The following content is solely based on my personal on-site experience, presenting facts as they occurred. My journey began in Beijing on the 5.2nd, originally scheduled for a three-day, two-night stay, culminating in a departure on the 4th. However, on the 3rd, I made a prompt decision to check out, reschedule my ticket, and return home earlier in the afternoon.
Details of my experience are as follows: Regarding food, the midday crowd was overwhelming on the first day, prompting me to order驴肉火烧 (donkey meat sandwich) for delivery. The taste was truly delightful. On the second day, I opted for a restaurant called Bai Jia Zhao Bing, which was slightly less crowded. However, the queuing system was chaotic, with customers standing in line without seats or numbers. The attitude of the staff was disappointing, as they ignored instances of queue-jumping. Upon reaching the front, only Zhao Bing was available, and the tables were left unattended for 15 minutes, giving the impression that customers were free to eat or leave as they pleased.
As for tourist attractions, the crowds were inevitable, and I observed the hard work of student volunteers. However, there was a lack of guidance upon entering the attractions, and the single entrance/exit point caused significant congestion and confusion. Traffic was also a challenge, with narrow roads and congestion despite the presence of traffic police. Attempting to hail a taxi in the right-turn lane was particularly frustrating, as the traffic was completely stagnant. It was faster to turn around and head back, yet the taxi meter showed 12.5, while the final charge on the Didi app was inflated to 14.5, indicating a blatant overcharge.
Accommodation was not inexpensive, costing nearly 400 per night, yet the environment and service were satisfactory. However, the corridor was noisy with children playing, and despite complaining to the front desk, the situation persisted. Reading the comments of fellow Baoding residents, I was heartened by their warmth and sincerity. While I had initially intended to include a more critical conclusion, I have chosen to omit it in the spirit of fairness and openness. I look forward to a future visit to Baoding that promises to be more enjoyable and rewarding.
#Baoding
