Baoding Military Academy Museum
保定军校纪念馆
The former site of China's first formal modern military academy, which produced more than a thousand generals and is known as the 'cradle of generals.'
The Baoding Military Academy (1912–1923) was China's first formalized modern military academy. Its predecessors, such as the Beiyang Army Rapid Training School, date back to the late Qing, and Chiang Kai-shek once studied here. The academy trained several thousand graduates, more than a thousand of whom became generals, and many famous commanders from both the Nationalist and Communist parties came from here, earning it the name 'cradle of generals.' The current site houses a museum that has reconstructed the school gate and lecture hall and displays school history, lists of generals and artifacts. Admission is usually free or low-cost, and the museum may close on Mondays, so check official sources. It lies near the academy plaza in the east of the city. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00, closed Mon (check official site)
Nearby sights
- Dacige Pavilion
- Ancient Lotus Pond Garden
- Zhili Governor-General's Office
- Baoding West Street
- Guangyuan Garden (Cao Kun's Residence)
- Huai Army Guild Hall
- Mancheng Han Tombs
- Ranzhuang Tunnel Warfare Site