With the recent surge in popularity of Baoding and the approaching May Day holiday, as a local, I find myself simultaneously gratified and concerned. It’s heartening to see our cultural ancient city finally gaining recognition from a wider audience. However, the concern arises from the influx of tourists during the holiday, wondering if Baoding can meet everyone’s expectations.
My own experience this May Day was unique, returning to Baoding with my in-laws from Beijing. Stepping out into the city, I was taken aback by the crowds. I’ve also seen numerous complaints on various platforms, mostly about the overwhelming number of people everywhere, from queues for attractions to restaurants.
Yet, when one pauses to reflect, it’s evident that such crowds are inevitable during peak seasons, especially for a destination that has recently gained popularity. Our journey back from Beijing was testament to this, as we had to leave early to avoid the traffic congestion.
Knowing the crowds would be significant, we planned ahead, leaving our car at home and taking taxis to various locations to make way for our visitors. I overheard a taxi driver mention that many locals were voluntarily offering rides to tourists at the train stations, sacrificing their own plans to accommodate the influx.
There have been complaints about the ticket prices for attractions like the Zhili Governor’s Mansion and Lianchi Garden, with some finding them unworthy given the size and apparent lack of grandeur. However, these places are not merely about aesthetics; they are repositories of historical significance. The Zhili Governor’s Mansion, with its eight emperors’ history, is a microcosm of the Qing dynasty.
If given a chance, I would encourage visitors to explore these places during quieter times, perhaps with a guide who can unpack their historical value. Similarly, Lianchi Garden, one of the ten most renowned gardens in China and a favorite of Emperor Qianlong, offers much more than meets the eye, with each structure and landscape element harboring a story.
Our own visit to the Zhili Governor’s Mansion on May Day was crowded, and we resorted to using a digital guide. The next day, we adjusted our strategy, arriving early at Lianchi Garden, where we were able to engage a guide and enjoy a more enriching experience.
While crowds are inevitable during holidays, it’s important to embrace the spirit of exploration and adventure, as we do when visiting places like Disneyland. After all, it’s the journey that matters, not just the destination.
@Baoding Lianchi District Cultural and Tourism Association #Baoding #BaodingTravel #ZhiliGovernor’sMansion #LourouHuoshao
