Baomo Garden

Many Chinese movies and series directors where inspired by this beautiful traditional Lingnan garden featuring elegant pavilions, lotus ponds, stone bridges and exquisite Chinese craftsmanship

In Shawan Town, Panyu District, the Baomo Garden is a beautiful example of traditional Lingnan garden architecture. Combining elegant pavilions, stone bridges, peaceful lakes and intricate Chinese craftsmanship, the garden offers a relaxing escape from the city's busy streets.

Originally established during the late Qing Dynasty and reconstructed beginning in 1995, Baomo Garden brings together traditional architecture, ornamental landscapes and the cultural heritage of the Pearl River Delta. The Garden is closely associated with Bao Zheng, a celebrated official of the Northern Song Dynasty remembered for his integrity and impartiality.

About Bao Zheng

Bao Zheng 包拯, (999–1062), also called Bao Gong or Justice Bao, was a renowned government official during China's Northern Song Dynasty. Born in Hefei, in Anhui Province, he became an important symbol of honesty and justice in Chinese history. -His reputation extended far beyond his lifetime, inspiring centuries of Chinese literature, traditional opera, television dramas and popular legends.-

From Scholar to Justice Bao

Bao Zheng passed the imperial civil service examination in 1027 but initially postponed his official career to care for his elderly parents. He subsequently served in several administrative positions, including county magistrate, prefect, imperial inspector and senior government official.

One of his notable appointments was as prefect of Duanzhou, present-day Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province. The region was famous for producing valuable inkstones that you can nowadays discover in the Inkstone Cultural Village, which were supplied as tribute to the imperial court. According to historical accounts, Bao Zheng challenged the practice of officials demanding additional inkstones for personal gain and refused to take any home when he left office.

Later, he became prefect of Kaifeng, the Northern Song capital, where his reputation for confronting corruption and treating powerful and ordinary citizens impartially became particularly influential, developing into the legendary figure of Justice Bao, a fearless judge who defended the innocent and punished wrongdoing regardless of wealth or political influence.

In traditional Chinese opera and popular storytelling, he is often depicted with a black face, a crescent moon on his forehead and his distinctive official's hat. His stories remain an important part of Chinese popular culture, representing the ideal of an incorruptible official who places justice above personal interests.

BaoZhengdetail.jpeg
#### Statue of Bao Zheng, photo by Fanghong - Own work, CC BY 2.5

At the beginning, a temple dedicated to Bao Zheng was built in Zini Village, Panyu in Guangdong, during the reign of the Qing Dynasty. Then, the Baomo Garden was developed beside the temple during the late Qing and early Republican period.

## About Spatial Design
### Architecture and decoration
Baomo Garden's architecture showcases traditional Lingnan craftsmanship, including elaborate brick carvings, porcelain sculptures, stone reliefs and decorative woodwork. Among its artistic highlights is a monumental representation of Along the River During the Qingming Festival (a classic in Chinese painting), alongside intricately decorated halls and galleries.

Along the River during the Qingming Festival, image provided by Baidu Tieba, CC0

Gardens, Lakes and Scenic Highlights

• Qingping Lake and Stone Bridges : The garden's interconnected waterways, arched bridges and traditional pavilions create picturesque views, especially the nine-arch Purple Ribbon Bridge
• Lotus Ponds and Flower Garden : Baomo Garden is known for its seasonal flowers, bonsai displays and beautiful lotus ponds.

These areas made of the Baomo Garden a popular film set for Chinese historic dramas as well as an excellent destination for visitors to take pictures while wearing traditional Chinese costume photography.

### Opening Hours
8:30 am - 5:30 pm

### Nearby Attractions
- Nanyue Garden
- Shawan Ancient Town
- Dafu Mountain Forest park

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#### Thumbnail by Nethuzara - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
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