Baodi

Baodi combines the scenery of a northern water town with the remains of Liao dynasty temples. The Chaobai River Wetland has wide-open views, and most attractions are free, making the area suitable for a weekend self-drive or day trip from Beijing, Tianjin, or Hebei.

• Chaobai River National Wetland Park: One of the larger river wetlands in North China, with vast reed beds and birdwatching towers. Visitors can cycle along the river, camp and picnic, or head to the waterfront viewing platform at dusk to watch the sunset.

• Dajue Zen Temple: First built during the Liao dynasty, the temple is also known as Dongdasi. Inside is a 32-meter-tall standing statue of Guanyin. The temple complex has grand halls and beautiful murals, making it a peaceful place to visit and pray.

• Guangji Temple: This Liao dynasty temple is also called Xidasi, and was built around the same time as Dule Temple in Jixian County. The original buildings are gone, but the reconstructed upturned eaves and bracket sets still retain the character of ancient architecture. The temple grounds are quiet, and small cats are often seen near the entrance.

• Liaofan Park: The park was built to commemorate Yuan Liaofan, the Baodi county magistrate during the Ming dynasty, and combines cultural and ecological attractions. The “Climbing in Goodness” stone pillar is a landmark, while the park also has a 262-mu body of water and wild mandarin ducks, making it ideal for a stroll.

• Xiaoxin Matou Village: Once a ferry crossing with a history of a thousand years, the village features a Jiangnan-style design with white walls and gray-tiled roofs. Large rice fields can be seen at the village entrance. Visitors can try catching fish and shrimp, or relax at a riverside coffee camp and enjoy the slow pace of rural life.

• Shijingzhuang: Locally known as “Baodi’s Little White Pagoda,” this structure dates from the Liao dynasty. It is the largest surviving stone scripture pillar in Tianjin and one of Baodi’s eight ancient scenic spots. Preserved for a thousand years, it has clear historical value.

Food Recommendations

For local food in Baodi, start with fresh Chaobai River fish and intangible cultural heritage snacks. Here are several distinctive local eateries:

Suggested Itineraries

Baodi works as a packed one-day trip or a more relaxed two-day visit. Choose according to your schedule:

• One-day trip (packed highlights): In the morning, visit Guangji Temple to see its Liao dynasty architecture, then walk to Liaofan Park for a stroll. Have Baodi meat pies or gezha for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Chaobai River National Wetland Park, cycle along the boardwalk, view the reed beds, and wait by the river for sunset before heading home in the evening.
• Two-day trip (in-depth and leisurely):
  • Day 1: Visit Dajue Zen Temple in the morning and have Chaobai River fish hot pot for lunch. In the afternoon, head to Chaobai River Wetland Park to camp and see the black swans. In the evening, eat at the night market in Tianfuyuan Commercial Plaza and try hot pot chicken.
  • Day 2: Go to Xiaoxin Matou Village early in the morning to see the rice fields and ancient ferry crossing, then take a break at the riverside coffee camp. For lunch, choose farmhouse stewed goose or small fish stewed with tie-bobo corn cakes. If time allows in the afternoon, visit Shijingzhuang and the Baodi Museum before heading home, learning about the area’s history and culture along the way.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• Driving routes: From downtown Tianjin, take the Jinji Expressway to Baodi; the drive takes about 1 hour. From Beijing, take the Jingha Expressway; the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Overall, the area is well suited to a short weekend road trip.
• Public transportation: From Tianjin Railway Station, take bus route 190 to Baodi urban area. Since the attractions are far apart, it is more convenient to drive or take taxis for the rest of the trip.
• Admission and parking: Chaobai River National Wetland Park, Guangji Temple, and Liaofan Park are all free to enter and do not require reservations. Parking nearby is also convenient.
• Travel reminders: There are many mosquitoes in the wetland park, so bring repellent. The water along the river is deep, so take care when visiting with children. Meat pie shops may have queues during peak dining hours, so try to avoid mealtimes.