I’ve been to Huaibei four times. My advice is... listen up! Don’t rush into Huaibei in summer
Don’t rush into Huaibei in summer! Otherwise, you’ll completely fall in love with this small city in northern Anhui and want to come back every year to relax! As a seasoned traveler who’s been four times, I’m sharing my ultimate, detailed guide. Read it and take notes📝
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While everyone else crowds the coast, I dive straight into Huaibei’s summer🌿. This seriously underrated small city has mountains, water, and old streets. Prices are so low it’s almost unbelievable, and locals are so friendly they might overwhelm you. After four deep trips covering three districts and one county, I finally know all the ins and outs. Here’s the guide you need👇
📍Itinerary planning | Three days and two nights with no repeats
Day 1: Xiangshan Park → Huaibei Museum → Sui-Tang Canal Ancient Town
Climb Xiangshan in the morning. The mountain isn’t high but the trees are dense, so you’re shaded the whole time. The general’s pavilion at the top overlooks the entire city. It’s a 10-minute walk down to the museum, where the Han dynasty stone carvings and Sui-Tang Grand Canal artifacts are top-notch—and best of all, free. Head to the Sui-Tang Canal Ancient Town at dusk. The night view is stunning, with Tang-style buildings lit up, transporting you back to Chang’an. But don’t buy the “cultural souvenirs” inside—they’re outrageously overpriced. I’ll tell you where to shop later.
Day 2: Full day at Linhuan Ancient Town
This is the soul of Huaibei! It’s a 40-minute drive from downtown. Once there, head straight to the old teahouse. Grab a pot of bangbang tea and sit under the century-old locust tree listening to locals chat—you could spend the whole afternoon here. Wander around Wenchang Palace, City God Temple, and the ancient city walls. It’s so quiet it feels like you have the place to yourself. Don’t rush—Linhuan’s charm is all about taking it slow.
Day 3: Longji Mountain → Nanhu Wetland Park
Start the morning at Longji Mountain, one of the few natural forests in northern Anhui. The ridge looks like a dragon’s back, and the summit offers unbeatable views. In the afternoon, head to Nanhu, an ecological park built on a former coal mine collapse area. The lake is huge beyond belief. Rent a bike and circle the lake at dusk—the breeze is cool and refreshing, nothing like summer heat.
🍜 Food recommendations | Eat your fill for about 30 per person
Huaibei hot noodles: The top local breakfast! Made with bone broth, the noodles are thin, soft, and smooth. Add a spoonful of chili oil and minced garlic, and your soul is restored first thing in the morning. Try the old brand at Xinhua Alley, open for over 20 years.
Linhuan mutton soup: Totally different from anywhere else! The broth is clear but incredibly flavorful. The mutton is cut into big chunks, sprinkled with cilantro and Sichuan pepper powder, and served with freshly baked flatbread—a perfect match.
Wawa fish: Not real fish! It’s made from sweet potato starch shaped like little fish, with a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor. Perfect for a refreshing summer snack, available at street stalls.
Sankuang banmian: Wide noodles with a chewy texture, beef braised to perfection, and chili fried until fragrant and crispy. One bite and it hits your head like a thunderclap.
Kouzijiao liquor: A local specialty. Even if you don’t drink, you can buy small bottles as gifts. Be sure to buy from official supermarkets, not tourist spots.
Nanhu lotus root powder: Handmade lotus root powder from Nanhu. When mixed, it turns clear and stringy. Add osmanthus honey for a sweet, cooling treat.
🏠 Accommodation recommendations | Affordable luxury for around 100 yuan
Near Wanda in Xiangshan District: Most convenient for food, shopping, and entertainment. The bus hub is right downstairs. You can stay comfortably for just over 100 yuan per person.
Sui-Tang Canal Ancient Town guesthouse: Super atmospheric at night, with ancient town views right outside your window. Soundproofing is average, so light sleepers should be cautious.
Linhuan old teahouse inn: Converted from a century-old house, with clean bedding. Wake up to birdsong for a full authentic experience. Rooms are limited, so book early.
Nanhu lakeside cabin: Built right on the lake with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water. Watch the sunset at dusk. Best value for money.
📸 Photo spots | Every shot is wallpaper-worthy
Xiangshan general’s pavilion: The light is softest at 4 PM. Use the city skyline as your background and wear a white dress for stunning backlit photos.
Linhuan old teahouse entrance: Weathered wooden doors with red lanterns, grandpas sitting around drinking tea—pure everyday life vibes.
Sui-Tang Canal Ancient Town tower: Shoot upward at night when the lights are on. The ancient architecture against the night sky creates a perfect atmosphere.
Longji mountain summit stone wall: Stand on the outermost rock with the endless ridge behind you. The drone view is breathtaking (note: no-fly zone).
Nanhu waterfront platform: At sunset, the lake turns into an orange sea. Silhouettes look great in any shot.
Suixi stone slab street: After rain, the stones reflect light. Old signs and doors add vintage charm. Wearing a qipao here feels like stepping back to the Republic era.
⚠️ Pitfall tips | Hard-earned lessons
Summer is really hot: Huaibei’s surface temperature can exceed 40℃ at noon. Outdoor activities should be scheduled before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Stay indoors at midday. Nanhu and Xiangshan are best in the afternoon.
Don’t buy “specialty products” in the ancient town: Most so-called handmade sauces and antiques are wholesale goods. For souvenirs, go to Darunfa supermarket or the official Kouzijiao liquor store in the city.
Don’t drive into Linhuan town: The roads are narrow and hard to turn around. Park at the large lot at the town entrance and walk in. It’s no more than a 10-minute walk.
Bring mosquito repellent for Longji Mountain: Mosquitoes are vicious. Bring floral water and medicated oil. Long pants are more practical than shorts.
Museum closed on Mondays: Don’t make a wasted trip. It’s free from Tuesday to Sunday but closes at 5 PM. Arrive before 4 PM to be safe.
Don’t expect a Lijiang-style ancient town: Huaibei’s ancient towns are natural and authentic, not commercialized tourist streets. Whether you like it depends on your taste, but it’s genuine.
Use ride-hailing apps for taxis: Don’t take drivers who solicit passengers at the train station—they overcharge with fixed prices. Ride-hailing apps charge metered fares to downtown, usually just over 10 yuan.
Each of my four trips to Huaibei brought new surprises. I’ve seen Xiangshan’s flowers in spring and stepped on Linhuan’s fallen leaves in autumn, but summer Huaibei is the most captivating—the evening breeze on the old street, fans and watermelon in the teahouse, and the sky glowing over Nanhu all give a sense of “this is how life should be.”
Give Huaibei a chance this summer. It will truly surprise you🌿✨