2026 Anhui Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

In December, Anhui residents can enter Huangshan Scenic Area free of charge. For those based in Hefei who want to climb Huangshan in one day, you can refer to my expenses and some personal experiences～ I took the high-speed train departing from Hefei South at 8:51 and arrived at Huangshan North. If you want to get up the mountain quickly, you must jog out of Huangshan North high-speed rail station, turn right to catch the 9:00 shuttle bus; otherwise, like me, you’ll have to wait until 9:40. I’ve put the QR code in picture 4, so you can buy tickets in advance to save time!!! (There are huge lines for the restrooms at Huangshan North, so I recommend going to the shuttle bus area at the Tourist Center, which is cleaner and less crowded.) 🍞🍞🍞 Snacks: All carried from home, so I didn’t count the cost hehe～ Includes self-heating meals, instant chicken feet, a bottle of hot water, a bottle of mineral water, two eggs, a small bag of biscuits, and a slice of bread. 🎒🎒🎒 Gear: Hiking poles are a must❗️❗️❗️ Baseball cap, knit hat, scarf, gloves (the wind on the mountain is really cold), power bank, and it’s best to bring a small flashlight. ⚠️⚠️⚠️ Tips: 1️⃣ I really recommend bringing self-heating meals. It’s very cold on the mountain, and when I arrived it was almost noon. After climbing for a while, I felt cold and quickly ate it. It was just right to warm me up～ PS: Hefei South Station does not check self-heating rice meals, tested personally, very considerate. 2️⃣ There is a post office at the Huangshan Tourist Center that’s quite nice to visit. You can get stamps and send postcards. For friends like me waiting for the shuttle bus and feeling bored, you can come and have a look. See picture 5 for reference. 3️⃣ Anhui residents who enter free of charge cannot get a paper ticket for Huangshan Scenic Area, but you can get cable car tickets. For the return trip, I bought the shuttle bus and scenic area bus tickets offline and received paper tickets. See picture 6 for reference. 4️⃣ The last shuttle bus from the South Gate is at 19:00. If you, like me, choose not to take the cable car down, be sure to watch the time carefully. See picture 7 for reference. The last path down is really, really dark, so make sure to calculate your time when descending. Safety first. 5️⃣ At Tianhai Food Plaza, corn is 4 RMB, eggs 1 RMB, so you don’t have to bring these～ The most sold items on the mountain are fried chicken and hamburgers. Instant noodles are not allowed on Huangshan. I still recommend bringing your own self-heating rice meals. Finally, I hope everyone has a great time at Huangshan and gets to see the sunrise, sunset, and rime frost. The best scenery is always on the road and forever in your mind. May we always be free. PS: Please don’t litter on the mountain. There are many trash bins. I personally saw some tourists casually throwing trash on the ground, which was then blown away by the wind～ Green mountains and clear waters are the wealth of all of us. Everyone is responsible for protecting the environment.

Anhui (In Chinese: 安徽) is a mountainous province in the eastern part of the country. You can plan a five to seven days holidays in this beautiful province to enjoy some good hikes. The surrounding area is commonly referred as Huangshan (黄山), which translates to Yellow Mountain. This place is best known for its impressive lush green tea plantations in fact it is one of China's main black tea producing regions. Most of attractions and activities are closely related to nature. Waterfalls, relaxed or demanding hiking, Viewpoints, etc. #createwithtrip #china #holidays #exploring #createwithtrip

That moment when your hiking 🥾 trip has turned out to be a cloudy one, but there comes one moment when the sunshines so bright and you can see everything so clearly; such a dopamine effect isn't it ?! I too had the same. After I've already booked the hotel and train 🚂 tickets, through trip.com to go to Huangshan with all my hiking gears ⚙️ in place the day isn't really pleasant. Thankfully, I chose the right hotel because of nice comments from trip.com to Baiyun hotel🛍️. My two complete days of hiking involved not only sightseeing, but also interacting with lot of people, sign 🪧 boards and maps. To be honest, after a long time I did a solo tour like this and I feel so lucky for the convenience of booking, arrangement and especially the remainder about things to do in Trip.com🥸. Totally a nice one, and I had a good trip at Huangshan. #tripcom #summervacation#hikingtrails

#tripaway #tripaway

#chinaadventures Morning Start easy at Emerald Lake or Swan Lake. Walk the lakeside paths while the city is quiet and reflections are smooth. Grab breakfast nearby and enjoy the calm. Late Morning Head to Anhui Museum. The civilization history and Huizhou architecture exhibitions give great context to the city and province without feeling rushed. Lunch Try local food around the city center or near Walking Street — simple noodles, baozi, or street snacks keep it light. Afternoon Explore Baohe Park: pavilions, bridges, lake views, and maybe a short boat ride. It’s classic Hefei and very relaxing. Evening Walk through Hefei Walking Street for street food, people-watching, and neon energy. If you want something quieter, head back to Swan Lake for sunset. Night Finish with a slow walk by the lake — skyscrapers glowing, water reflecting lights, and the city settling down. Hefei isn’t rushed or flashy — it’s best enjoyed one calm walk at a time.

#chinaadventures Inside Hefei Botanical Garden there’s a small Russian-themed house that always catches visitors by surprise. With its steep roof, decorative wooden details, and European-style windows, it feels like a slice of Eastern Europe tucked into a Chinese garden. Surrounded by trees and open green space, it’s especially photogenic in soft light and stands out beautifully against the natural setting. 📍 Hefei Botanical Garden, Hefei, Anhui 📸 Best time: morning or late afternoon ✨ Great for: quirky architecture shots and contrast photos Unexpected, playful, and a fun break from traditional garden scenery.

#chinaadventures Hefei Botanical Garden isn’t just about plants — it also features stone art and sculptures that add calm beauty to the green spaces. These pieces are often placed where nature and art meet, so they feel like quiet accents in the landscape rather than standalone installations. Where to find stone art: Near themed garden areas — carved stone figures and artistic rocks beside flower beds. Along pathways and plazas — stone sculptures that blend with trees and water features. Rest spots and pavilions — artistic stone designs that match the peaceful setting. 📍 Hefei Botanical Garden, Hefei, Anhui, China 🕒 Best time: morning or late afternoon for soft light and gentle shadows These stone pieces give the garden a subtle artistic layer, making your walk feel even more peaceful and photogenic.

#chinaadventures Hefei Botanical Garden isn’t just about plants — throughout the gardens you’ll find sculptures and artistic features that add character to the greenery. These statues range from natural forms and abstract art to pieces that feel like they belong in a serene garden setting. Good spots to look for statues: Near themed garden areas — where sculptures complement flowers and plants. Along walking paths and plazas — art pieces stand beside benches and water features. Pavilion and plaza corners — quieter spots with artistic details that make great focal points in photos. 📍 Hefei Botanical Garden, Hefei, Anhui, China 📸 Best time: morning or late afternoon light for softer shadows and richer colors Many of the statues are subtle — part of the landscape rather than dominating it — which makes them great for quiet, thoughtful photos within nature.

#chinaadventures Hechai 1972 is perfect for playful, artistic shots. Try these ideas: Portraits with murals — use bold faces or colors as a backdrop. Contrast shots — frame bright street art against old brick, rusted doors, or concrete walls. Reflections & shadows — use puddles, windows, or strong side light in alleys. Framed views — shoot through doorways, bars, or stair rails for depth. Detail shots — close-ups of paint drips, textures, or small sculptures. Motion shots — someone walking or cycling past murals adds life. 🕓 Best light: late afternoon to early evening 🎨 Tip: Wander off the main path — the most creative shots are often hidden. Industrial grit + color = endless photo inspiration.

#chinaadventures While Hechai 1972 is best known for its street art and murals, there are also stand-out sculptural pieces and creative installations that make great photo stops: Large figure sculptures — dramatic human or abstract forms placed near murals and building entrances. Mixed-media art pieces — sculptures combining metal, wood, or painted elements that feel like 3D graffiti. Creative object installations — playful shapes and objects tucked into corners or courtyards. Industrial-inspired pieces — works that use old metal or machine parts, blending history with art. 📍 Hechai 1972 Cultural & Creative Park, Hefei 🕓 Best time: late afternoon to early evening — soft light makes shapes and shadows more striking. Tip: Walk both main paths and side alleys — some of the most interesting pieces are tucked away, waiting to be discovered.

#chinaadventures Hechai 1972 in Hefei is special because it reimagined old industrial and institutional space — including buildings that were once part of a former prison site — into a lively creative and cultural park. Instead of being abandoned, these structures have been given new life as art spaces, studios, galleries, and walls for colourful murals. Today: The old walls and corridors serve as backdrops for street art and graffiti. Former industrial rooms can house small exhibitions, studios, and creative events. The mix of rugged architecture and fresh artwork makes it a striking place for photos and exploration. 📍 Hechai 1972 Cultural & Creative Park, Hefei 🕓 Best time: late afternoon to early evening for soft light and vibrant colours It’s a great example of how a place with a heavy past can become a positive, artistic community space — full of creativity and new stories.

#chinaadventures Hechai 1972 is Hefei’s street art playground. Top spots: Bold murals & graffiti — colorful faces, characters, and abstract shapes. Industrial textures — old brick walls and metal doors as moody backdrops. Hidden alleys & courtyards — quiet nooks with layered art and small sculptures. Details & frames — painted stairs, benches, and doorways for creative shots. 📍 Hechai 1972 Cultural & Creative Park, Hefei 🕓 Best time: late afternoon to early evening for soft light and vibrant colors. Slow walks reveal the most photogenic corners.

#chinaadventures Hechai 1972 isn’t just a park — it’s one of Hefei’s most creative neighborhoods, where imagination takes over old industrial spaces. What used to be factory buildings and warehouses now buzz with art, design, and expression in everyday corners. How creativity shows here: Street Art Everywhere: Walls and alleyways are covered with murals and graffiti — bold colors, playful characters, and expressive patterns that invite you to stop and look twice. Mixed Artistic Styles: You’ll find everything from abstract splashes to figurative scenes and graphic shapes, blending modern street culture with the textures of old brick and metal. Interactive Spaces: Small courtyards and hidden nooks become mini‑galleries where local artists display sculptures, paintings, and experimental pieces. Evolving Art: The art changes over time as new artists add fresh work — so visits can feel new each time. 📍 Hechai 1972 Cultural & Creative Park, Hefei, Anhui, China 🕒 Best time: late afternoon into early evening, when light softens and the place feels lively but relaxed. It’s one of those spots where creative energy isn’t just on display — it shapes the whole atmosphere. Perfect for photos, inspiration, and exploring how art can transform everyday spaces. 🎨🌆

#chinaadventures Hechai 1972 Cultural & Creative Park is one of Hefei’s coolest spots for street art and creative expression. Once an industrial site, it’s now filled with murals, graffiti, and bold public art that give the area a unique, artistic vibe. What you’ll see: Colorful murals — big, eye‑catching designs that range from abstract shapes to characters and scenes. Graffiti walls — playful, expressive, and constantly evolving as artists update the space. Art corners and hidden nooks — small paintings and creative details tucked into alleys and courtyards. Blended styles — street art meets industrial textures, which makes for great photos and exploration. 📍 Hechai 1972 Cultural & Creative Park, Hefei, Anhui, China 🕒 Best time: late afternoon to early evening for softer light and a lively atmosphere It’s a lively, colorful place where local creativity really stands out — perfect for walking, photographing, or just soaking in unexpected art.

#chinaadventures Hechai 1972 is a cultural and creative park in Hefei built on the site of an old industrial factory, now transformed into a vibrant art district. The walls are covered with murals, graffiti, and colorful street art, giving it the feel of an open-air gallery. Highlights include: Bold murals and portraits — from abstract splashes to pop-culture characters. Ever-changing designs — local artists frequently refresh sections, so every visit can feel new. Hidden corners — alleyways and courtyards reveal smaller, intricate works perfect for photos. 📍 Hechai 1972 Cultural & Creative Park, Hefei, Anhui, China 🕒 Best time: late afternoon or early evening for soft light and a lively atmosphere It’s a place where industrial history meets modern creativity, making it one of Hefei’s most photogenic and inspiring spots.

#chinaadventures Emerald Lake is more than a peaceful green space — it’s a blend of water, architecture, and life on the lake. Modern buildings line parts of the shore, reflecting on the calm surface, while small boats drift or glide across the water, adding movement and charm to the scenery. Walking along the paths, you can watch: Reflections of city towers in the lake at sunrise or sunset Boats with locals or tourists gently moving across the water Trees and pavilions framing the water for photogenic spots 📍 Emerald Lake Scenic Area, Hefei 🕒 Best time: early morning or golden hour 📸 Perfect for water + cityscape shots It’s a serene place where nature, city, and daily life come together beautifully.

#chinaadventures Hefei’s parks aren’t just leafy spaces — they’re full of statues and sculptures that add a touch of artistry to your walk. From modern abstract pieces to figures reflecting local history or culture, these statues make even a casual stroll feel like a mini art tour. Top places to spot them: Xiaoyaojin Park — sculptures along paths and near ponds Baohe Park — traditional figures, pavilions, and decorative statues Emerald Lake Scenic Area — smaller statues tucked near benches and walking paths 💡 Tip: Morning or late afternoon light highlights shapes and shadows, making photos more striking. In Hefei, art isn’t just inside galleries — it’s scattered through the parks, waiting to be noticed.

#chinaadventures A walk around Emerald Lake is one of Hefei’s easiest ways to slow down. The path loops smoothly along the water, with wide views, trees for shade, and open sky that make every step feel light and unhurried. Locals jog, cycle, or stroll while the lake reflects clouds, buildings, and changing light. Early morning feels calm and quiet; late afternoon brings warm colors and gentle breeze — perfect for photos or a peaceful reset. 📍 Emerald Lake Scenic Area, Hefei 🕒 Best time: morning for calm, evening for golden light 📸 Great for reflections and wide landscape shots Simple, spacious, and soothing — Emerald Lake is made for walking.

#chinaadventures Hefei Walking Street is where the city feels most alive. Pedestrian-only, bright, and busy, it’s packed with shops, snack stalls, cafés, and neon lights. The vibe shifts throughout the day — relaxed in the afternoon, buzzing after dark. You’ll find: Street food sizzling in the evening Fashion and local shops Crowds, music, and people-watching Great spots for night photos and street scenes 📍 Central Hefei 🕒 Best time: late afternoon into evening Loud, colorful, and full of movement — Walking Street is Hefei in fast-forward.

#chinaadventures Hefei’s pagoda presence is subtle but meaningful. The most well-known pagoda sits within Baohe Park, rising gently above the lake and greenery. Its layered tiers, traditional rooflines, and calm setting make it feel timeless, especially when reflected in the water. It’s not about height or drama — it’s about atmosphere. Early morning and sunset bring soft light that highlights the structure and gives the whole area a peaceful, almost poetic feel. 📍 Baohe Park, Hefei, Anhui, China 📸 Best time: morning calm or golden hour 🚶 Easy to combine with a lakeside walk A quiet reminder of history, tucked into modern Hefei.

#chinaadventures Hefei does a beautiful balance of water and skyline. Wide lakes sit right next to clusters of modern high-rises, creating calm views with a distinctly urban edge. Around places like Swan Lake, Emerald Lake, and Baohe Park, glass towers reflect on the water, especially at sunset and after dark. By day, the lakes soften the city’s scale; by night, lights ripple across the surface and turn the scene cinematic. 📍 Hefei, Anhui, China 📸 Best time: golden hour into blue hour for reflections 🚶 Great for walking, relaxing, and photography Still water below, glowing towers above — this contrast is one of Hefei’s most striking features.

#chinaadventures Swan Lake is one of Hefei’s best places to slow down. If you’re looking for calm rather than crowds, these spots stand out: Lakeside boardwalks — long, flat paths with water views, perfect for quiet walks or sitting with a coffee. Shaded lawns under trees — ideal for reading, picnics, or just lying back and watching the sky. Sandy beach area — relaxed and open, great for families or sunset lounging. Quieter corners away from the main plazas — fewer people, more breeze, and gentle lake sounds. Sunset-facing benches — simple, peaceful, and perfect for unwinding as the city lights come on. 🕒 Best time: early morning for stillness, evening for cool air and soft light 📍 Swan Lake, Hefei Minimal noise, wide views, and space to breathe — Swan Lake is Hefei at its most laid-back.

#chinaadventures Hefei’s architecture is all about contrast. On one walk, you’ll pass traditional parks and historic streets, and a few minutes later you’re surrounded by sleek glass towers and wide boulevards. You’ll notice: Modern high-rises around Swan Lake and Binhu New District — clean lines, reflective glass, bold scale. Traditional architecture in places like Baohe Park and older neighborhoods, with pavilions, bridges, and classical details. Cultural buildings such as museums and theaters that blend modern design with local elements. Churches and heritage structures that add unexpected Western architectural accents. 📍 Hefei, Anhui, China 📸 Best seen at golden hour or at night, when reflections and lighting highlight the city’s layers. Hefei doesn’t shout its architecture — it reveals it slowly, one contrast at a time.

#chinaadventures Hefei really comes alive after dark. Lights soften the city and reflections do half the work for you. Top night photo spots: Swan Lake (Tian’e Lake) — skyline reflections, calm water, and glowing towers make this a classic night shot. Baohe Park — bridges, pavilions, and lakes lit gently for moody, elegant photos. Emerald Lake — quieter at night, with wide open views and smooth reflections. Hefei Walking Street — neon signs, street food stalls, crowds, and motion shots. Binhu New District — modern architecture and clean lines, great for wide cityscapes. 💡 Photo tips: Go just after sunset (blue hour), look for reflections, and don’t rush — Hefei’s night beauty is subtle but rewarding. Calm, modern, and quietly cinematic — Hefei shines after dark ✨

#chinaadventures The Anhui Museum in Hefei is a treasure trove of history, culture, and art. Some standout highlights include: 1. Civilization History Exhibition Ancient tools, pottery, and artifacts tracing Anhui’s development. Bronze ritual vessels, weapons, and inscribed items showcasing craftsmanship and early culture. Sections on dynastic life, local innovations, and modern developments. 2. Huizhou Vernacular Architecture Exhibition White-walled, black-tiled houses with horse-head walls. Intricate wood carvings on doors, windows, and beams. Models of courtyards, ancestral halls, and village layouts. 3. Bronze and Metal Artifacts Ritual vessels, tools, weapons, and decorative pieces. Inscribed bronzes providing insight into early writing and social practices. 4. Local Arts and Crafts Hui opera, calligraphy, painting, and traditional crafts. Showcases Anhui’s artistic achievements and cultural heritage. 📍 Hefei Anhui Museum, Hefei, Anhui, China 💡 Tip: Mornings are quieter. Take your time with smaller artifacts — the details often tell the richest stories. Anhui Museum blends history, art, and regional identity, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Hefei.

#chinaadventures The Huizhou Vernacular Architecture Exhibition at Anhui Museum showcases the distinctive residential and communal architecture of the Huizhou region. This style is famous for its elegant, practical, and symbolic designs, reflecting both daily life and local culture. Highlights include: White-walled, black-tiled houses — the iconic Huizhou contrast, often with curved eaves and symmetrical layouts. Horse-head walls — tall, decorative walls between houses that help prevent fire spread and add aesthetic rhythm. Intricate wood carvings — doorways, windows, and beams feature detailed motifs, often depicting stories, animals, or plants. Courtyards and ancestral halls — displays show the importance of family hierarchy and social structure in Huizhou life. Scale models and photographs — give a sense of how villages, streets, and gardens were planned and decorated. 📍 Hefei Anhui Museum, Hefei, Anhui, China 💡 Tip: Pay attention to carvings and structural details — they reveal both artistry and cultural beliefs of Huizhou communities. The exhibition gives a deep appreciation for regional identity, showing how architecture reflected lifestyle, family values, and social hierarchy in Anhui’s history.

#chinaadventures The final section of the Civilization History Exhibition focuses on Anhui’s more recent history and cultural achievements, bridging tradition with modern developments: Local arts and literature — displays on Hui opera, calligraphy, and painting highlight the region’s cultural richness. Architectural heritage — models and photos of traditional Anhui houses, temples, and ancestral halls show distinctive regional styles. Agricultural and industrial development — exhibits trace changes from traditional farming to modern industry, including tools, maps, and machinery. Modern daily life — photographs and artifacts reflect 20th-century social changes, urban growth, and education. 📍 Hefei Anhui Museum, Hefei, Anhui, China 💡 Tip: Take time with the interactive displays and photographs — they bring the more recent centuries to life and connect history with today. This section completes the story of Anhui, showing how ancient traditions evolved into the modern province we see now.

#chinaadventures The bronze collection at Anhui Museum is one of its highlights, showcasing artifacts from ancient dynasties that reveal the region’s early craftsmanship and culture. Highlights include: Ritual vessels and containers — elaborately decorated, once used in ceremonies and ancestral offerings. Tools and weapons — bronze swords, knives, and farming implements illustrating daily life and military history. Ornamental pieces — decorative items with intricate patterns and motifs, showing advanced metalwork skills. Inscribed bronzes — some bear ancient characters, offering insights into early writing and communication. 📍 Hefei Anhui Museum, Hefei, Anhui, China 💡 Tip: Visit in the morning for fewer crowds, and look closely at the detailed carvings and motifs — every piece tells a story about early Anhui society. These bronzes connect visitors directly to the art, rituals, and daily lives of ancient Anhui civilizations.