老西街

Old West Street stands as a testament to the history of Baoding's ancient city, brimming with the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life and rich cultural heritage. I. Overview of Old West Street Old West Street, formerly known as "Shuaifu Hutong," is a historic east-west street located in Baoding's Lianchi District. It stretches from Hengxiang South Street in the west to Yonghua Street in the east, just across the street from the renowned Zhili Governor-General's Office and the ancient Lotus Pond. Once a gathering place for officials, servants, and vendors from the Zhili Governor-General's Office during the Qing Dynasty, this area is imbued with the rich atmosphere of "old Baoding" life. Unlike the more commercialized West Street, which features imitation antique buildings and new shops, Old West Street is more pristine and down-to-earth, preserving many old buildings and time-honored businesses. It is an ideal place to experience the authentic urban culture of Baoding. II. Highlights and Must-Try Experiences 1. Experience the hustle and bustle of life: · This is where Baoding locals live. You'll see elderly people leisurely playing chess, vendors hawking their wares, and residents cycling by. The pace of life is slow and authentic. Every snapshot is a storytelling moment. 2. Explore century-old establishments: · Old Baoding Tanghulu King: Almost synonymous with Old West Street, their candied haws are a must-try, sweet and sour. · Yichunlou Bairou Zhan Huoshao: A century-old Baoding restaurant, their Bairou Zhan Huoshao is a Baoding delicacy. The broth is delicious, the meat is tender but not greasy, and the Huoshao is chewy. · Other snacks: There are also various traditional sesame cakes and pastry shops, where you can shop as you go and experience the authentic flavors of Baoding. 3. Admire Traditional Architecture: · The streets are lined with low-rise gray-brick houses and small buildings, their quaint facades preserving the style of the last century. Although somewhat shabby, it is precisely this untouched state that lends a rich sense of history. 4. Conveniently Visit the Surrounding Key Scenic Spots: · Old West Street itself is connected to the core scenic area. Exiting from the east entrance, across the street lies the Zhili Governor-General's Office (a model of a Qing Dynasty provincial government office). Next door is the Ancient Lotus Pond, a Qing Dynasty imperial garden known as the "Urban Penglai." These three destinations can be seamlessly combined into a half-day or full-day itinerary. III. Recommended Tour Itinerary Half-Day Cultural and Leisure Tour: Afternoon: Enter Old West Street from the Hengxiang Street entrance → Stroll eastward, savoring snacks such as candied haws (tanghulu) → Visit the historic shops along the street and experience local life → Have dinner at Yichunlou near the east entrance (try white meat covered with fire-baked bread) → After dinner, stroll to the Zhili Governor-General's Office Square and the outer courtyard of the Ancient Lotus Pond (if time permits, daytime admission is available upon reservation). Full-Day In-Depth Tour: Morning: Visit the Zhili Governor-General's Office (approximately 1.5-2 hours) → Visit the Ancient Lotus Pond (approximately 1.5 hours). Lunch: Explore Old West Street and its surroundings for local delicacies (e.g., Yichunlou or other time-honored establishments). Afternoon: Explore Old West Street in depth, take photos, shop for souvenirs, and relax with tea. → If you're still hungry, continue to the nearby West Street (a modern-style commercial street) to experience the contrast between old and new. Evening: Dine on West Street or near Yuhua Road and conclude the tour. IV. Food Guide · Must-Try List: 1. Yichunlou's White Meat-Covered Fire-Steamed Buns: The absolute top-tier, it's a wasted trip if you don't try them. 2. Candied Haws: Look for "Old Baoding Candied Haws King" or stalls with long lines. 3. Donkey Meat Fire-Steamed Buns: While Old West Street isn't the most famous, donkey meat fire-steamed buns are readily available in Baoding, so try them nearby. 4. Various Shaobing (Shaobing) and Fried Cakes: Freshly baked, these crispy and delicious shaobings are a local staple. · Tip: The food on Old West Street tends to be more traditional snacks and homely flavors. Don't expect too much from the dining environment; enjoy the authenticity and nostalgia. 5. Transportation Information · Address: Laoxi Street, Lianchi District, Baoding City, Hebei Province (between Hengxiang South Street and Yonghua Street) · Public Transportation: · Take a bus to either the "Gulianhuachi" stop or the "Shangye Building" stop and walk to the destination. · Baoding's city center is small, and many buses pass nearby. · Driving/Taxi: · Navigate to "Laoxi Street" or "Zhili Governor's Office." Parking may be limited nearby, so it's recommended to park in a nearby shopping mall or parking lot and walk to the destination. 6. Practical Tips 1. Best Time to Visit: Afternoons in spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Be careful to avoid heatstroke during the summer. The streets, lit up early, offer a unique charm. 2. Mental Attitude: Come with the intention of exploring historical traces and experiencing local life. This isn't a bustling commercial street, but rather a living museum. Some areas may appear a bit run-down, but that's precisely its character. 3. Combination Tours: We strongly recommend visiting the Zhili Governor-General's Office and the Ancient Lotus Pond together to fully experience the charm of Baoding Ancient City. 4. Cost: Prices are very low, and snacks and dining options are very affordable, so feel free to enjoy them. 5. Explore the Surrounding Area: If you have more time, you can also visit nearby landmarks like the Bell Tower and Daci Pavilion. We hope this guide helps you better experience the unique charm of Baoding's Old West Street! Enjoy your trip!