Ancient Lotus Pond: The gem of Baoding

Located diagonally opposite the Governor's Office in Baoding, the ancient Lotus Pond is a private garden with a rich historical background. It was built during the transition from the Jin to the Yuan Dynasty, and evolved into an official garden during the Ming Dynasty, named 'Ancient Lotus Pond' due to the blooming lotus in the garden. During the Yongzheng era, the Governor of Zhili, Li Wei, transformed the Lotus Pond into the Lotus Pond Academy, becoming a cultural palace at that time. In the Qianlong era, the Governor of Zhili, Fang Guan, followed the emperor's will and turned it into the emperor's palace. Qianlong visited seven times in his lifetime, and emperors like Jiaqing, Guangxu, and Cixi also visited, adding much color to this garden. The Lotus Pond is not only an ancient private garden, but also one of the national cultural preservation units, and can be called one of the top ten famous gardens in China. In the exhibition in the small square pot in Figure 12, we were fortunate to see a literary group represented by Baoding writers such as Sun Li, Liang Bin, Xu Guangyao, and Tie Ning. This is a rare exhibition for writers among the national cultural preservation units, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the blend of literature and history. The tickets for the Lotus Pond and the Governor's Office of Zhili are both 30 yuan, and those with a teacher's qualification certificate can enjoy free admission, and bus rides are also free. These preferential policies make tourists feel the enthusiasm and kindness of the people of Baoding. Walking by the ancient Lotus Pond is like traveling through a time tunnel, getting close to history. This is not only a solemn cultural heritage, but also a pure land, leaving a colorful historical scroll. The ancient Lotus Pond, like a bright pearl, is embedded in the historical city of Baoding. Its existence not only witnesses the passage of time, but also carries the cultural precipitation of the old. If you want to feel the heaviness of history in Baoding, the Lotus Pond is definitely a place not to be missed. Entering this garden, you will appreciate the deep cultural heritage of Baoding and feel the tranquility and charm of the ancient city. Whether it's tasting the feelings of literature or immersing in the memory of history, the ancient Lotus Pond will become a unique and unforgettable scene in your journey.