Outside the old city wall to the southeast of the city, the Baohe River is solemn and respectful with excellent surroundings. The river sparkling in the sunlight, the yachts rippling on the surface of water, the weeping willow dancing in the breeze, and the verdant and luxuriant trees there make the scenery spot a wonderful place for people to pay their homage to sages and go see-sighting.

Baohe River Park:

Most of the park is covered by the graceful lake of Baohe River. It is named after a famous Northern Song Dynasty (960--1127 AD) official, Bao Zheng , whose name is now a synonym for incorruptibility and rectitude. Bao worked as a judge and was the final say in all important rulings in Kaifeng , including executions.

In the middle of the park is a statue of Lord Bao, the powerful and wise administrator, behind which stands the tools of his highest authority, 3 fixed hay cutters (Zhadao in Chinese). Each cutter is marked differently, one dragon headed, one tiger headed and one dog headed, indicating the condemned mans social status. The statues face is painted black, a color that in opera tradition is the symbol of honesty.

There are also some other sights of interest. The hexagonal pavilion, the garden houses, in typical Anhui architectural style, that Bao and his progeny used to live in, etc.

Click here to read more about the Lord Bao Park in Hefei

Editor: Li Jing

Photo by Fang Neng