China · Anhui
Hefei Travel Guide
The capital of Anhui pairs the upright legacy of Bao Zheng with Three Kingdoms parks, Li Hongzhang’s old mansion, the water town of Sanhe and the vast Lake Chaohu.
China · Anhui
The capital of Anhui pairs the upright legacy of Bao Zheng with Three Kingdoms parks, Li Hongzhang’s old mansion, the water town of Sanhe and the vast Lake Chaohu.
Bao Zheng’s ancestral park — the Qingfeng Pavilion and the tomb of the incorruptible judge.
The lake park where the Three Kingdoms heroes once fought.
The grand old mansion of the late-Qing statesman.
A canal town of old houses and snacks, an hour from the city.
The wooded "Big Shu Mountain" for an easy city escape.
One of China’s great freshwater lakes, ten kilometres from the city.
Two days work well: one for the city parks and museums, one for Sanhe and Chaohu.
Spring and autumn are mild; the lake is best in clear weather.
Hui (Anhui) cuisine — try local river fish, Sanhe rice dumplings and clay-pot dishes.
Metro lines and taxis cover the city; buses reach Sanhe and the lake.
Domestic and international flights land at the city’s airport, linked to the city centre by metro and airport shuttles.
High-speed rail (CRH) connects most Chinese cities; the main station is close to the centre with metro transfer.
Long-distance coaches serve nearby towns and provinces from the main bus station.
Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to flag; a 3 km city trip starts around ¥14.
Car rental with a local driver is available for day trips to the countryside and coastline.
The ancestral park of Bao Zheng with the Qingfeng Pavilion and the memorial hall.
The restored mansion of the late-Qing statesman, in the old city.
One of China’s largest freshwater lakes, with shore wetlands and islands.
Xiaoyaojin’s lake and the old battle sites of Hefei.
A cruise or shore walk on the great lake, ten minutes south of the city.
An easy forest climb with city views.
Canal-side snacks and old-town lanes.
Modern hotels around the business district and Swan Lake.
Close to Xiaoyaojin and Li Hongzhang’s residence.
A landmark hotel on the lake — the PDF guide’s pick.
Full hotel lists across Anhui on our hotels page.
Slow-braised river fish and red-cooked dishes — the classic Anhui table.
The water town’s famous wrapped rice snacks.
Winters are warm from the stove — try the local stews.
The clay-pot soups shared with neighbouring Jiangxi.
Huizhou ink, brushes and local tea — classic gifts.
Handmade snacks and folk crafts from the water town.
Browse Anhui specialties on our specialty pages.
A half-day of canals and old houses.
A day of lake views, wetlands and seafood from the water.
Another forested ridge on the city edge.
Bao Park, Xiaoyaojin, Li Hongzhang and the old city. View the plan →
Add the water town and Lake Chaohu. View the plan →
City Classics Bao Park, Xiaoyaojin, Li Hongzhang’s residence and the old city — the full Hefei loop.
Sanhe & Chaohu Morning canals and snacks at Sanhe Ancient Town, afternoon on the Lake Chaohu shore, then back to the city.
A 2-day trip costs about ¥500 — one of China’s most affordable city breaks.
High-speed rail at Hefei South station; the metro reaches the centre in 20 minutes.
Local tourism information is available at the main stations.
Spring and autumn; the lake is best in clear weather.
Tickets, hotels, train seats and local drivers arranged by our team — free of charge, no obligation.
Bao Park, Sanhe, Chaohu and more.
Licensed local operators.
Souvenirs and food products.