A 1.5-hour getaway from Hefei! 4 "laid-back towns" to enjoy a relaxing autumn vibe
Autumn in Hefei is so short you can barely catch it; it slips away before you know it. Taking advantage of the nice weekend weather, don't want to deal with crowds in the city, just want to find a quiet place to zone out and eat home-cooked farm food? These 4 hidden gem towns within 1.5 hours of Hefei hold the most comfortable autumn weekends. We recommend saving this before you read on✨
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📍Feixi - Sanhe Ancient Town | Autumn vibes in a Jianghuai water town
About a 40-minute drive from downtown Hefei. The ancient town is free to enter, and parking is 10 yuan/day.
Autumn in Sanhe is truly gentle. White walls and dark tiles stand by the water, ancient bridges and alleys crisscross, the scent of osmanthus mixes with the sweetness of rice wine, and the sound of rowing oars accompanies the falling leaves. Everywhere you look, it's the slow pace of a Jianghuai water town. The core area is entirely walkable. No need to rush your itinerary; strolling slowly is the right way to experience it.
🍜What to eat: Sanhe rice dumplings are a must-try. They are freshly fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a shrimp and tofu filling. We recommend Dong Dajie Rice Dumplings. Crispy duck noodles are also a local soul food lunch; the braised duck is tender, and the noodle broth is rich and fragrant. Sanhe stir-fries are full of "wok hei," fresh, and go great with rice. After the meal, you can buy some dried tofu and "niupi" candy as souvenirs.
🏠Where to stay: Wangyuege Homestay (approx. 480 yuan/night, excellent views), Guyun Renjia Inn (approx. 320 yuan/night, renovated old house), Hepan Xiaozhu (approx. 380 yuan/night, waterfront terrace).
📸Photo spots: It's least crowded from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Sanxian Bridge and Guxi Street are best for capturing reflections of the white walls and dark tiles. "One-Person Alley" is so narrow only one person can pass through; it's amazing for capturing a sense of depth. Climb up to Wangyuege for a bird's-eye view of the town, or head to Quezhu Covered Bridge in the evening to capture sunset silhouettes. We recommend wearing plain-colored or ink-wash style clothing to maximize the atmosphere.
⚠️Tips: For snacks in the ancient town, choose local shops off the main street for better value. Boat tours are 40 yuan/person. Go in the evening to enjoy the water town's night view as well, so you don't have to queue twice.
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📍Feidong - Changlinhe Ancient Town | A water town in central Anhui by Chaohu Lake
About a 50-minute drive from downtown Hefei. Parking is free, and the ancient town's old street is free to explore.
Changlinhe is right by Chaohu Lake. The bluestone old street winds on and on, rich with fishing village charm. Every step reveals a new, naturally healing scene. The old pier reflects against Chaohu Lake; head to the lakeside in the evening to chase the sunset and feel the breeze—it's free and healing. Visit the Folk Culture Museum and the century-old post office to experience the slow, bustling life of the ancient town.
🍜What to eat: The "Chaohu River Fresh Pot" is the signature dish—it's so fresh it'll make your eyebrows drop. The rice dumplings and lion's head meatballs are crispy on the outside and soft and glutinous on the inside. Wild vegetable cakes and shrimp pancakes are made to order at street stalls and are irresistibly fragrant. After the meal, head to Tianxiang (Sweet Alley) for a bowl of osmanthus red bean paste to cleanse your palate.
🏠Where to stay: We recommend the Fantang Homestay cluster in the core area of Liujiafan. These are renovated Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings with complete amenities. The environment is quiet and suitable for traveling with pets. The cluster includes several courtyards like Shiwushe and Hexiangshe, costing about 300-500 yuan per person.
📸Photo spots: Changning Bridge and the Changlin Ancient Well are great for photos. The Hui-style wood carvings at the Wu Family Residence are very photogenic. Hongshizui Park is known as "Little Sanya of Hefei," featuring over 1,000 meters of silver sand beach and reefs—perfect for sunset photos in the evening. Hike for half an hour up Siding Mountain to the observation deck for a panoramic view of Chaohu Lake.
⚠️Tips: It's windy by the lake at the observation deck, so remember to bring a light jacket. If you plan to go fishing, ask about the fees for the catch in advance, as some shops charge extra for exceeding a certain amount.
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📍Chaohu - Zhegao Ancient Town | The gold standard of morning tea
About a 1-hour drive from downtown Hefei. The ancient town is free to enter, and the old street preserves the authentic architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Zhegao Ancient Town is all about being "worth the trip just for breakfast." Beizha Old Street is so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat. It's lined with old teahouses and century-old shops. Historical sites like the Li Hongzhang Pawnshop and Yulan Bridge are worth exploring slowly. You don't need to rush to check off sights here; sleeping in and then heading to the old street for morning tea is the perfect way to experience it.
🍜What to eat: You must order the "Four Great Dishes" of Zhegao morning tea: cold shredded tofu skin, egg potstickers, stir-fried noodle skins, and crispy rice crackers. You can eat until you're stuffed for about 20 yuan per person. Order a pot of tea and some snacks in an old teahouse, and listen to the regulars chat about local stories—that's what relaxation is all about.
🏠Where to stay: Tinglu Inn (approx. 298 yuan/night, includes morning tea experience), or return to downtown Chaohu for more options.
📸Photo spots: The bluestone road of Beizha Old Street paired with Ming and Qing architecture makes for timeless photos. The bustling atmosphere of the old teahouse is also very photogenic; bamboo chairs, wooden tables, and a pot of tea create a great vibe. The entrance of the Li Hongzhang Pawnshop is perfect for retro-style photos.
⚠️Tips: Most morning tea shops close by 10:00 AM, so wake up early if you want to eat! Some old shops only accept cash, so remember to bring some small change. The town isn't big, so half a day is enough; no need to pack your schedule too tightly.
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📍Lujiang - Tangchi Town | A slow autumn pace in a hot spring wellness retreat
About a 1-hour drive from downtown Hefei. Surrounded by lush green mountains and filled with hot spring resources, it's the perfect place for workers to shed their fatigue and just chill.
Autumn in Tangchi is truly healing. See the rice paddies and villages at Jintang Lake and the Acacia Forest for a full pastoral feel. See the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees on Guoshu Old Street, where time seems to slow down. After soaking in the hot springs, take a walk in the fields, or just zone out in the courtyard of your homestay for the afternoon—all your worries will disappear.
🍜What to eat: Lujiang rice dumplings have thin skins and generous fillings. The old goose soup and braised pork with "hundred-flower" vegetables are light and flavorful, and the Golden Peacock free-range chicken is fresh and warming. Lujiang "Little Red Head" (a local pastry) paired with rich free-range chicken soup is soft, sweet, and goes great with rice.
🏠Where to stay: We highly recommend hot spring homestays with private baths! Shehui Xiaoyuan Homestay (200-300 yuan/room), Xingfuli Homestay (260-460 yuan/room), and Bantan Shanju Hot Spring Courtyard (approx. 130 yuan/night including private bath). Soak in the hot spring while gazing at the starry sky, and all the week's fatigue will vanish.
📸Photo spots: The lake view at Jintang Lake is most atmospheric when shrouded in morning mist. The thousand-year-old ginkgo trees on Guoshu Old Street turn golden in autumn, making for amazing photos against the rustic cottages. The wooden boardwalk in the Acacia Forest is serene and perfect for atmospheric portraits.
⚠️Tips: Purchase hot spring tickets online in advance for discounts; it's cheaper than buying on-site. Do not soak in the hot spring on an empty or full stomach. Wait 1 hour after a meal to avoid dizziness or discomfort.
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💡Travel tips
The ancient towns and streets are mostly uneven bluestone roads, so be sure to wear non-slip, comfortable flat shoes; high heels and strollers are not suitable. There are many mosquitoes in the mountains and by the lake, so mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream are must-haves. If you want to stay in a unique homestay, rooms are in high demand during peak season, so be sure to book 3 to 7 days in advance. Some old shops only accept cash, so it's safer to carry some small change. If you want to photograph ginkgo and red cedar trees, late October to mid-November is the best time, and the light is softest around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The bluestone roads in the ancient towns can be a bit slippery, so watch your step—it's okay to take it slow.
Autumn in Hefei isn't long, but it's healing enough. Pick a weekend and set off. Leave your work fatigue to the mountains, waters, and hot springs, and spend two slow days in these towns🍂