The Zhili Governor’s Residence Museum, situated in Baoding city and adjacent to the ancient Lotus Pond, is a well-preserved historical site that once served as the official office of the Zhili Governor during the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the most intact provincial government offices from that era, offering visitors a glimpse into the historical architecture of the north, the original governor’s office and living quarters, and the official customs, stories, and attire of Qing Dynasty officials through the exhibitions set up within the residence. The rich content makes it a must-visit for tourists exploring the city of Baoding.
The Zhili Governor’s Residence is not large, covering an ancient courtyard that is approximately 200 meters deep and nearly 100 meters wide. The central axis of the courtyard features the main entrance, courtyard gate, grand hall, second hall, third hall, and fourth hall, with smaller symmetrical buildings on either side. The entire structure is of ancient style, built strictly according to the regulations of a provincial government office during the Qing Dynasty, exuding solemnity, neatness, and grandeur.
Visitors can tour the courtyards and rooms from outside to inside, which typically takes about 2 hours. The main buildings from the grand hall to the fourth hall were the venues for the governor’s celebrations, trials, meetings, receptions, official duties, and daily life. These areas are now restored to their original state and can be visited one by one, providing a unique experience of the past.The grand hall is particularly special, often depicted in historical dramas as the setting for officials conducting trials; it is the actual location where these stories unfolded. Along the central axis of the buildings, multiple small rooms have been transformed into exhibition halls. The current permanent exhibitions include:
1. “Exhibition on the Life of the Zhili Governor”
2. “Historical Materials Display of the Qing Dynasty Zhili Governor and Governor’s Residence”
3. “Exhibition on the Life Customs of Qing Dynasty Officials”
4. “Special Exhibition on Zeng Guofan, the Zhili Governor”
5. “Portrait Exhibition of Qing Emperors and Empresses”
6. “Integrity Culture Exhibition of the Zhili Governor’s Residence”
These exhibitions offer insights into the customs of Qing Dynasty officials, the life of the Zhili Governor, and the construction and protection history of the Governor’s Residence. However, most of these exhibitions primarily consist of text and schematic pictures with fewer artifacts, making a brief visit sufficient. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, which are generally more engaging and worth visiting if they coincide with your schedule.
Operating hours are as follows:
– From July 1st to August 31st: 08:30 to 17:30 daily
– From September 1st to November 14th: Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30 to 17:30
– From November 15th to March 15th: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00
– During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day: 08:00 to 18:00
– From August 9th to October 31st: Night viewing hours are every Friday to Sunday, 19:30 to 21:30.Preferential policies:
– Students: College students with a valid student ID enjoy half-price. Those under 18 years old (inclusive) enter for free.
– Elderly non-Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei residents: Those aged 60 to 69 (inclusive) with an elderly card or ID card enjoy half-price. Those aged 70 and above (inclusive) with an elderly card or ID card enter for free.
– Elderly Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei residents: Those aged 60 and above (inclusive) with an elderly card or ID card enter for free.
– Military personnel: With a valid ID, enter for free.
– Disabled persons: With a valid ID, enter for free.
– Veterans/Martyrs’ dependents/Dependents of soldiers who died in the line of duty/Dependent of deceased soldiers: With the ‘Hebei Province Veterans’ Preference Certificate’; with the ‘Hebei Province Martyrs’ Dependents’ Preference Certificate’; with the ‘Hebei Province Dependents of Soldiers who Died in the Line of Duty Preference Certificate’; with the ‘Hebei Province Dependent of Deceased Soldiers Preference Certificate’, enter for free.
– Retired military officers and cadres: With the ‘Military Retiree Certificate’, enter for free.
– Talent Card: Hebei Province (holders of ‘Yan Zhao Talent Service Card’ A card); Baoding City (holders of ‘Yan Zhao Talent Card’ B card), enter for free.
– Teachers: With a valid ID and proof of employment as a teacher (original), enter the museum for free.
Service facilities:
– Parking lot: [/]
– Reference price: /
– Address: located on both sides of the scenic area entrance; Parking spaces: /.Wi-Fi Access:
Account: zongdushu
Password: bdzlzds777
Coverage Area: The Wi-Fi network currently covers the visitor center, including both the east and west rooms.
Scenic Area Map:
For a panoramic view of the area, you can access the map through this link: [Scenic Area Panoramic Map](https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/_FUscErzk23FsNPvxN0AKQ).
Restroom Facilities:
Restrooms are conveniently located on the left side after you enter the scenic area gate.
