Job Discussion Forums

[ms_casillas]

Has anybody been to Baoding?

Can you please tell me what its like there

and

If you can make day trips to Beijing?

Recuriter says its close to BJ. but it doesnt look close

Thanks!!

[PattyFlipper]

I briefly visited Baoding a couple of times, as a good Chinese friend is originally from there. It is a small town and doesn't really have much in the way of ameneties or sights. I didn't see any other Westerners either, so you might feel a little isolated. Certainly a very "Chinese experience", if that is what you are seeking, though I hope you can speak a bit of the language. I was very impressed by the kindness and hospitality of the people there, but these were of course friends and family members of my friend.

There is a frequent and fairly fast train service to Beijing (takes about an hour and a half, if my memory serves me correctly) using good-quality rolling stock. It is also fairly easy to get to Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, which is bigger than Baoding, if not a great deal more inspiring.

[taramisu]

Baoding is where I currently stay.

It's a decent town. No, there are not many foreigners but I have managed to make friends with several, whether they are other teachers, students or in town on business.

By Chinese standards it is a small town, "run of the mill," but it's fairly large. It's very easy to go to Beijing, in fact, I go two or three times a month. You can take the fast train (about an hour, 45 rmb) or the slow train (1:20? 25 rmb) and you're there, instantly.

What's piqued your interest in Baoding?

[newguns]

i second pattyflipper.

Shijiazhuang sucks too