Ancient Lotus Pond Garden
古莲花池
A northern garden founded in the Yuan dynasty, used as a Qing imperial lodge and home to Lotus Pond Academy, known for its lotus pond, pavilions and stone steles.
The Ancient Lotus Pond was first built in the Yuan dynasty by Zhang Rou, Prince of Runan, and grew into a famous garden during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing and Empress Dowager Cixi all stayed here during the Qing. Lotus Pond Academy was established in the Yongzheng era and was one of the leading academies in the north at the time. The garden centers on a water pond, surrounded by buildings including Shuixin Pavilion, Zhuojin Pavilion and Junzi Changsheng Hall. It preserves many stone steles from successive dynasties and is known as an 'urban Penglai.' It is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. The pond is most beautiful in summer, when it is full of lotus blossoms. Tickets are required and can be bought as a combined ticket with the Zhili Governor-General's Office. Allow about 1 hour.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–18:00 (earlier closing in winter)
Nearby sights
- Zhili Governor-General's Office
- Guangyuan Garden (Cao Kun's Residence)
- Baoding West Street
- Dacige Pavilion
- Huai Army Guild Hall
- Baoding Military Academy Museum
- Mancheng Han Tombs
- Ranzhuang Tunnel Warfare Site