Baoji

Baoji (宝鸡; Bǎojī) is a city in western Shaanxi with a population of 3.26 million as of 2023. Located in the western part of the Guanzhong Plain, Baoji is known for its rich cultural history and scenic landscapes. The city, historically known as Chen Cang, Yong Cheng, Xiguo, and Xiqi, has played a key role in the development of Chinese civilization. It is home to several historical sites and cultural landmarks, including the birthplace of Taoism and significant archaeological discoveries. With its mix of natural beauty and historical significance, Baoji is a popular destination for both cultural and nature enthusiasts.

Understand

Baoji, located in the western part of Shaanxi Province, is known as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization with a history spanning over 2,700 years. During the Warring States period, Baoji played a strategic role as it guarded the pass between the Qin forces in the Wei Valley and the northern kingdoms on the North China Plain. This city is also the birthplace of Taoism, as it is believed to be the place where Laozi wrote the Dao De Jing, the foundational text of Taoism.

Baoji is home to important archaeological finds, including Yangshao culture relics, which date back to the Late Stone Age. The painted pottery discovered in Mianchi County, Yangshao village, reflects the ancient matriarchal society that existed here.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Baoji is known for its picturesque landscapes, including Taibai Mountain, the highest peak in the Qinling Mountains, and its significance as a major industrial center in western China. The city is also famous for being the home of Xifeng Liquor, a renowned Chinese spirit.

Today, Baoji is a vital transportation hub, an industrial powerhouse, and a city with deep roots in ancient Chinese culture. It has received recognition for its achievements in urban sustainability and continues to develop as a national transportation center.

Get in

By plane

Baoji does not have an airport. The nearest airport of any size is Tianshui Maijishan Airport in Tianshui and the nearest major airport is Xi’an Xianyang International Airport in Xianyang.

There is a bus service operating between Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Baoji South Bus Station. These buses depart from the transport interchange on the east side of Terminal 3. Departure times (as of April 2024) are 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 13:40, 14:40, 15:30, 17:10, 18:50 and 20:30. The journey time is approximately 2 hours and the fare is ¥62 (as of April 2024).

By train

From Xi'an: 50 minutes by high-speed train ¥50, linking the two dedicated stations on the high-speed line. 2 hours on a fast train ¥30, 3 hours on a regular train ¥22, linking the two main stations. Tickets are usually available at the day of travel though you might only get a hard seat.

Stations

• 1 Baoji Railway Station (宝鸡站), 1 Yingbin Road, Weibin District (渭滨区迎宾路1号) (bus nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 16, 21, 35, 37, 39, 42 and 51). (updated Apr 2024)
• 2 Baoji South Railway Station (宝鸡南站), Panlong Road, Weibin District (渭滨区蟠龙路) (bus nos. 7, 21, 28, 30, 41, 54, 55, 70, 80, 87 and the Baoji-Zhifang Intercity Bus). (updated Apr 2024)

By Bus

• Baoji Bus Station (宝鸡汽车站, also known as Baoji West Bus Station or 宝鸡汽车西站), 106 Jing’er Road, Weibin District (渭滨区经二路106号) (there is a bus stop outside the station, which is served by bus nos. 4, 5, 7, 9, 25, 34 (extended route), 35, 36, 39, 40, 43, 48, Tourist Bus 66, the Baoji Caijiapo Intercity Bus, the Baoji-Fengxiang Intercity Bus, the Baoji-Mei County Intercity Bus and the Baoji Zhifang Intercity Bus). (updated Apr 2024)
• Baoji South Bus Station (宝鸡汽车客运南站, 宝鸡汽车南站), Panlong Road, Weibin District (渭滨区蟠龙路) (on the east side of Baoji South Railway Station). (updated Apr 2024)

Get around

By bus

Buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around Baoji, with fares ranging from ¥1 to ¥3 depending on the type of bus. Regular buses cost ¥1, air-conditioned buses are ¥2, while special routes like K15 cost ¥3 and Route 15 costs ¥2.5. Some routes, such as Route 70, are only ¥1.5. Navigating the bus system can be a bit challenging, so using local maps or asking for assistance is recommended. For example, Route K15 is popular among visitors for reaching key destinations in the city.

By taxi

Taxis in Baoji are an affordable and convenient way to travel around the city, with a starting fare of ¥7 for the first 2.5 kilometers. After that, the fare increases by ¥1.7 per kilometer. Waiting fees apply if the taxi is stationary for an extended period. Taxis are especially useful for reaching destinations that are less accessible by public transport or for traveling between districts.

See

• 1 Baoji Bronzeware Museum (宝鸡青铜器博物院), Chinese Stone Drum Park, Binhe Avenue, Weibin District (渭滨区滨河大道中华石鼓园) (take bus no. 10 from Baoji Railway Station; alternatively take bus no. 8, 17, 20, 28, 41, 49, 61 or 71), ☏ +86 917 2769018. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Monday (except when Monday is a public holiday). Visitors are expected to make an appointment on the museum’s WeChat account before visiting. Free.  
• 2 Baoji Folk Customs Museum (宝鸡民俗博物馆), 12 Xibao Road, Weibin District (渭滨区西宝路12号) (bus nos. 10, 17, 20, 22, 28, 33, 41, 46, 61, 71), ☏ +86 917 3306912, +86 917 3306925, bjmsbwg2012@163.com. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Monday (except when Monday is a public holiday. Free. (updated Apr 2024)
• 3 Jintai Taoist Temple (金台观), 42 Jintai Lane, Jintai District (金台区金台巷42号) (about 900 meters north of Baoji Railway Station;), ☏ +86 917 2952566. 09:00-17:00. A major Taoist temple dedicated to Zhang Sanfeng, the legendary Taoist monk who is credited with the invention of Tai Chi. ¥10. (updated Apr 2024)
• 4 Famen Temple (法门寺), Fufeng County (扶风县) (buses to the temple depart from Baoji Bus Station; there are also direct buses to the temple from Xi'an’s Chengxi (City West) Bus Station - these buses depart at 09:00 and 16:30 daily), ☏ +86 917 5254002, fms@famensi.com. 08:30-17:30. This Buddhist temple, which records mention as far back as 67 AD, contains a 13-story brick pagoda as part of the monastery. This pagoda fell down in the rain in August 1981 and revealed a 1000 year old underground vault full with 2,400 treasures belonging to the Tang and previous dynasties given as offerings. These included gold and silver utensils, glazed wares, porcelains, pearls, precious stones and textiles, as well as religious items. The biggest treasure is a finger bone of Buddha offered to the Emperor of China during the Tang dynasty. ¥100 (entry fee only), ¥158 (including return bus fare).  
• 5 Wuzhangyuan Zhuge Liang Temple (五丈原诸葛亮庙), Wuzhangyuan Village, Zhouwu Road, Caijiapo Town, Qishan County, (岐山县蔡家坡镇周五路五丈原村), ☏ +86 917 8770456. 08:30–17:30. Located about 20 km south of Qishan County, this temple sits atop the Wuzhangyuan Plateau, overlooking the Wei River. It symbolizes Zhuge Liang's lifelong dedication to the Northern Expeditions and his vision for national unity. The temple, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty and expanded in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, features various preserved Qing-era structures, including the grand temple gate, side halls, Bell and Drum Towers, and the main hall.Highlights include the "Five Zhang Autumn Wind" plaque above the Hall of Offerings, Zhuge Liang's Memorial of Military Expeditions carved in stone, and a pavilion with a display of the Eight Trigrams, reflecting Zhuge Liang's mastery in military formations. In the main hall, a statue of Zhuge Liang sits serenely, flanked by statues of notable Shu generals.To the southwest of the hall lies Zhuge Liang's symbolic tomb, while nearby stands the Meteor Pavilion housing a meteorite said to have fallen shortly before his death, symbolizing the "fall of a great star." (updated Dec 2024)

Do

• 1 Mount Taibai National Forest Park (太白山国家森林公园), Tangyu Town, Mei County (眉县汤峪镇) (take a long-distance bus from Baoji Bus Station to Mei County, then take bus no. 203 or 204 to the Mount Taibai Visitor Center), toll-free: +86 400 6980917. General opening hours are 08:00-18:00; the ticket office closes at 15:00; the cable cars stop running at 18:00; the park bus stops running at 19:00. A national park centered around Mount Taibai, the highest mountain in the Qinling mountain range. Entry tickets are ¥90 between March and November, and ¥54 between December and February; tickets for a round trip on the park bus cost ¥60. (updated Apr 2024)
• 2 Jiulong Mountain Scenic Area (九龙山景区), Anli Village West, Pingtou Town, Chencang District (陈仓区坪头镇庵里村西), ☏ 400-109-0303NOCC. 08:00–17:30. Jiulong Mountain is a breathtaking destination in Chencang District, known for its rugged terrain and picturesque scenery. The area is a harmonious blend of peaks, forests, streams, and caves, with nine distinct peaks encircling one another. Each site within the scenic area has its unique charm, including the Jade Emperor Cave, Wuliang Cave, Yaowang Cave, Sanxian Cave, Baxian Cave, Chuantian Cave, Lotus Peak, Yaotao Cliff, and Leishen Pool.The Jiulong Mountain ancient architectural complex is a designated provincial cultural heritage site and has long been a hub of Buddhist and Taoist culture in western Guanzhong. It is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking cultural and spiritual experiences. (updated Dec 2024)
• 3 Honghegu Forest Park (红河谷森林公园), Heying Road, Yingtou Town, Meixian County (眉县营头镇河营路), ☏ 400-678-0578NOCC, 0917-5790019NOCC. 09:00–16:30. Honghegu Forest Park is a scenic destination featuring over 80 attractions spread across four developed areas. Visitors are greeted by religious cultural relics such as Jinglin Temple, Xiandong Temple, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and Guanyin Cliff. The park boasts dramatic mountain landscapes, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and serene pools. Highlights include the ancient Taigong Stone Boat, the mysterious Twin Caves Water Curtain, Panlong Bay, and Doumu Waterfall.A unique feature of the park is the Quaternary glacial remains of Taibai Mountain, including a glacier stone sea that can be observed without climbing to high altitudes. Visitors can also marvel at the "Red River Red Cliffs" and "Doumu Peak Reflections," two of the Taibai Eight Views, as well as the "Taibai Snow in June," one of the Guanzhong Eight Views.The park offers tranquil pathways winding through forests and streams, creating an enchanting atmosphere. A notable attraction is the "Lingyun Plank Road," an iron walkway built along towering cliffs, offering breathtaking views as it soars into the clouds. (updated Dec 2024)

Sleep

• Jialong International Hotel, 294 Jingyi Rd (next to the train station), ☏ +86 917 - 2708888. Good value, big and comfortable rooms. Towels, toothbrush, shampoo and soap provided. Doubles ¥198, breakfast not included. 
• 1 Dongling Crowne Plaza Hotel (东岭皇冠假日酒店), No. 66, Jintai District, ☏ +86 917 3676666. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel is a landmark in Baoji, offering luxurious rooms and suites with stunning city views, featuring modern amenities such as LCD TVs, international satellite channels, and rainforest showers. Guests can enjoy spacious work areas, high-speed internet access, and plush Serta mattresses. The hotel is conveniently located near Yintai Shopping Mall, the city government, and the Wei River, providing easy access to local attractions like the Shaanxi Bronze Museum. Facilities include a 1200 sqm grand ballroom, nine flexible meeting rooms, and customized services for business events and weddings. ¥460 for a double room. (updated Dec 2024)

Go next

• Tiantaishan National Park

Routes through Baoji

Lanzhou ← Tianshui ←

W  E

→ Xianyang → Xi'an