Major Economic Indicators (2010)
Baoding is a prefecture level city in Hebei Province with a population of 11.01 million. Covering a land area of 22,159 sq km, it is situated in the middle of Hebei, bordering Beijing to the north and Shijiazhuang to the south. It is 140 km from Beijing, 145 km from Tianjin and 125 km from Shijiazhuang. Due to its unique geographic position, Baoding has been nicknamed the "South Gate of Beijing".
Baoding is easily accessible by land. Three expressways connect it with Beijing, Shijiazhuang and Tianjin. It is also located along the railway line servicing trains from Middle and Southwest China. Although Baoding has an airport, it is too small to be ranked among the top 150 airports of China. However, its neighbor, Beijing, has the largest airport in the country.
Baoding has a history spanning over 2,300 years. In the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), when Beijing was named the country's capital, Baoding established its position as the south gate of Beijing. "Baoding" means "to protect the capital" in Chinese, making the city crucial to Beijing’s security throughout its history. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Baoding continued to serve as a vital traffic line to Beijing.
The most renowned product that has originated from Baoding are Baoding Balls (also known as Chinese exercise balls). They are thought to have been created during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Baoding balls are used for physical therapy while recovering from injuries, and as an exercise tool for improving manual dexterity and strength. They consist of two or more balls which are rotated in one’s hand.
Baoding contains a number of notable historical sites, such as the provincial governor's mansion and an ancient lotus garden downtown. The Mancheng Han Tombs are located in the hills to the northwest of the city, near the suburb of Mancheng. Other notable attractions include Yan State Capital Relics, Great Wall at Zijinguan Pass, and the Lao Morality Classic Tablet.
The most famous dish in Baoding is the Lurou Huoshao (Donkey Burger). The bread used for the burger is Huoshao – a type of baked wheaten cake that is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Typically, sliced donkey meat, lettuce and shredded green peppers are stuffed in between the Huoshao.
By the end of 2010, Baoding had one state-level development zone. .
National Excellence for Tourism (2006)-CCTV
Provincial Garden City (2006)-Department of Construction of Hebei
