The park 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 fin
al say in all important rulings in Kaifeng, including executions.
In the middle of the park’s Lord Bao Memorial Temple is a statue of this powerful and wise administrator, behind which stands the tools of his highest authority, three fixed hay cutters (Zhadao). Each cutter is marked differently, one dragon headed, one tiger headed and one dog headed, meant as indicators of the condemned man’s social ranking. The statue’s face is painted black, a colour that in opera tradition is the symbol of honesty. This idea is backed up by the Bao family motto, which adorns the hall, and preaches ‘familial piety’ (Jia xun) to all who see it.
There are a few other sights of interest. The hexagonal pavilion, to the east of the Lord Bao Memorial Temple, contains a well that legend states is a measure of moral status. It is said that when corrupt officials drink the well water their heads will split. Also of interest are the garden houses, in typical Anhui architectural style, that Bao and his progeny used to live in, hidden away in the conifer forest and ideal for relaxation and study.
