis are recommended as local buses are infrequent and not suitable for tight schedules. 3. Intercity bus: Baoding train station ↔ Baiyangdian 656 intercity bus runs frequently, suitable for public transport travelers. 2. Must-visit highlights in both cities ✨Baoding | Millennium-old Zhili ancient city (cultural old town) 1. Zhili Governor’s Office 🎫 30 CNY The best-preserved Qing dynasty provincial government office in China. Known as “one governor’s office, half Qing history.” Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang once worked here. There are court scene performances at 10 AM and 3 PM. Plan 1.5–2 hours to visit. 2. Ancient Lotus Pond 🎫 30 CNY A classic northern Chinese garden. The pond is full of lotus flowers in July and August. Pavilions, steles, and corridors make it perfect for traditional-style photos. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Governor’s Office. 3. West Street (Zhili’s first street) Free! A century-old street with gray bricks and tiles, home to Baoding’s famous old brands. The night atmosphere is lively with street food and local life. 4. Daci Pavilion free A landmark in Baoding old city. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the ancient city. 5. China Paleontology Museum (Baoding Natural History Museum) A must for families. Features giant prehistoric fossils. Free with reservation. Allow 2–3 hours if visiting with kids. ✨Xiong'an | Future new city + Baiyangdian water town 1. Baiyangdian 5A scenic area 🎫 admission + boat combo The setting of the story “Little Soldier Zhang Ga.” In July and August, the vast lotus garden is a must-see. Take a boat ride through the reed marshes. Visit the Yanling team memorial hall and Gazi village. Use the official main dock only. Avoid roadside private boats for safety. 2. Xiong'an impression exhibition hall 🎫 20 CNY Features a model and AR interaction to quickly understand Xiong'an’s urban planning. An immersive experience of the millennium plan for the new city. 3. Yuerong Park free A Chinese-style garden. Climb Anhe Tower for views of the new city. The evening lights are beautiful, making it a great spot for a stroll and photos. 4. Xiong'an countryside park free entry Hebei’s 14 city-themed exhibition gardens form a huge urban green heart. Good for cycling. The Xinma Forest petting zoo requires a separate ticket, ideal for kids to feed animals. 3. 3 days 2 nights no backtracking itinerary (two options) Option ① | Classic popular version (Xiong'an first, then Baoding) Day 1: Arrive in Xiong'an → afternoon visit Xiong'an impression exhibition hall to learn about the new city plan → evening stroll in Yuerong Park to see the night view; stay in Xiong'an Rongdong area Day 2: Full day at Baiyangdian, lotus garden, boat ride through reeds, lunch with river delicacies in the lake area; drive 50 minutes to Baoding in the evening, night walk on West Street; stay in Baoding city center Day 3: Morning visit Zhili Governor’s Office → Ancient Lotus Pond, lunch with Baoding specialties; optional visit to Paleontology Museum, then return trip Option ② | Culture priority version (Baoding first, then Xiong'an) Day 1: Arrive in Baoding, visit Zhili Governor’s Office → Ancient Lotus Pond, afternoon visit Huai Army Office, evening street food on West Street; stay in Baoding Day 2: Depart early for Xiong'an; full day at Baiyangdian; evening walk in Yuerong Park; stay in Xiong'an Day 3: Visit countryside park or Xiong'an impression hall, then return trip 🍜Must-try local food Baoding specialties ✅ Donkey meat sandwich (must-try, with a mix of lean and fat), Anjia stuffed pancake, beef stuffed pancake ✅ Tofu strips, stewed chicken; Baoding banquet offers a one-stop tasting of all local snacks. Xiong'an Baiyangdian river delicacies ✅ Pancake with mixed fish stew, fried lotus flower, Baiyangdian salted duck egg, river shrimp. Find a reputable farmhouse restaurant. Expect to spend 60–80 CNY per person for a river delicacy feast. 🏨Accommodation recommendations 1. Baoding city center: Prefer hotels near Zhili Governor’s Office/West Street. Chain hotels are convenient for walking around the old city. Prices range from 200–400 CNY per night. 2. Xiong'an: Many hotel options in Rongdong area with complete facilities. For visiting Baiyangdian, stay in Anxin County homestays for easy early access to the lake. Book early during peak season. 📸Photo spots 1. Baoding: Red walls and ancient buildings of Zhili Governor’s Office; lotus reflections at Ancient Lotus Pond’s water pavilion; West Street’s night lights and old street atmosphere 2. Xiong'an Baiyangdian: Viewing platform overlooking the vast lotus pond; boat ride through the reeds for candid shots 3. Yuerong Park Anhe Tower, capturing panoramic views of the future new city ⚠️Hardcore tips to avoid pitfalls (tested in 2026) 1. Always take official boats at Baiyangdian. Avoid roadside private boats as they are unsafe and prone to overcharging. 2. Zhili Governor’s Office and Ancient Lotus Pond are open on Mondays but stop admitting visitors at 5 PM. Don’t arrive at closing time. Use the official app for audio guides instead of roadside guides. 3. July and August have many mosquitoes at Baiyangdian. Bring mosquito repellent. The lake surface is exposed to the sun, so use sun protection. 4. Xiong'an New Area attractions are spread out and public transport is inconvenient. Prioritize self-driving or taxis. The countryside park is large; taking a sightseeing bus saves effort. 5. Avoid donkey meat sandwich shops at attraction entrances. Old city shops offer more authentic flavors. 6. Parking at Baiyangdian docks is tight on weekends and holidays. Arrive early. Visit a millennium-old city and a future new city in one trip! This Baoding + Xiong'an short route in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region offers history, culture, lakes, and water towns. Save this guide and head out for the weekend. Those who have been, share your favorite stop in the comments! Ticket prices, opening hours, and food costs vary by season. Please refer to on-site notices for the latest information. This guide is for reference only.