Departing from Tianjin at 9:30, we arrived at the Magnolia Hotel (adjacent to the Office of the Governor-General of Zhili) at 11:30. The cost of the hotel was a mere 242r, a steal for its convenient location and amenities. Within a 350-meter walk, we found ourselves at the Office of the Governor-General of Zhili, with the ancient Lotus Pond right across the street. Heading west from the exit of the Office, we stumbled upon Guangyuan Garden, a free attraction. A short 650-meter stroll took us to the Clock Tower Bakery, while a 1.2-kilometer jaunt led to the Baoding Zoo, priced at a mere 10 yuan. Just 2 kilometers away was the renowned Baijia Steamed Pancake Shop, and a further 2.4 kilometers revealed the Yanjia Donkey Meat Restaurant. Finally, a 7.5-kilometer drive brought us to the Paleozoological Museum.
The hotel’s downstairs amenities were impeccable, offering a range of dining options and convenience stores. Additionally, there was a free parking lot for our convenience. At the Baijia Steamed Pancake Shop, we ordered a delicious dish that combined the best of both worlds – a small pancake with a generous helping of chili. The chili was so good, we almost considered it a snack in itself, its crispy and fragrant taste lingering on our tongues. The cost of this meal was a reasonable 65r.
The Paleozoological Museum was another highlight, offering free entry and a fascinating collection of dinosaur artifacts. I couldn’t resist purchasing a dinosaur-themed souvenir for 19.9r. For lunch, we walked 330 meters to Baoding Courtyard, where we indulged in a variety of delicious Hebei cuisine. The shaomai and fish-flavored shredded pork were particularly noteworthy, offering excellent value for money at just 150r.
The Clock Tower Bakery was a must-visit, with fresh loaves emerging from the oven every half-hour. Customers lined up eagerly, whether they had a number or not. The large loaves, priced at 13r each, were a hit, especially the red bean and coconut varieties. Across the street, the Xinhua Bookstore provided a serene haven for browsing and reading. Its spacious interior and late-night opening hours made it perfect for a leisurely afternoon with the kids. We indulged in two dinosaur-themed books and enjoyed a 10% discount as new members.
On the second day, we enjoyed a delicious meal of donkey meat buns for 30r before heading to the Office of the Governor-General of Zhili. The ticket price of 30 yuan per person was well worth it, and we even picked up a couple of fridge magnets as souvenirs for 125r. Another visit to the Baijia Steamed Pancake Shop was equally satisfying, and our total expenses for the trip, excluding fuel costs, came to a reasonable 900r. The smooth journey, leisurely pace, and affordable attractions made this weekend getaway a memorable one, perfect for a relaxing family trip.
Whether you’re planning a trip with your family or looking for a weekend getaway, this itinerary offers a blend of convenience, affordability, and fun. From the comfortable hotel to the diverse range of attractions, it’s an ideal destination for a stress-free and enriching travel experience.
