Anhui 2h Direct Reach! Short Trip Guide to 4 Lesser-Known Cities Covering Ancient Charm and Scenic Beauty
Departing from Anhui, you can unlock four distinctive cities—Huainan, Anqing, Chizhou, and Zhenjiang—within 2 hours by high-speed rail. Here, you'll find the bustling life of millennia-old cities, magnificent and unique landscapes, and the gentle charm of Jiangnan water towns. This detailed guide will help you make the most of this short trip.
📍 Huainan: Ancient Charm of Northern Anhui, Savor the Local Beef Soup
📌 Location: Huainan City, Anhui Province, located in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, on the banks of the Huai River
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Shouxian Ancient City
Located in Shouchun Town, Shouxian County, Huainan City, it is a well-preserved Song Dynasty ancient city wall, open to the public for free. Climb the city wall to overlook the entire ancient city, with its bluestone paths and scattered ancient residences. The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree and ancient Buddha statues at Bao'en Temple reveal the charm of time.
2. Bagong Mountain Scenic Area
Situated in Bagongshan District, Huainan City, famous for the Battle of Feishui and Liu An, King of Huainan, who practiced alchemy here. The scenic area features geological stone forests, Shengxiantai, and mountain trails winding through the woods. You can also visit historical relics like the Huainan King’s Alchemy Well.
3. Jiaogang Lake Film City
Located in Jiaogang Lake Town, Fengtai County, Huainan City, this film base recreates scenes of old Shanghai and Republican-era streets, perfect for vintage-style photos. The surrounding wetlands of Jiaogang Lake are also worth a visit.
🍜 Must-Try Foods
- Huainan Beef Soup: A signature street food with a rich broth made from beef bones, served with vermicelli and bean cakes, accompanied by crispy fried dough sticks. Recommended is the old brand "Huainan Lao Xiejia Beef Soup."
- Shouzhou Meatballs: A specialty of Shouxian, glutinous rice skin wrapped around meat filling, steamed to a soft and fragrant texture, a must-have at local banquets.
- Bagong Mountain Tofu: Made with spring water from Bagong Mountain, tender yet firm. Try it in tofu banquets or as cold tofu skin salad.
🚗 Transportation
From Hefei high-speed rail to Huainan East Station, about 46 minutes, second-class seat 46.5 RMB; within the city, take buses or taxis to attractions. Shouxian Ancient City can be reached directly by minibus from Huainan city center, about 1 hour.
📍 Anqing: Hometown of Huangmei Opera, Picturesque Mountains and Waters of Southwestern Anhui
📌 Location: Anqing City, Anhui Province, located in the southwest of Anhui, on the northern bank of the lower Yangtze River
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Tianzhu Mountain
Located in Tianzhu Mountain Town, Qianshan City, Anqing, one of Anhui’s three famous mountains. The scenic area boasts unique peaks, strange rocks, sea of clouds, and pine waves. The Alchemy Lake is like an emerald embedded in the mountains. Hiking to Tianzhu Peak offers a panoramic view of the vast mountain ranges.
2. Yingjiang Temple and Zhenfeng Tower
Located on East Yanjiang Road, Yingjiang District, Anqing City. Yingjiang Temple is bustling with incense, and Zhenfeng Tower is known as the "First Tower of the Yangtze River." Climb the tower to enjoy views of the Yangtze River. The vegetarian meals inside the temple are also worth trying.
3. Linghu Park
Located on Linghu South Road, Daguan District, Anqing City, this free urban park features clear lake water and scattered pavilions and towers. It’s a great place for lotus viewing in spring and chrysanthemum appreciation in autumn, popular among locals for leisure.
4. Xinghua Village
Located in Guichi District, Anqing City (Note: Xinghua Village is administratively part of Chizhou but adjacent to Anqing and often included in Anqing’s surrounding tours). Famous for Du Mu’s poetry, the ancient village preserves wine shops and poetry galleries, full of Jiangnan poetic charm.
🍜 Must-Try Foods
- Tongcheng Water Bowl: A specialty of Tongcheng, Anqing, a soup dish made by simmering various ingredients, light and fresh, warming both heart and stomach.
- Huating Lake Fish Head Soup: Made with bighead carp from Huating Lake, the soup is milky and fresh, with tender meat.
- Mozi Pastry: A traditional Anqing pastry made from ground black sesame, sweet and delicate, perfect as a gift.
🚗 Transportation
From Hefei high-speed rail to Anqing Station, about 54 minutes, second-class seat 76 RMB; Tianzhu Mountain can be reached by bus from Anqing Station to Qianshan, then transfer to the scenic area bus, about 1.5 hours.
📍 Chizhou: Buddhist Serenity, Jiuhua Mountain’s Hidden Tranquility
📌 Location: Chizhou City, Anhui Province, located in southern Anhui, on the southern bank of the lower Yangtze River
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Jiuhua Mountain
Located in Jiuhua Town, Qingyang County, Chizhou City, one of China’s four famous Buddhist mountains. The Baishou Palace and the Flesh Body Hall are popular pilgrimage sites. Tiantai Temple offers sunrise views over the sea of clouds. Zen-style guesthouses in the mountains allow you to immerse yourself in a slow Buddhist lifestyle.
2. Guniujiang Scenic Area
Located in Dayan Township, Shitai County, Chizhou City, a pristine mountain forest secret realm with streams and waterfalls throughout. The water in Longmen Pool is crystal clear. Hiking and creek trekking here feels like entering a natural oxygen bar.
3. Pingtian Lake
Located in Guichi District, Chizhou City, the lake’s scenery blends with the city. You can cycle around the lake or take a boat tour. Wanghua Tower on the shore is a great spot to overlook the lake.
🍜 Must-Try Foods
- Qiupu Mandarin Fish: A specialty from Qiupu River in Chizhou, delicious steamed or braised with a fresh and smooth taste.
- Lingyang One-Pot: Layers of ingredients stewed together with a rich flavor, combining meat and vegetables.
- Huizhou Mao Tofu: Pan-fried until golden and crispy outside, tender inside, eaten with special sauce for a unique flavor.
🚗 Transportation
From Hefei high-speed rail to Chizhou Station, about 1 hour 7 minutes, second-class seat 91 RMB; Jiuhua Mountain can be reached by direct bus from Chizhou Station, about 1 hour; Guniujiang requires transfer to Shitai County, then take the scenic area shuttle bus, about 2 hours.
📍 Zhenjiang: Jiangnan Small Town, Witness a Thousand Years of Glory at a Glance
📌 Location: Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, located on the southern bank of the lower Yangtze River, southwestern Jiangsu
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Jinshan Temple
Located at 62 Jinshan Road, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City, famous for the "Flooding of Jinshan" story in the Legend of the White Snake. The temple buildings are built on the mountain, with the Cishou Pagoda standing atop. Climbing the pagoda offers views of the Yangtze River blending with the city.
2. Xijin Ferry Ancient Street
Located on Xijin Ferry Street, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City, this thousand-year-old street preserves bluestone paths, Republican-era buildings, and old dock relics. Browse creative shops by day and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with lights at night.
3. Beigu Mountain
Located at 3 Dongwu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, famous for Xin Qiji’s poetry. The Duojing Tower and Beigu Pavilion offer views of the Yangtze River, evoking the grandeur of "ancient rivers and mountains."
4. Jiaoshan Mountain
Located on Jiaoshan Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, surrounded by the river on all sides. The Dinghui Temple on the mountain has a long history, and the stele forest houses many precious inscriptions. Take the ferry to the island and enjoy the refreshing river breeze.
🍜 Must-Try Foods
- Zhenjiang Guogai Noodles: One of the "Three Wonders of Zhenjiang," noodles cooked in a pot lid. Recommended are the long fish noodles and kidney flower noodles, with a chewy texture and flavorful broth.
- Zhenjiang Marinated Meat: Served with fragrant vinegar, fatty but not greasy, a classic local cold dish.
- Crab Roe Soup Dumplings: Thin skin and full filling, sip the delicious broth inside, a Jiangnan specialty snack.
🚗 Transportation
From Hefei high-speed rail to Zhenjiang South Station, about 1 hour 15 minutes, second-class seat 101 RMB; within the city, take buses or shared bikes to visit main attractions. Xijin Ferry and Jinshan Temple are close and can be explored on foot.
📝 Practical Tips for Short Trips
1. Itinerary Combinations: Within the province, choose Huainan + Anqing (2 days 1 night), Chizhou + Anqing (3 days 2 nights); cross-province, combine Zhenjiang + Nanjing (2 days 1 night) for a relaxed pace without rushing.
2. Ticket Discounts: Students with valid ID can enjoy half-price discounts at Tianzhu Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, and other scenic spots. Shouxian Ancient City and Xijin Ferry are free to enter.
3. Accommodation Suggestions: In Huainan, choose guesthouses near Shouxian Ancient City; in Anqing, near Linghu Park; in Zhenjiang, near Xijin Ferry for convenient dining and sightseeing.