Ancient Lotus Pond

Ancient Lotus Pond is one of the eight scenic spots of the ancient city of Baoding, known as ‘Ripple Xia Yan’, and is considered a pearl of ancient gardens in northern China. The total area is 24,000 square meters, of which the pond area is 7,900 square meters. The pond is divided into two ponds, north and south, by a central island, and the two ponds are connected by the winding east and west canals.

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The south pond is crescent-shaped, surrounded by steep cliffs, with pine and cypress trees dripping with green. The north pond is irregularly rectangular, with jade stones piled on all sides, and willows hanging down. It was originally the residence of Zhang Rou. The Ancient Lotus Pond was first built in the early years of the Yuan Dynasty (1277), originally named Xiangxue Garden, and is one of the ancient gardens in the North China region.

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It is now a key cultural relics protection unit in Hebei Province. In 1284, it was destroyed by an earthquake, and what remains are the deep and clear pond water, lush lotus flowers, and records from the Ming Dynasty onwards, hence it is commonly known as ‘Lotus Pond’. In the late Ming Dynasty, a large-scale renovation and expansion were carried out. The prefect Zha Zhilong took the lotus pond as a ‘water mirror’ and ordered the construction of a gate with the horizontal plaque ‘Water Mirror Office’ to inspire people and himself: governance should reflect the clear water and the blue sky.

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Since then, the lotus pond has become a gathering place for dignitaries, and ‘Water Mirror Office’ has also become another name for the lotus pond. In the Qing Dynasty, the Lianchi Academy was established, and for a time, it was full of talents and famous both at home and abroad. The lotus pond was also set up as the emperor’s temporary palace, where the emperor visited and stayed many times. The ancient lotus pond has been rebuilt several times and has reached its peak.

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Inside the garden, there are exquisite buildings, books, cultural relics, pearls, treasures, as well as rare flowers and plants, fairy birds and animals, painted boats and buildings, and lotus fragrance, all set against the backdrop of mountains and waters, interwoven into paintings, interwoven into poetry. Mountains, waters, buildings, platforms, pavilions, halls, corridors, and arbors are scattered, forming the twelve scenes of the lotus pond, earning the reputation of ‘Urban Penglai’.

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The park is open all year round from 08:00 to 17:00. Concessions for admission: Minors: Under 18 years old (inclusive) with valid documents, free; Elderly: Local residents over 60 years old, and residents from other provinces over 70 years old with an elderly card or ID card, free; Elderly from outside the city from 60 years old (inclusive) to 70 years old with ID card, half price; Students: Full-time undergraduate and below with valid documents, half price; Military personnel: Active military personnel with valid documents, free; Disabled persons: With valid documents, free.

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