Baoduzhai Scenic Area is located in Luquan District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, approximately 16 kilometers away from downtown Shijiazhuang. Known as "the Wonder Fortress Under Heaven" and "the Blessed Land of Baodu", it is a mountainous ancient fortress-style scenic area that integrates natural and cultural landscapes. Baoduzhai stands at an altitude of 580 meters and covers an area of 660 mu (about 44 hectares). Its mountain terrain is abrupt and rugged, surrounded by steep cliffs, while the top is flat and spacious, hence earning the name "the Garden on the Mountain Top". Most of the buildings in the scenic area are in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, built along the mountains in an orderly and scattered manner, mainly including fortress gates, temples, pavilions, etc. Among them, the core building complex covers an area of about 80 mu, preserving a large number of historical relics and cultural landscapes. With both military defense and religious cultural characteristics, it is a famous tourist resort in North China.
History and Culture
Baoduzhai has a long history, and its name can be traced back to ancient times. According to historical records such as "Records of the Grand Historian", there were military defense facilities here during the Warring States Period, making it a strategic location for military strategists in ancient times. Legend has it that because the top of the mountain was flat, a farmer once carried calves to the top to raise them for the convenience of farming, hence the name "Baoduzhai" (meaning "holding calves stockade").
At the end of the Sui Dynasty and the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, it became a stronghold of peasant rebels. The existing relics such as stockade walls and gates were mostly built at that time, witnessing the wisdom of ancient military defense systems. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Taoist culture flourished here, and Taoist building complexes such as Jinque Palace and Sanqing Temple were successively built, making Baoduzhai an important Taoist activity site in northern China. Many literati and poets in history have visited here, leaving many poems and inscriptions, adding a profound cultural heritage to the scenic area.
Main Attractions
South Heaven Gate
South Heaven Gate is the landmark building of Baoduzhai, located at the entrance of the scenic area. It is built in the style of palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties, 23.9 meters high and 21 meters wide, supported by 13 bright red pillars, with a magnificent momentum. The three characters "South Heaven Gate" on the lintel are vigorous and powerful, and there are couplets carved on both sides, showing the momentum and heritage of Baoduzhai. Climbing up the South Heaven Gate, you can overlook the scenery below the mountain, and it is the only way to enter the top of the stockade.
Jinque Palace
Jinque Palace is the core Taoist building complex of Baoduzhai, first built in the Tang Dynasty and renovated many times later. The building complex covers an area of about 5,000 square meters, consisting of Yuhuang Hall, Sanqing Hall, Wangmu Hall, etc. The halls have overhanging eaves and corners, with carved beams and painted rafters. The statues of Taoist gods in the halls are solemn in manner. There are towering ancient cypresses in the palace, and incense is prosperous. It is an important place for Taoist believers to worship, and also reflects the typical style of northern Taoist architecture.
Han Xin Temple
Han Xin Temple was built to commemorate Han Xin, a famous general of the Western Han Dynasty, covering an area of about 300 square meters. There is a statue of Han Xin and an exhibition of related historical events in the temple. It is said that Han Xin once stationed troops and trained soldiers here, leaving the prototype of the allusion "Fight with One's Back to the River". The inscriptions in the temple detail the historical origin between Han Xin and Baoduzhai, making it an important attraction to understand the local military history.
Ten-Thousand Buddha Cave
Ten-Thousand Buddha Cave is one of the cultural wonders of Baoduzhai, with a depth of 50 meters. There are more than 10,000 small Buddha statues carved on the walls inside the cave. The larger ones are about 30 centimeters high, and the smaller ones are only 5 centimeters. They have various shapes and vivid expressions, covering the statue styles from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties. These Buddha statues are exquisitely carved with superb craftsmanship, having extremely high artistic value and being important physical materials for studying Chinese Buddhist carving art.
Sea-Viewing Pavilion
Sea-Viewing Pavilion is located on the top of the northeastern part of Baoduzhai, a hexagonal pavilion 8 meters high, covering an area of about 15 square meters. It is named "Sea-Viewing Pavilion" because on clear days, you can overlook the sea of clouds in the Taihang Mountains. There are stone tables and benches in the pavilion, where tourists can rest and enjoy the scenery, overlooking the surrounding natural landscape of undulating peaks and overlapping mountains. It is an excellent place to watch the sunrise in the scenic area.
Cuisine
Baoduzhai Braised Chicken
Baoduzhai braised chicken is a local specialty. It uses local free-range native chickens, slowly braised with more than 20 kinds of spices over a slow fire. The finished product is bright red in color, tender in meat, rich in braised fragrance, and not greasy. It is a must-try food for tourists when visiting, and can be tasted in restaurants and farm stays around the scenic area.
Luquan Clay Oven Biscuits
Luquan clay oven biscuits are a traditional snack in Luquan District, Shijiazhuang, commonly found in markets and restaurants around Baoduzhai. They are mainly made of flour and sesame, baked with a clay oven. The finished biscuits are crispy outside and soft inside, salty and delicious. They can be eaten directly or with meat and vegetables, with a unique flavor and easy to carry, being a favorite snack of tourists.
Stir-Fried Fresh Milk
Stir-fried fresh milk is a specialty dish of farmhouses around Baoduzhai. It is made by stir-frying fresh milk with eggs, starch and other ingredients over a low fire. The finished product is white in color, smooth in taste, rich in milk flavor and nutritious. It is a dessert that combines deliciousness and nutrition, especially suitable for children and the elderly.
Surrounding Cuisine
There are many special foods in Luquan urban area near the scenic area, such as Eight Great Bowls (traditional banquet dishes, consisting of eight stewed dishes, with a mix of meat and vegetables, and a mellow taste), Hele Noodles (made of buckwheat flour or wheat flour, served with lamb sauce, with a chewy texture), Braised Chicken (using local broiler chickens, cooked through multiple processes, with tender meat and a fragrant smell), etc. Tourists can go to taste them after visiting.
Tickets
As of August 9, 2025, the ticket price is 65 yuan per person. You can search for the official public account "石家庄市鹿泉区抱犊寨风景区" on WeChat to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are adjusted according to the season. From April 1 to October 31 (peak season), the opening hours are 7:30-18:00; from November 1 to March 31 of the next year (off-season), the opening hours are 8:00-17:00. The scenic area is open all year round, but may be temporarily closed in case of extreme weather (such as heavy rain, heavy snow, strong wind, etc.). It is recommended to check the scenic area announcement before traveling.
Tour Route
Starting from the entrance of the scenic area, tourists can first visit the South Heaven Gate to feel its magnificent momentum; then walk along the main road to Jinque Palace to visit the Taoist building complex and experience Taoist culture; then go to Han Xin Temple to learn about historical allusions; after that, walk to Ten-Thousand Buddha Cave to appreciate the stone carving art; then go to Sea-Viewing Pavilion to rest and enjoy the scenery, overlooking the mountain scenery; finally, go down the mountain along the west trail, enjoying the natural landscape and scattered pavilions and small decorations along the way. The whole tour takes about 4-5 hours. Those with weak physical strength can choose to take the cable car up and down the mountain (the cable car is 1,800 meters long, with a one-way operation time of about 15 minutes).
Transportation
- Bus: In Shijiazhuang, you can take Tourist Bus No. 5 or Bus No. 320 to reach the entrance of Baoduzhai Scenic Area directly. Tourist Bus No. 5 has a departure interval of about 20 minutes, with the first bus at 6:00 and the last bus at 19:00, and the fare is 2 yuan; Bus No. 320 has a departure interval of about 30 minutes, with the first bus at 6:30 and the last bus at 18:30, and the fare is 2 yuan.
- Self-driving: Starting from downtown Shijiazhuang, drive west along Heping West Road, turn into Guanjing Street, Luquan District, and drive straight for about 5 kilometers to reach the scenic area parking lot. The parking fee is 10 yuan per day for small cars and 20 yuan per day for large cars.
- Tourist special line: Some travel agencies in the urban area offer one-day tour special line to Baoduzhai, including round-trip transportation and tickets. You can consult and register in advance.
Must-Visit Attractions
- South Heaven Gate: The landmark building of the scenic area, 23.9 meters high, with a magnificent momentum. It is the gateway to the top of the stockade, where you can overlook the scenery below the mountain, and it is one of the must-check-in attractions.
- Jinque Palace: The core Taoist building complex, covering an area of 5,000 square meters. The halls are exquisite, with prosperous incense, reflecting profound Taoist culture, and it is worth visiting in depth.
- Ten-Thousand Buddha Cave: There are more than 10,000 Buddha statues carved inside the cave, covering styles of multiple periods, with extremely high artistic value. It is an important attraction to understand Buddhist carving art.
Tour Suggestions
- Recommended visiting time: Spring and autumn are the best seasons. In spring, flowers are in full bloom; in autumn, the sky is high and the air is fresh. It is recommended to spend 4-5 hours visiting, and you can choose to walk or take the cable car according to your physical strength.
- Clothing: There are many mountain roads and steps in the scenic area. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes. Do a good job of sun protection in summer and pay attention to anti-slip and warmth preservation in winter.
- Dining: There are snack stalls and restaurants in the scenic area, where you can taste local specialties. You can also bring your own drinking water and snacks to save expenses.
- Guide service: The scenic area provides electronic explanation (rental fee 20 yuan per unit) or manual guide (100 yuan per time). It is recommended to rent one to better understand the history and culture of the attractions.
Notes
- There are many steps in the scenic area, and some sections are steep. Pay attention to safety when walking, take good care of the elderly and children, and avoid crowding and trampling.
- Take good care of cultural relics and historic sites. Do not scribble or touch Buddha statues and ancient buildings, and abide by the scenic area regulations.
- Keep quiet in religious places, respect religious customs, and do not make noise or take photos (taking photos is prohibited in some areas).
- There may be thunderstorms in the mountains in summer. It is recommended to bring rain gear. Avoid staying on the top of the mountain or under trees during thunderstorms.
- The cable car operates at fixed times. Confirm the time of the last bus before taking it to avoid missing the downhill trip.