Hefei

China · Anhui

Hefei

Ancient water towns and Bao Zheng's legacy

Best for

Sanhe Ancient TownLord Bao MemorialAnhui MuseumHui cuisine

Recommended stay

2-3 days

Best season

Autumn (Aug–Oct) for crisp weather

Location

China, Anhui

Snapshot

City Snapshot

A city at a glance

6 dimensions · 1–5 scale

PandaLoco's read of six travel-relevant dimensions on a 1–5 scale, built from public datasets and our travel criteria.

It describes the city's profile. It is not a ranking of better or worse cities.

Basis: Public datasets and PandaLoco travel criteria

Overview

Hefei, a historic Three Kingdoms site and hometown of Bao Zheng, features Xiaoyaojin Park's waterside pavilions, Sanhe Ancient Town, and Lord Bao Park.

Ideal Pace

2-3 days

Seasonal Window

Autumn (Aug–Oct) for crisp weather

Overview

Hefei is a historic Three Kingdoms site and hometown of Bao Zheng, with diverse tourism resources including Xiaoyaojin Park's waterside pavilions.

Brief Guide

Hefei is a historic site from the Three Kingdoms period and the hometown of Bao Zheng. The city offers diverse tourism resources to suit various interests. Xiaoyaojin Park features waterside cloisters and balconied pavilions in a variegated style. The dignified Hall of Judge Bao is often described as a "green shell on a silver plate." Outside the city, visitors can explore Sanhe Ancient Town with its characteristic Hui-style architecture, as well as the forest preserves of Zipeng Mountain and Dashu Mountain. Wandering through the mountains, meandering waters, and lush forests creates an idyllic natural landscape intertwined with cultural heritage.

Getting There & Around

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (40 km from center) and Hefei South Railway Station serve the city. Metro with five lines and 172 stations, plus extensive bus network.

How to Get There

Hefei's transportation network is well-developed, with Hefei Xinqiao International Airport and Hefei South Railway Station being the major hubs for intercity travel.

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (IATA: HFE) is the primary airport serving the region, located about 40 kilometers from the city center. It operates a wide range of domestic and international flights, connecting Hefei with major cities globally.

  • Shuttle bus services with various lines and stops
  • Taxis

Hefei South Railway Station, a comprehensive transportation hub, is situated in Baohe District and serves as a key point for high-speed long-distance trains. It is connected to the city via Hefei Metro Lines 1, 4, and 5, offering easy access to various parts of the city.

  • Multiple levels including waiting areas and ticket offices
  • City bus services
  • Taxi services

Local Transportation

  • Metro: Hefei Rail Transit, 5 operational lines, 172 stations, covers significant parts of the city; convenient and efficient.
  • Bus: Comprehensive bus network with over 100 routes, runs early morning to evening, ensuring connectivity across Hefei.
  • Bike-sharing: Competitive and affordable bike-sharing with extensive coverage for exploring at your own pace.

Practical Information

Mandarin with local Hefei dialect. Alipay and WeChat Pay are common; cash also used. Prepaid SIM cards available. Temperate climate: cold winters, hot humid summers.

Local Language

The official language of Hefei, a city in Anhui Province, China, is Mandarin Chinese, specifically Hefei Mandarin, a sub-branch of Jianghuai Mandarin. While Mandarin serves as a lingua franca, Hefei's Mandarin dialect has unique phonetic characteristics.

Translation services, including language apps and professional interpreters, are available to assist travelers. The city's multilingualism is less prevalent, but English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

  • Learn basic Mandarin phrases
  • Use non-verbal cues like gestures

Local Apps

  • Alipay: Widely used in China for easy and secure payments, Alipay’s QR code scanning makes transactions simple and also offers transportation booking options
  • WeChat: Almost indispensable in China, WeChat functions not only as a messaging and social media platform but also supports payments and has a mapping feature for navigating, with more than 1 billion active users
  • DiDi Chuxing: Often compared to Uber, DiDi provides an efficient way to hail rides across China with an integrated feature through Alipay for seamless payment
  • Gaode Maps: Preferred for navigation in China due to its detailed and real-time traffic updates, superior to other map apps in the local context
  • MetroMan: Helpful for navigating metro systems across major cities, offering route planning and cost calculation, making city exploration more manageable

Internet and Communication

Mobile data packages for visitors in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and China Unicom.

  • China Mobile: Offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G.
  • China Unicom: Provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications.
  • Both carriers: Do not require long-term contracts.

Public WiFi is widely available in airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card.

Weather

Hefei experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers. The city is subject to a subtropical monsoon climate, with significant rainfall during the warmer months and occasional snow in winter.

  • Pack warm clothing (coats, hats, gloves) for winter; temperatures can drop below freezing.
  • Wear light, breathable clothing and bring rain gear for hot, humid summers with frequent showers.
  • Stay updated with weather forecasts and prepare for potential typhoons from June to early November.
  • Use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and stay hydrated to protect against intense heat or cold.

Currency and Payment

In Hefei, keep payment planning practical and conservative. Use the options explicitly supported by your apps or merchant, and confirm details before relying on a single method.

  • Mobile Payments: Mobile or digital payment options are mentioned in the source; confirm app setup and merchant support before relying on them.
  • Cash: Carry RMB cash as a backup where cash use is noted, especially for smaller vendors or places where app payments are not available.
  • Confirm Acceptance: Before paying, confirm the merchant, hotel, or transport service accepts your chosen method.

Top Experiences

Discover historic sites: Mingjiao Temple, Lord Bao Memorial Temple, Anhui Museum. Visit Hefei Science and Technology Museum for interactive exhibits.

Must-try local experiences

  1. Discover Hefei's Historic Treasures: Visit Mingjiao Temple, Lord Bao Memorial Temple, and Anhui Museum to explore Hefei's rich history and cultural heritage.
  2. Visit the Hefei Science and Technology Museum: This museum offers interactive exhibits and a fun, educational experience for all ages.
  3. Discover Sanhe Ancient Town: A well-preserved historical area with traditional architecture, ancient bridges, and narrow streets, showcasing old Hefei's charm.
  4. Experience Hefei Wildlife Park: An educational and fun experience with a variety of animals, promoting wildlife conservation.
  5. Delve into Traditional Chinese Opera: Experience Huangmei Opera at the Anhui Huangmei Opera Theatre, with elaborate costumes, expressive singing, and captivating storytelling.
  6. Explore Local Handicrafts: Visit markets and workshops to see traditional Anhui handicrafts like paper-cutting, bamboo weaving, and inkstone carving, perfect for unique souvenirs.
  7. Savor the Flavors of Hefei: Embark on a culinary adventure with local specialties like hairy tofu and Luzhou Roast Duck.
  8. Shop for Souvenirs and Local Products: Explore Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street and Sanxiaokou Shopping Area for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and unique treasures.
  9. Enjoy a Scenic Cruise: Take a relaxing river cruise along the Fei River to soak in the city's charm, or head to Chaohu Lake for stunning views and a peaceful escape.

Food Highlights

Hefei cuisine includes Li Hongzhang Chop Suey with rich flavors, street-food furong egg rolls, sweet osmanthus red bean paste, and smelly mandarin fish.

Food Guide

Hefei offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights, from the historically rich and complex Li Hongzhang Chop Suey to authentic street food like Furong Egg Rolls, sweet and traditional Osmanthus and Red Bean Paste, and the distinctively flavored Smelly Mandarin Fish, offering a varied gastronomic experience for food enthusiasts.

Li Hongzhang Chop Suey

Li Hongzhang Chop Suey

Li Hongzhang Chop Suey is a celebrated Anhui specialty named by Li Hongzhang himself. This dish combines ingredients like chicken and sea cucumber, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. The enticing aroma can be appreciated even before the dish reaches the table.

Furong Egg Rolls

Furong Egg Rolls

Furong egg rolls are a beloved street food from Hefei, cherished by many food lovers. The roll is packed with gluten, bean sprouts, and other fillings, complemented by chopped marinated eggs and fresh cilantro, and finished with a drizzle of chili oil and garlic sauce, creating a tantalizing sight.

Osmanthus and Red Bean Paste

Osmanthus and Red Bean Paste

Osmanthus and red bean paste is a distinctive snack from Hefei, crafted with red beans, sweetened osmanthus, and lotus root powder. The combination of tender, sweet red beans and subtle osmanthus aroma creates a delightful sweet taste without being cloying, leaving a memorable fragrance on your palate.

Smelly Mandarin Fish

Smelly Mandarin Fish

Smelly mandarin fish, a classic dish in Hui cuisine, is known for its strong odor yet delightful flavor. The preparation involves marinating the fish in a light brine for nearly a week until it develops a distinctive smell. Following this, it's briefly fried and then slow-cooked with bamboo shoots, among other ingredients. This culinary creation offers a rich and savory taste that lingers pleasingly on the palate.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn from August to October offers favorable crisp weather for exploring historical sites and natural beauty.

  • Autumn: August to October provides crisp fall days, comfortable for exploring historical sites and natural beauty, without extreme temperatures or heavy rainfall.
  • Spring: March to May is mild and pleasant, with blooming flora and cultural events, but rainier weather may affect outdoor activities.

Attraction Highlights

Must-see: Sanhe Ancient Town (Ming-Qing water town), Lord Bao Park, Former Residence of Li Hongzhang, Anhui Museum, and Hefei Rongchuang Park.

Sanhe Ancient Town

Sanhe Ancient Town

三河古镇

Sanhe Ancient Town, 40 kilometers south of Hefei, is named for its three rivers. With over 2,500 years of history, it features a stone-paved old street lined with distinctive Hui-style buildings, notable for their exposed brick walls and dramatically upturned horse-head wall eaves.

3-4 hours
Free
Bao Park

Bao Park

包公园

Bao Park in Hefei honors Song Dynasty minister Bao Zheng. Originally Baohe Park, it was redesigned for his 1000th birthday. The ancestral hall features a bronze statue of Bao Zheng, bronze-cut dragon, tiger, and dog, and a wax scene depicting him settling a lawsuit.

2-3 hours
Free
Former Residence of Lihong Zhang

Former Residence of Lihong Zhang

李鸿章故居

The Former Residence of Li Hongzhang sits on Huaihe Pedestrian Street in Hefei, a late-Qing Jianghuai-style dwelling. Birthplace of the influential statesman and Self-Strengthening Movement leader, the site preserves exquisite wood carvings and an exhibition hall detailing his complex legacy, offering a glimpse into his life and times.

1-2 hours
Free
Anhui Museum

Anhui Museum

安徽博物院(新馆)

The Anhui Museum in Hefei showcases Hui-style architecture with a layout of five interconnected structures. Its permanent exhibitions trace Anhui civilization history, while featured galleries highlight Huizhou ancient architecture, the Xin'an painting school, Anhui's four treasures of the study, and rare Jianghuai treasures.

3-4 hours
Free

FAQ

What's the most popular attractions in Hefei?
The top attractions in Hefei include Hefei Wanda Water Park, Hefei Ocean World, and Hefei Rongchuang Park.
Things to do near Hefei for family & child?
For family outings with children, consider Hefei Rongchuang Park, Hefei Ocean World, Hefei Wanda Water Park, Baby's World, and Hefei Wild Animal Park.
What's the best food in Hefei?
Must-try dishes in Hefei include Baogongyu, Cao Caoji, grape fish, pregnant fish, oil-fired shrimp, Anqingsu ham, and vegetarian duck. Spicy crayfish is also a summer favorite.
What is the most beautiful place in Hefei?
Xiaoyaojin and Dagu Mountain are the most beautiful spots in Hefei.
How to get to Huangshan from Hefei?
Take a high-speed train from Hefei to Huangshan North Station, then a direct bus to the scenic area for about 20 yuan per person. It's very convenient.

Local Moments

Lujiang Jiapu Collection: Returning to the Countryside, Enjoying the Countryside at a Slow Pace

Wuxi Lianghong National Wetland Park offers punt boat rides through reed mazes, guided night insect-watching, and parent-child cooking classes for Wuxi spare ribs. A two-day itinerary combines nature exploration with culinary learning. Nearby accommodations include Wuxi Junlai Lakeside Hotel and Jiapuji Homestay.

naturefoodfamily activities

Wuxi Lianghong National Wetland Park · Wuxi Junlai Lakeside Hotel · Jiapuji Homestay

Ma'anshan One-Day Tour Guide: Everything You Need to Eat, Drink, and Have Fun!

Ma'anshan one-day tour guide covering attractions, food, and transport. Key sites: Caishiji Scenic Area (80 RMB), Daqingshan Li Bai Cultural Tourism Area (30 RMB), Yangtze River Never Sleeps City (free), Ma'anshan City Museum (free). Hidden gems: Lingjiatan Site Museum (free, reservation), Baochan Mountain (80 RMB), Putang National Forest Park (40 RMB), Loushi Park (free), Bawang Temple (35 RMB). Local dishes: Dangtu braised pork noodles, Caishiji tea tofu, pocket duck, Xuejin wonton, Dongguan old goose soup, Huoli lamb. Transport: high-speed rail to Ma'anshan East Station; bus 1 RMB; taxi start 8 RMB. Budget: 3-day ~1540 RMB, 5-day ~2770 RMB, 7-day ~3930 RMB. Tips: best seasons Mar-May, Sep-Nov; Lingjiatan closed Mondays; riverfront windy.

foodattractionstransportbudget

Caishiji Scenic Area · Daqingshan Li Bai Cultural Tourism Area · Yangtze River Never Sleeps City · Ma'anshan City Museum · Lingjiatan Site Museum · Baochan Mountain · Putang National Forest Park · Loushi Park · Bawang Temple · Ma'anshan East Station

Hefei Luogang Daisies | Stepping into Miyazaki Hayao's Anime Summer

A 5-day family self-driving itinerary through Southern Anhui, covering Hefei, Hongcun, Chaji Ancient Town, Taohuatan, and more. Highlights include Xiaoyaojin Park, Xixinan Ancient Village's wetland boardwalk, Hongcun's Moon Pond, Chaji's preserved architecture, Taohuatan's sunset, and Luogang Central Park. Practical tips: book Hongcun tickets online, visit Taohuatan after 5 PM for free entry, and explore free areas of Huizhou Ancient City.

self-drivingfamilyancient villagesnature

Hefei · Xiaoyaojin Park · Lei Street · Xixinan Ancient Village · Hongcun · Chaji Ancient Town · Taohuatan · Renli Village · Huizhou Ancient City · Yuliang Dam · Luogang Central Park

Smart Hotel Next to High-Speed ​​Rail

The Anhui Provincial Cultural Park in Hefei includes the Anhui Geological Museum, Anhui Museum, and Hefei Art Museum. The Geological Museum features mineral and rock exhibits; the Anhui Museum displays artifacts like the 'Zhu Ke Da Ding' bronze cauldron and Lingjiatan Jade Figures; the Art Museum has a notable spiral staircase. All are within walking distance, suitable for a half-day cultural visit.

museumscultureart

Anhui Provincial Cultural Park · Anhui Geological Museum · Anhui Museum · Hefei Art Museum

Next to Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street | "The trend of medicinal chicken has reached Hefei."

Xiaoyaojin Park in Hefei is a free 4A scenic area combining Three Kingdoms history, lake views, and a retro amusement park. Best visited in late spring (April-May) for pleasant weather and blooming flowers. Key attractions include Zhang Liao Statue, Xiaoyao Pavilion, Feiqi Bridge, and a petting zoo. Efficient half-day and full-day routes provided. Nearby dining includes Luzhou Roast Duck Restaurant and Liu Hongsheng. Accessible via subway Lines 1/2 (Dadongmen Station) or bus routes 2/85/106/137/155.

historynaturefamilyphotography

Xiaoyaojin Park · Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street · Luzhou Roast Duck Restaurant · Liu Hongsheng

Last updated 10/8/2026 · published