Zhili Governor-General's Office
直隶总督署
The best-preserved provincial Qing dynasty yamen in China, where Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang and Yuan Shikai once governed Zhili.
The Zhili Governor-General's Office was the highest military and administrative body of Zhili Province in the Qing dynasty. It was formally established as the governor-general's office during the Yongzheng reign. By the end of the Qing, dozens of governors-general had served here, including Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang and Yuan Shikai, earning it the saying 'one governor-general's yamen, a mirror of half of Qing history'. The surviving buildings include the front gate, ceremonial gate, main hall, second hall, official residence, and east and west flower halls. It is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and the best-preserved provincial Qing yamen in China. Exhibits cover the official system, the handling of legal cases and the lives of the governors-general. Tickets are required; a combined ticket with Ancient Lotus Pond is available, so check on site. Allow about 1.5 hours. It is located in the old city center on Yuhua West Road, facing Ancient Lotus Pond across the street.
Opening hours
About 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Guangyuan Garden (Cao Kun's Residence)
- Ancient Lotus Pond Garden
- Baoding West Street
- Dacige Pavilion
- Huai Army Guild Hall
- Baoding Military Academy Museum
- Mancheng Han Tombs
- Ranzhuang Tunnel Warfare Site