Baoding

Baoding is a substantial city in Hebei province, China, located 150km southwest of Beijing. With a population of over 9 million (2024), it’s a key regional hub and one of the larger cities in the country. While historically significant – serving as a provincial capital and Qing dynasty administrative center – Baoding today is a developing urban area, increasingly integrated with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic zone.

Baoding offers a blend of historical sites and modern development. Notably, it encompasses part of the burgeoning Xiong'an New Area, a nationally designated economic zone. The city provides a more affordable and less frenetic base than Beijing, while still offering convenient access to the capital and surrounding areas. Expect a distinctly Chinese urban experience, with a focus on local life and commerce.