Hefei is located in the central part of Anhui Province, between the Yangtze River and Huaihe River, on the shores of Chaohu Lake, in the Jianghuai hilly region. It has a subtropical monsoon humid climate with four distinct seasons and moderate rainfall, with an average annual temperature of 15.7°C. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel.
Hefei has a long history, dating back over 2,200 years since it was established as a county in the Qin Dynasty. It got its name from the convergence of the East Fei River and South Fei River. During the Three Kingdoms period, Hefei was a strategic military town contested by Wei and Wu. It is the hometown of Bao Zheng, a famous upright official of the Song Dynasty, earning it the reputation of 'Land of the Three Kingdoms, Hometown of Bao Zheng.'
Hefei boasts rich cultural heritage, with intangible cultural heritages such as Lu Opera and Yang Snake Lantern. Representative dishes of Anhui cuisine include Li Hongzhang's Hotchpotch and Luzhou Roast Duck. Local specialties like Hefei Crayfish, Sanhe Rice Dumplings, and Wushan Tributary Goose are irresistible.
Modern Hefei is a sub-central city of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration and a comprehensive national science center, home to prestigious universities such as the University of Science and Technology of China. In recent years, Hefei has focused on innovation, vigorously developing industries like integrated circuits and artificial intelligence, making it a globally recognized 'Science and Technology Capital.'
The best time to visit 合肥 is Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May): The weather warms up, cherry blossoms and peach blossoms bloom. Hefei Botanical Garden and Niujiaodawu are vibrant with flowers, perfect for outings and flower viewing.
Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp weather, Chaohu Lake scenery is beautiful, and Zipeng Mountain is covered with colorful leaves, ideal for hiking and lake viewing.
Summer (June-August): Hot and rainy, but you can participate in the Hefei Crayfish Festival and enjoy water activities; Winter (December-February) is cold and damp, but hot springs and indoor attractions like Anhui Museum are still worth visiting.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Wei general Zhang Liao defeated Sun Quan's 100,000-strong army with only 800 cavalry, making Xiaoyao Ford famous.
Bao Zheng, the famous Song Dynasty official known for his integrity and justice, was born in Hefei, later revered as 'Judge Bao'.
Hefei was officially designated as the capital of Anhui Province, subsequently rapidly developing into the political, economic, and cultural center of the province.
Recommended places to visit
A national 5A-level tourist attraction located in Feixi County, named after the three rivers Fengle, Hangbu, and Xiaonan. With over 2,500 years of history, it features well-preserved Hui-style architecture, famous for ancient alleys, bridges, and residences.
An ancient battlefield from the Three Kingdoms period, now the largest open park in downtown Hefei. It features a statue of Zhang Liao, Xiaoyao Pavilion, and scenic lake views.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
A traditional local opera of Anhui, popular in the Jianghuai region, with gentle melodies and simple performances. Inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006.
A traditional dance from Feidong County, Hefei, featuring a giant snake-shaped lantern made of bamboo strips, winding and undulating when danced, magnificent in scale. Inscribed in 2008.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Located in the northwest of Hefei, about 30 km from the city center. Serves domestic and international routes, with metro, airport buses, and taxis connecting to the city.
Airport bus to city center approx. 25 RMB
A major high-speed rail hub in East China, with direct trains to Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, etc. Metro lines 1, 4, and 5 converge here.
Second-class seat Hefei to Nanjing approx. 60 RMB
A city-wide bus network, fare 2 RMB, supports mobile payment. Also has BRT and tourist routes convenient for visiting attractions.
Regular bus 2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Legend says when Li Hongzhang entertained foreign guests, the chef mistakenly mixed leftovers, creating an unexpectedly delicious dish. Made with chicken, sea cucumber, squid, and more than ten ingredients, savory and delicious.
A traditional Hefei dish, crispy skin and tender meat, bright red color, roasted over fruit wood charcoal, served with sweet bean sauce and thin pancakes.
Built in memory of Bao Zheng, the upright Song official, including Bao Zheng Temple, Tomb, and Qingfeng Pavilion. It is the most representative historical and cultural scenic spot in Hefei.
A miniature park showcasing iconic landscapes of Anhui cities, allowing visitors to tour famous sites like the Welcoming Pine of Huangshan and Jiuhua Mountain in one day.
A large theme park with world-class rides, including a vertical loop roller coaster and lake show, suitable for family trips.
A national first-class museum with rich collections, featuring bronzes, ceramics, and Huizhou documents. A window to Anhui's history and culture.
A specialty snack from Sanhe Ancient Town, made with indica rice flour as wrapper, filled with pork belly, tofu, shrimp, etc., deep-fried until golden, crispy outside and savory inside.
Originating from Wushan Town, Changfeng County, made with local geese braised in soy sauce, tender meat with rich marinade flavor, once a tribute to the imperial court.
A representative summer delicacy in Hefei, made from Chaohu Lake crayfish, available in spicy, garlic, and thirteen-spice flavors, plump meat and addictive heat.