Heifei and Anhui Tourism Information Website and App
Practical and Comprehensive Information Websites for Travel Hefei
Authoritative General Information
Official Tourism Websites & Government Resources
Organization |
Website |
Language |
Description |
Anhui Provincial Government |
English |
Official provincial government portal with comprehensive travel information |
|
Anhui Department of Culture and Tourism |
Chinese |
Official tourism authority (Chinese only) |
|
Hefei Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau |
Chinese |
City-level tourism information (Chinese only) |
|
Hefei Municipal Government |
Chinese |
City government official site |
|
Mount Huangshan Official |
English |
UNESCO World Heritage site official information |
|
UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Huangshan |
English |
Official UNESCO listing documentation |
|
UNESCO - Xidi & Hongcun |
English |
Ancient Villages World Heritage information |
Comprehensive Information Sources
China National Tourism Administration: http://en.mct.gov.cn/ - National-level tourism policies and guidelines
12306 China Railway: https://www.12306.cn/en/ - Official railway booking portal (English version available)
Hefei Xinqiao International Airport: https://www.hfairport.com/ - Airport official website (Chinese, with multilingual tax refund guides)
Important Update: As of December 17, 2024, China has upgraded the visa-free transit policy to 240 hours (10 days) and added Hefei Xinqiao International Airport and Huangshan Tunxi International Airport as eligible ports .
Transportation
Air Transport
Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE/ZSOF)
Location: Gaoliu Avenue, Gaoliu Town, Feixi County, 31.8km southwest of city center
Status: International airport with domestic and international flights; newly designated 240-hour visa-free transit port (Dec 2024)
Terminals: Single terminal building for all flights (domestic and international)
Official Website: https://www.hfairport.com/ (Chinese, with English tax refund guides)
Inquiry Hotline: +86-551-6377-7888 (24 hours)
Lost & Found: +86-551-6377-7672
Airport Services for Foreigners :
Mobile SIM Cards: Available at airport kiosks (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom), prepaid plans ¥50–100 for 7–30 days
Internet Setup: Assistance with connecting to airport Wi-Fi and setting up e-SIM/mobile data
Mobile Payment Setup: Guidance on linking international cards to Alipay/WeChat Pay
Currency Exchange: Bank of China and other exchange counters in terminal; multilingual tax refund guides available
International Service Center: Located at T1 International Arrivals Hall (opened December 16, 2025) - provides one-stop services including payment guidance, tourism info, and transportation cards
Ground Transportation: Airport shuttle buses, taxis, and private car services available
International Connections: Direct flights to major Asian destinations and domestic hubs; European connection via Frankfurt (Condor)
Ground Transportation from Airport:
Mode |
Details |
Est. Cost to City Center |
Airport Shuttle Bus |
Line 1 to city center / Hefei Railway Station; other lines available |
¥20–35 |
Taxi |
Metered; base ~¥9 for first 3 km, then ~¥1.4–2.0/km |
¥80–120 |
Ride-hailing (DiDi) |
Book via app after setting up Chinese phone/payment |
¥80–120 |
Rental Car |
Available via airport services |
Varies |
Railway Transport
Hefei Railway Station (Main Station)
Address: Zhanqian Road, Yaohai District
Official Booking: https://www.12306.cn/en/ (English version available)
Hotline: 12306 (unified national railway hotline)
Services: Luggage storage (06:00-23:00), accessibility features
Hefei South Railway Station (High-Speed Rail Hub)
Primary station for high-speed rail connections to Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Beijing
Metro Line 1 and Line 4 connections
Major Train Routes :
Hefei ↔ Shanghai: 2-3 hours (high-speed), CNY ¥191-206
Hefei ↔ Nanjing: 1-1.5 hours
Hefei ↔ Beijing: 4-5 hours
Hefei ↔ Hangzhou: 1.5-2 hours, CNY ¥82-120
Hefei ↔ Huangshan North: 1.5-2 hours, CNY ¥140.5-160
Metro System
Hefei Metro
Lines: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5 (operational); Line 6 under construction
Hours: Weekdays 6:00-22:00; Weekends/Holidays 7:00-22:00
Frequency: Every 6-8 minutes (3-5 minutes during peak hours)
Fares: CNY ¥2-10 depending on distance
Tourist Card: 3-day unlimited pass for CNY ¥50 (recommended for visitors)
Payment: Ticket machines at stations accept cash; Hefei Metro app available; Alipay/WeChat Pay accepted
Public Bus & BRT
Airport Bus: Multiple shuttle lines connecting airport to city center and major hotels
City Bus: Extensive network covering all districts; fares typically CNY ¥1-2
Payment: Cash or transit card; mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat) accepted
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Taxis:
Base fare: CNY ¥8-10 (first 2.5-3km), then CNY ¥1.4-2/km
Night surcharge: 23:00-05:00
Available throughout city; recommended to have destination written in Chinese
Ride-Hailing:
DiDi: Primary ride-hailing app (English version available)
Meituan Dache: Alternative option
Shared Bicycles
Available: Mobike, HelloBike, Meituan Bike
Requirements: Chinese phone number, deposit (usually refundable)
Usage: Scan QR code to unlock; park in designated areas
Cost: CNY ¥1-2 per 30 minutes
Anhui Cuisine Overview
In general, you can make a reservation via "Dianping" app, download in mobile store.
Anhui cuisine (Hui cuisine), one of China's eight classical culinary traditions, emphasizes wild herbs, subtle spices, and local produce from the region's mountains and rivers. The cuisine is characterized by braising, stewing, and steaming techniques that preserve natural flavors, with particular attention to heating control and duration.
Hefei's culinary scene reflects its position as the provincial capital, offering both refined official-style Hui cuisine and authentic street food. The city's signature dishes include Luzhou Roast Duck (crispy skin, tender meat), stinky mandarin fish (fermented then braised, pungent but delicious), and Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch (named after the famous official).
Wild ingredients are central to Anhui cuisine—bamboo shoots from Wenzheng Mountain, stone ear mushrooms, river fish from Chaohu Lake, and various mountain herbs create distinctive flavors. The cuisine balances rich, savory tastes with health-conscious preparation, often incorporating Chinese medicinal herbs.
Street food culture thrives along Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street and Guanting Road Food Street, where century-old restaurants like Tongqinglou (est. 1925) serve heritage dishes alongside night-market stalls offering crayfish, skewers, and local snacks.
Must-Try Dishes & Specialties
Dish |
Chinese |
Description |
Where to Try |
Price Range |
Stinky Mandarin Fish |
臭鳜鱼 |
Fermented mandarin fish, braised to tender, garlic-clove-like layers. Signature Anhui dish. |
Tongqinglou, Shicheng Huiyan Restaurant |
CNY ¥80-150 |
Luzhou Roast Duck |
庐州烤鸭 |
Crispy golden skin, juicy meat, served with pancakes and sauce. Hefei classic. |
Luzhou Roast Duck Shop, Huaihe Road |
CNY ¥60-120 |
Hairy Tofu (Mao Tofu) |
毛豆腐 |
Fermented tofu with white mold, fried golden, served with chili sauce. |
Street vendors, traditional restaurants |
CNY ¥15-30 |
Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch |
李鸿章杂烩 |
Stew with chicken, sea cucumber, fish belly, squid. Named after late Qing official. |
Heritage restaurants |
CNY ¥100-200 |
Bamboo Shoots with Ham |
火腿炖竹笋 |
Wenzheng Mountain bamboo shoots with cured ham. |
Traditional Hui restaurants |
CNY ¥40-80 |
Sanhe Rice Dumplings |
三河米饺 |
Glutinous rice dumplings filled with meat/veg, deep-fried. |
Sanhe Ancient Town |
CNY ¥10-20 |
Wushan Tribute Goose |
吴山贡鹅 |
Goose cooked in secret sauce, tender and fragrant. |
Specialty restaurants |
CNY ¥80-150 |
Cao Cao Chicken |
曹操鸡 |
Whole chicken marinated and slow-cooked, named after Three Kingdoms warlord. |
Historical theme restaurants |
CNY ¥60-100 |
Duck-Fat Pancakes |
鸭油烧饼 |
Flaky pastries baked in duck fat, sesame aroma. |
Breakfast spots, Huaihe Road |
CNY ¥5-15 |
Shrimp Roe Noodles |
虾籽面 |
Noodles in broth simmered with Yangtze River shrimp roe. |
Geng Fuxing (est. 1925) |
CNY ¥25-40 |
Food Streets & Dining Districts
Area |
Features |
Best For |
Price Range |
Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street |
920-meter bluestone avenue. Century-old Hui restaurants (Tongqinglou, Geng Fuxing), night market stalls, crayfish, skewers. |
Heritage cuisine, night dining |
CNY ¥30-200/person |
Guanting Road Food Street |
300-meter compact street. Old-brand snacks, viral hits, late-night dining. Northern Anhui wraps, duck-fat biscuits, beef soup. |
Budget dining, street food |
CNY ¥20-50/person |
Lei Street |
Modern dining district with Anhui cuisine from all regions, nightlife. |
Variety, evening dining |
CNY ¥50-150/person |
Ningguo Road Lobster Street |
Specialized crayfish restaurants, spicy and garlic varieties. |
Seafood, group dining |
CNY ¥80-150/person |
Sanhe Ancient Town |
Traditional snacks, rice dumplings, local specialties in historical setting. |
Cultural dining experience |
CNY ¥30-80/person |
Recommended Restaurants
Restaurant |
Cuisine |
Specialties |
Price |
Location |
Tongqinglou (同庆楼) |
Traditional Hui |
Stinky fish, Hu Shi One-Pot, Daoban Xiang |
¥150–300 |
Huaihe Road (est. 1925) |
Geng Fuxing (耿福兴) |
Traditional / Snacks |
Shrimp roe noodles, crispy duck noodles |
¥30–80 |
Huaihe Road (China Time-Honored Brand) |
Shicheng Huiyan (食城汇宴) |
Upscale Hui |
Comprehensive Anhui cuisine |
¥200–400 |
Multiple locations |
Luzhou Taitai (庐州太太) |
Local Hui |
Affordable, authentic Anhui dishes |
¥50–100 |
Multiple locations (popular local chain) |
Luzhou Roast Duck Shop |
Local specialty |
Roast duck, duck-fat pancakes |
¥50–100 |
Huaihe Road area |
Bars & Cafés
- Coffee: Starbucks, Luckin Coffee (chain, ¥15–30/cup), and local independent roasters in the Swan Lake CBD and Shouchun Road/Hongxing Road area.
- Bars: Concentrated around Lei Street, 1912 Cultural & Creative Park, and Shouchun Road. Mostly local bars and KTV; craft beer scene is limited. Hotel bars offer international selections.
- Tea Houses: Traditional Anhui tea houses serve Keemun black tea and Huangshan Maofeng green tea; found on Huaihe Road and in cultural districts.
Dining Tips for Foreigners
Payment: 90% of establishments accept Alipay/WeChat; carry cash for some heritage restaurants
Language: Menus often have pictures; pointing works well. Download translation app.
Allergies: Communicate clearly; nuts, shellfish, and gluten common in local cuisine
Water: Drink bottled or boiled water; tap water not recommended for drinking
Tipping: Not customary in China; service charge sometimes added in upscale hotels
Anhui Attractions and Scenic Spots
Most of scenic spots, you can buy tickets via Wechat mini app, just search the scenic spot name, as well as in Trip.com app or website.
# |
Attraction |
Location |
Description |
Entry Fee |
Transport |
1 |
Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) |
Huangshan City, 280km from Hefei |
UNESCO World Cultural & Natural Heritage (1990). Famous for five wonders: odd-shaped pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, winter snow. Lotus Peak (1,864m) highest point. Note: Tiandu Peak reopened May 2024 after 5-year conservation closure . |
CNY ¥190 (Mar-Nov), CNY ¥150 (Dec-Feb) |
High-speed rail to Huangshan North (1.5h), then bus/taxi (1h) |
2 |
Hongcun Ancient Village |
Yi County, Huangshan City |
UNESCO World Heritage (2000). 900-year-old village known as "village in a Chinese painting." Famous Moon Pond, South Lake, Chengzhi Hall. Featured in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" . |
CNY ¥104 |
Bus from Huangshan City (1h) or Tangkou (40min) |
3 |
Xidi Ancient Village |
Yi County, Huangshan City |
UNESCO World Heritage (2000). 1,000-year-old village with 300+ Ming/Qing residences. Hu Wenguang Memorial Arch, Jing'ai Hall . |
CNY ¥104 |
Bus from Hongcun (30min) or Huangshan City |
4 |
Bao Park (Lord Bao Park) |
No. 72 Wuhu Road, Baohe District, Hefei |
Memorial to Bao Zheng (999-1062), legendary Song Dynasty judge known for integrity. Includes Bao Gong Temple, Qingfeng Pavilion, Bao Zheng Cemetery, Fuzhuang Garden. |
CNY ¥50 (combo ticket) |
Metro Line 1 to Bao Park Station |
5 |
Anhui Museum (New Building) |
Municipal District, Hefei |
220,000+ cultural relics in distinctive Huizhou architecture. Comprehensive collection of Anhui history and culture. |
Free (ID required) |
Metro Line 3 to Anhui Museum Station |
6 |
Sanhe Ancient Town |
Sanhe Town, Feixi County, Hefei |
Hefei's only 5A-rated scenic spot. 2,500-year history. Jiangnan water town with ancient streets, canals, traditional architecture. Yang Zhenning's former residence. |
Free (some attractions charge) |
Bus from Hefei (1h) or taxi |
7 |
Former Residence of Li Hongzhang |
Luyang District, Hefei |
Home of prominent late Qing Dynasty official and diplomat (1823-1901). Exquisite architecture, historical exhibits. |
CNY ¥20 |
Metro Line 1 to Sanxiaokou Station |
8 |
Xiaoyaojin Park (Three Kingdoms Park) |
No. 16 Shouchun Road, Luyang District |
Historic battlefield site from Three Kingdoms period (AD 215). Zhang Liao statue, amusement park, Ferris wheel (CNY ¥30). |
Free |
Metro Line 2 to Sipailou Station |
9 |
Chaohu Lake & Laoshan Island |
Chaohu City, 1h from Hefei |
One of China's five largest freshwater lakes. Laoshan Island features ancient pagodas, temples. Boat tours available. |
Boat: CNY ¥80-120 |
Bus or tour from Hefei |
10 |
Dashu Mountain National Forest Park |
Feixi County, Hefei |
Natural scenery, hiking trails, ecological beauty. Popular for outdoor activities. |
Free |
Bus or taxi from city |
11 |
Hefei Swan Lake Park |
Municipal District |
1,000+ mu artificial lake with 600m "Gold Coast" beach, sculptures, gardens. Popular for recreation and photography. |
Free |
Metro or bus |
12 |
Hechai 1972 Scenic Area |
Hefei, Baohe District |
Industrial heritage-themed cultural and creative park, retaining original factory buildings, with museums, art galleries and leisure areas. |
Free |
Metro Line 3 to Hechai 1972 Station |
13 |
Bao Zheng's Ancestral House |
Near Bao Park |
Birthplace and family residence of Judge Bao. Traditional complex with rooftop views. |
Included in Bao Park ticket |
Metro Line 1 |
14 |
Huiyuan Garden |
Hefei |
Traditional Anhui-style garden showcasing Huizhou landscape architecture. |
CNY ¥20-40 |
Bus |
15 |
Hefei Botanical Garden |
Hefei |
Seasonal flower displays including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, tulips, magnolias. Best urban flower viewing spot. |
CNY ¥20 |
Bus |
Ticket Booking & Reservation Methods
Attraction |
How to Book |
Notes |
Mount Huangshan |
https://www.huangshan.gov.cn/English/) or Official WeChat mini-program “黄山”; or Trip.com (English); or on-site at visitor center |
Book 1–2 weeks ahead for holidays. Passport required for entry. Cable car tickets sold separately. |
Hongcun / Xidi |
Trip.com (English); on-site at entrance; or local platforms |
Passport/ID required. |
Anhui Museum |
Free; advance reservation via official WeChat account “安徽博物馆” |
Passport required. Closed on Mondays (standard for Chinese museums). |
Bao Park / Li Hongzhang Residence |
Trip.com (English); or on-site ticket windows |
Cash and mobile payment accepted. |
Jiuhuashan / Tianzhu Mountain |
Official WeChat mini-programs; Trip.com; on-site http://www.jiuhuashan.gov.cn/ (Chinese) |
Book in advance during peak seasons and holidays. |
Website and Information of Accommodation and Hotels in Heifei and Anhui
You can make room booking via Trip.com and eLong app(Chinese only), and other app as well.
# |
Hotel |
Category |
Location |
Features |
Est. Price/Night |
Website |
1 |
InterContinental Hefei |
Luxury 5-star |
City Center |
Central location, international standards, convenient transportation |
CNY ¥800-1500 |
|
2 |
The Ritz-Carlton, Hefei |
Luxury 5-star |
Near Sunac Land |
Family-friendly, adjacent to theme park |
CNY ¥1000-2000 |
|
3 |
Grand Hyatt Hefei |
Luxury 5-star |
City Center |
International brand, city views |
CNY ¥800-1600 |
|
4 |
Shangri-La Hotel Hefei |
Luxury 5-star |
City Center |
Renowned service, Chinese/Western dining |
CNY ¥700-1400 |
|
5 |
Hilton Hefei |
5-star |
High-Tech Zone |
Business facilities, international standards |
CNY ¥600-1200 |
|
6 |
Sheraton Hefei Xinzhan |
5-star |
Near Railway Station |
Convenient for train travelers |
CNY ¥500-1000 |
|
7 |
Crowne Plaza Hefei |
5-star |
City Center |
Business-oriented, central location |
CNY ¥500-900 |
|
8 |
Swissôtel Hefei Grand Park |
5-star |
City Center |
European standards, spa facilities |
CNY ¥600-1100 |
|
9 |
Wanda Realm Hefei |
5-star |
Binhu New District |
Modern facilities, lake views |
CNY ¥500-900 |
|
10 |
Holiday Inn Hefei |
4-star |
Multiple locations |
Reliable mid-range, business facilities |
CNY ¥300-600 |
|
11 |
Novotel Hefei Wanda |
4-star |
City Center |
French brand, consistent quality |
CNY ¥350-700 |
|
12 |
Hampton by Hilton Hefei |
3-4 star |
Multiple locations |
Budget-friendly Hilton brand |
CNY ¥250-500 |
|
13 |
Home Inn Selected (Rujia) |
Mid-range |
Multiple locations |
Clean, reliable local chain |
CNY ¥150-300 |
|
14 |
Jinjiang Inn |
Budget |
Multiple locations |
Established Chinese chain, basic comfort |
CNY ¥120-250 |
|
15 |
7 Days Inn |
Budget |
Multiple locations |
Economy option, widespread |
CNY ¥100-200 |
|
16 |
Sanhe Ancient Town Homestays |
Boutique/Traditional |
Sanhe Town |
Authentic water town experience, traditional architecture |
CNY ¥200-500 |
Book via Trip.com, Ctrip |
17 |
Hongcun/Xidi Guesthouses |
Boutique/Traditional |
Huangshan Villages |
Heritage building stays, cultural immersion |
CNY ¥150-400 |
Book via Trip.com, local platforms |
18 |
Huangshan Mountain Hotels |
Mountain lodging |
Yellow Mountain summit |
Sunrise views, basic mountain accommodation |
CNY ¥400-1000 |
Book via Huangshan official site |
19 |
Hanting Hotel |
Mid-range |
Multiple locations |
Hua Zhu Group, consistent quality |
CNY ¥180-350 |
|
20 |
Ibis Hefei |
Budget |
City Center |
Accor economy brand, international standards |
CNY ¥200-400 |
Booking Channels
Platform |
Website |
Language |
Trip.com |
English/Chinese |
|
Ctrip |
Chinese (English limited) |
|
Booking.com |
English |
|
Agoda |
English |
|
Expedia |
English |
|
Marriott.com |
English |
|
Hilton.com |
English |
|
IHG.com |
English |
Anhui Major Activities Leisures & Events
Annual Fixed Events
Event |
Timing |
Location |
Description |
Official Link |
Huangshan International Tourism Festival |
October (Annual) |
Huangshan City |
Cultural performances, tourism promotions, photography contests |
https://www.huangshan.gov.cn/ (Chinese) |
Hongcun/Xidi Cultural Festivals |
Spring/Autumn |
Ancient Villages |
Traditional ceremonies, folk performances, architectural tours |
UNESCO site management |
Chaohu Lake Fishing Festival |
Autumn |
Chaohu Lake |
Traditional fishing culture, seafood celebrations |
Local tourism bureau |
Hefei Science & Technology Expo |
Varies |
Hefei |
Showcasing city's tech innovation achievements |
Year-Round Activities
Activity |
Location |
Description |
Duration |
Cost |
How to Book |
Chaohu Lake Boat Tours |
Chaohu Lake, Laoshan Island |
Scenic boat rides to island temples and pagodas |
2-4 hours |
CNY ¥80-120 |
On-site or tour operators |
Huangshan Mountain Hiking |
Yellow Mountain |
Various trails from easy walks to challenging summit climbs |
1-3 days |
CNY ¥190 entry + cable cars |
Official website or Ctrip |
Ancient Village Walking Tours |
Hongcun, Xidi, Tangmo |
Guided exploration of UNESCO heritage architecture |
Half-day |
CNY ¥100-300 (with guide) |
Local guides or Trip.com |
Traditional Tea Ceremony |
Tea houses in Hefei/Huangshan |
Experience Keemun black tea and Huangshan Maofeng preparation |
1-2 hours |
CNY ¥50-150 |
Hotel concierge or direct |
Hui Cuisine Cooking Classes |
Selected restaurants |
Learn to prepare stinky fish, bamboo shoots dishes |
Half-day |
CNY ¥200-500 |
Tongqinglou, cooking schools |
Sanhe Ancient Town Boat Rides |
Sanhe Town |
Canal tours through historic water town |
30-60 min |
CNY ¥30-50 |
On-site ticket counters |
Hefei and Anhui Tourism Seasons and Travel Advice
Peak/Shoulder/Low Season ClassificationSeason |
Period |
Characteristics |
Recommendation |
Peak (High) |
May 1-5 (Labor Day), Oct 1-7 (National Day), July-August (Summer Holiday) |
Extremely crowded, highest prices, advance booking essential |
Avoid if possible; book 1-2 months ahead |
Shoulder |
April-May (Spring), September-November (Autumn), January-February (Winter, excluding Spring Festival) |
Moderate crowds, pleasant weather, reasonable prices |
Best time to visit |
Low |
November-March (excluding holidays) |
Fewer tourists, lowest prices, some attractions limited |
Good for budget travelers; bring warm clothes |
Regional Holidays & Festivals
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Late January to mid-February (varies by lunar calendar; 2026: Feb 17). 7-day national holiday. Features temple fairs, family gatherings, fish lantern parades in Huizhou villages, and traditional performances. Impact: Transport extremely crowded; many businesses close; hotels may require minimum stays. Book 30 days ahead.
Qingming Festival: Early April (fixed date: Apr 4–6). 3-day holiday. Ancestral worship, spring outings, kite flying. Moderate travel increase.
Dragon Boat Festival: May–June (lunar calendar). 3-day holiday. Dragon boat races (Sanhe Ancient Town may hold races), eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
Mid-Autumn Festival: September–October (lunar calendar). 3-day holiday. Moon viewing, mooncakes, family reunions.
National Day Golden Week: October 1–7. The busiest travel week of the year. Avoid if at all possible
Student Holidays
Holiday |
Typical Timing |
Duration |
Impact on Tourism |
Winter Vacation |
Mid-January to mid-February |
3-4 weeks |
Overlaps with Spring Festival; extreme crowds |
Summer Vacation |
Early July to late August |
6-8 weeks |
Peak domestic tourism; families traveling; high prices |
Note: Chinese school system does not have traditional "spring break" or "autumn break" as in Western systems.Somewhere are availabel for the spring break and sutumn break.
Travel Recommendations for Foreign Visitors
Best Time to Visit: March-May (Spring) and September-November (Autumn)
Spring: Rapeseed flowers bloom (especially beautiful in Hongcun/Xidi)
Autumn: Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, best for photography
Avoid: May 1 week, October 1 week, Chinese New Year period.
Anhui Travel Budget Estimates
4-Day Hefei & Nearby Budget (Per Person, Excluding Arrival Transport)
Season |
Budget Level |
Total (CNY) |
Total (USD) |
Low Season (Nov-Mar) |
Economy |
¥1,060 |
~$150 |
|
Mid-range |
¥2,200 |
~$310 |
|
Luxury |
¥4,900 |
~$690 |
Shoulder (Apr/May/Sep/Oct) |
Economy |
¥1,150 |
~$160 |
|
Mid-range |
¥2,500 |
~$350 |
|
Luxury |
¥5,500 |
~$775 |
Peak (Jul/Aug/Holidays) |
Economy |
¥1,480 |
~$210 |
|
Mid-range |
¥3,500 |
~$495 |
|
Luxury |
¥7,600 |
~$1,070 |
10-Day Anhui Province Budget (Hefei + Huangshan + Villages, Per Person)
Season |
Budget Level |
Total (CNY) |
Total (USD) |
Low Season |
Economy |
¥2,500-3,500 |
$350-500 |
|
Mid-range |
¥5,500-7,500 |
$775-1,060 |
|
Luxury |
¥12,000-15,000 |
$1,700-2,100 |
Shoulder |
Economy |
¥3,000-4,500 |
$425-635 |
|
Mid-range |
¥6,500-9,000 |
$915-1,270 |
|
Luxury |
¥14,000-18,000 |
$1,975-2,540 |
Peak |
Economy |
¥4,000-6,000 |
$565-845 |
|
Mid-range |
¥9,000-12,000 |
$1,270-1,690 |
|
Luxury |
¥20,000-25,000 |
$2,820-3,525 |
Anhui Classic Travel Routes
Route 1: Hefei Essential (3 Days)
Focus: City highlights + nearby ancient town
Day 1: Bao Park → Anhui Museum → Huaihe Road Food Street
Day 2: Sanhe Ancient Town (full day) → Lei Street dinner
Day 3: Xiaoyaojin Park → Li Hongzhang Residence → Swan Lake sunset
Transport: Metro + taxi for city; bus/taxi to Sanhe (1h) Best For: Short stays, business travelers with limited time
Route 2: Hefei + Huangshan Classic (5 Days)
Focus: Capital city + UNESCO World Heritage mountain
Day 1: Arrive Hefei, city center exploration
Day 2: Morning train to Huangshan City → Tangkou (foot of mountain)
Day 3: Full day Huangshan hiking (cable car up, stay overnight on mountain)
Day 4: Sunrise viewing → descend → Hongcun Ancient Village (overnight)
Day 5: Xidi Village → return to Hefei or depart from Huangshan
Transport: High-speed rail Hefei-Huangshan (1.5h), mountain shuttle buses Best For: First-time visitors wanting iconic mountain experience
Route 3: Anhui Cultural Heritage Deep Dive (7 Days)
Focus: UNESCO villages, traditional culture, cuisine
Day 1-2: Hefei (Bao Park, Museum, food exploration)
Day 3: Train to Huangshan City → Hongcun (overnight in village)
Day 4: Hongcun → Xidi → Tangmo → overnight in ancient village area
Day 5: Chengkan Village → Tunxi Old Street (overnight Tunxi)
Day 6: Shexian County (Huizhou culture origin) → return Hefei
Day 7: Hefei departure
Transport: Mixed rail, private car hire for villages, buses Best For: Culture enthusiasts, photographers, architecture lovers
Route 4: Anhui Nature & Wellness (6 Days)
Focus: Mountains, lakes, hot springs, relaxation
Day 1: Hefei arrival, Chaohu Lake boat tour
Day 2: Dashu Mountain hiking → evening train to Huangshan
Day 3: Huangshan Mountain (hot springs at base)
Day 4: Jiuhua Mountain (Buddhist sacred mountain, Chizhou)
Day 5: Jiuhua temples → return Hefei
Day 6: Hefei spa/wellness → departure
Transport: High-speed rail, mountain shuttles, taxis Best For: Nature lovers, wellness travelers, spiritual seekers
Route 5: Comprehensive Anhui Grand Tour (10 Days)
Focus: Complete provincial experience
Days 1-2: Hefei (city highlights, cuisine)
Days 3-4: Huangshan Mountain (2 days for full experience)
Days 5-6: Hongcun & Xidi ancient villages (overnight in each)
Day 7: Tunxi Old Street → Jiuhua Mountain
Day 8: Jiuhua Mountain temples and scenery
Day 9: Chizhou → Chaohu Lake → Hefei
Day 10: Hefei departure
Travel Agencies (Foreigner-Serving)
Agency |
Services |
Languages |
Advantages |
Website |
China Discovery (Chengdu-based) |
Custom Anhui tours, Huangshan + villages |
English |
Specialized in Anhui, excellent reviews, flexible itineraries |
|
Trip.com (Ctrip International) |
Hotel, flight, tour booking platform |
English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean |
One-stop booking, international payment, 24/7 English support |
|
Travel China Guide (Xi'an-based) |
Anhui packages, private tours |
English |
Long-established, comprehensive itineraries, competitive pricing |
|
Hefei Changjing Travel Service Co., Ltd. |
Customized tours for international clients |
English |
Local expertise, online platform, customized tours |
|
Anhui China International Travel Service (CITS) |
Group tours, private tours, visa services |
English, Japanese, Korean |
State-owned, reliable, multilingual guides |
Anhui Tourist Shopping
Signature Products & Souvenirs
Product |
Origin |
Description |
Price Range |
Best Purchase Location |
Keemun Black Tea (Qimen) |
Qimen County, Anhui |
World-famous black tea, floral aroma, "burgundy of teas" |
CNY ¥100-500/tin |
Tea shops in Tunxi Old Street, Hefei specialty stores |
Huangshan Maofeng Green Tea |
Huangshan Mountain |
Premium green tea, one of China's top 10 |
CNY ¥80-400/tin |
Huangshan scenic area, tea plantations |
Huizhou Inksticks |
Shexian County |
Traditional ink for calligraphy, "Four Treasures" |
CNY ¥50-300 |
Shexian, Tunxi Old Street |
She Inkstone |
Shexian County |
Precious inkstone, one of "Four Treasures of Study" |
CNY ¥100-1000+ |
Shexian workshops, specialty shops |
Hui-style Wood Carving |
Ancient villages |
Intricate traditional architectural decorations |
CNY ¥200-2000 |
Hongcun, Xidi craft shops |
Bamboo Crafts |
Anhui mountains |
Baskets, utensils, decorative items |
CNY ¥30-200 |
Village markets, Hefei craft shops |
Luyang Guazi (Sunflower Seeds) |
Hefei |
Famous local snack, seasoned seeds |
CNY ¥10-30/bag |
Hefei street vendors, supermarkets |
Sesame Cakes |
Hefei/Huangshan |
Traditional pastries, various fillings |
CNY ¥15-40/box |
Huaihe Road, Tunxi Old Street |
Stinky Mandarin Fish (packaged) |
Anhui |
Vacuum-packed for transport |
CNY ¥50-100 |
Supermarkets, airport shops |
Must-Visit Shopping Areas
Venue |
Type |
Features |
Best For |
Tunxi Old Street (Huangshan) |
Historic commercial street |
Traditional Huizhou architecture, tea shops, inksticks, carvings, antiques |
Authentic cultural souvenirs, premium tea |
Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street (Hefei) |
Modern shopping + heritage |
Mix of brands, local stores, time-honored restaurants, Zhanji pastries |
Local snacks, casual shopping, daily needs |
Hefei Intime City (Yintai) |
High-end mall |
International brands, restaurants, entertainment |
Branded goods, modern mall experience |
Swan Lake Wanda Plaza (Hefei) |
Large shopping complex |
International & domestic brands, food court, cinema |
General shopping, dining, entertainment |
Sanhe Ancient Town Shops |
Traditional village shops |
Local crafts, rice dumplings, traditional snacks |
Cultural items, local specialties |
Tax Refund & Duty-Free Policy
Important Update: Anhui has implemented a "Buy Now, Refund Now" (即买即退) tax refund service at designated stores in tourist areas like Huangshan
Tourist Shopping Tax Refund: Available at select designated stores; look for "Tax Free" or "Tax Refund" signs
Refund Rate: Typically 11% VAT refund for foreign tourists
Minimum Purchase: Usually CNY ¥500 in single store, single day
Process:
Immediate Refund: Available at designated stores in Huangshan and other tourist areas - refund processed on-site
Airport Refund: Process at customs before departure at Hefei Xinqiao Airport or Huangshan Tunxi Airport
Requirements: Must leave China within 17 days of purchase; bring passport, original invoice, and goods for customs inspection
Pre-Departure Preparation
Climate Overview
Hefei and Anhui Province experience a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Annual average temperature is 15.7°C (60.3°F). Spring (March-May) brings mild temperatures (10-22°C) with occasional rain—ideal for flower viewing when rapeseed blooms blanket the countryside. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid (25-35°C) with peak rainfall; mountain areas offer cooler escapes. Autumn (September-November) provides the most pleasant conditions (15-25°C), clear skies, and spectacular foliage—optimal for photography and outdoor activities. Winter (December-February) is cold (0-8°C) with occasional snow, particularly in mountain regions; heating in southern China is limited compared to north.
The region is not high-altitude (Hefei: ~30m elevation; Huangshan peaks: 1,800m+), so altitude sickness is generally not a concern except for strenuous mountain hiking. Monsoon rains occur June-July; typhoons rarely affect inland Anhui directly but may bring heavy rain.
Clothing Recommendations
Season |
Temperature |
Recommended Clothing |
Spring (Mar-May) |
10-22°C |
Layers, light jacket, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes |
Summer (Jun-Aug) |
25-35°C |
Light, breathable fabrics, sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
15-25°C |
Light layers, jacket for evenings, comfortable hiking shoes |
Winter (Dec-Feb) |
0-8°C |
Warm coat, gloves, hat, thermal layers, waterproof shoes |
Essential Preparations
Documents:
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Chinese tourist visa (L-visa) OR eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit (effective Dec 2024)
Hotel confirmations and return flight tickets
Health:
No special vaccinations required for Anhui
Bring personal medications; carry prescription documentation
Travel insurance strongly recommended
Technology:
VPN recommended (Google services blocked in China)
Download offline maps and translation apps
Portable charger essential
Money:
Notify bank of China travel to avoid card blocks
Bring some cash (CNY ¥500-1000) for small vendors
Set up Alipay Tour Pass or WeChat Pay for international cards.
Communication:
Consider international roaming or purchase Chinese SIM at airport
China Mobile/China Unicom recommended for best coverage.
Other:
Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces in Anhui
For mountain visits: check weather forecasts; heed local warnings about trail closures or flash flood risks during rainy season
English support:
Outside major hotels and tourist areas is limited. Keep key phrases written in Chinese: your hotel address, medical conditions, allergies, and destination names
Emergency Contacts
Official Tourism Hotlines
Service |
Number |
Language |
Notes |
National Tourism Hotline |
12301 |
Chinese (limited English) |
24-hour tourism complaints and information |
Hefei Tourism Bureau |
0551-6353-1234 |
Chinese |
Local tourism authority |
Citizens' Service Hotline |
12345 |
Chinese/English |
General government service complaints |
Emergency Services (Nationwide)
Service |
Number |
Language |
Notes |
Police |
110 |
Chinese (some English in major cities) |
Emergency police response |
Ambulance/Medical |
120 |
Chinese |
Emergency medical services |
Fire |
119 |
Chinese |
Fire department |
Traffic Accidents |
122 |
Chinese |
Road traffic police |
Immigration Services |
12367 |
English available |
National Immigration Administration hotline for foreigners |
Medical Services
Major Hospitals with International Services
Hospital |
Address |
International Department |
Specialties |
Contact |
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (IMD) |
Hefei City |
International Medical Department |
24/7 outpatient and emergency, multilingual services, direct billing for international insurance, serves 4000+ foreign patients annually |
|
Anhui Provincial Hospital |
17 Lujiang Road, Luyang District |
Limited English services |
Comprehensive, emergency care |
0551-6228-3000 |
The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC |
218 Jixi Road, Hefei |
Some international patient services |
Research hospital, advanced care |
0551-6228-3000 |
Foreign Patient Treatment Process
Foreign visitors requiring medical care in Hefei should first contact their hotel concierge for assistance with hospital referrals and interpretation. For emergencies, dial 120 for ambulance transport to the nearest major hospital (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University recommended for comprehensive international services) .
Upon arrival at the International Medical Department, present passport for registration; expect to pay deposit (cash or mobile payment) before treatment in most cases. The hospital provides "one-on-one" English translation services and accepts direct billing for international health insurance . Outpatient services typically require queue tickets; hotel assistance can expedite this process.
Bring any existing medications, allergy documentation, and travel insurance details. Payment is typically upfront with reimbursement from insurance later; keep all receipts and medical records. For serious conditions, consider transfer to Shanghai (2 hours by high-speed rail) where international medical facilities are more developed. Pharmacies (indicated by green cross) are widespread; bring prescriptions for specific medications as equivalent may not be available.
Tourism Websites Directory
Official Government Sites
Organization |
Website |
Language |
Anhui Provincial Government |
English |
|
Anhui Department of Culture & Tourism |
Chinese |
|
Hefei Municipal Government |
Chinese |
|
Hefei Culture & Tourism Bureau |
Chinese |
|
Huangshan Municipal Government |
English |
Transportation Booking
Service |
Website |
Language |
Purpose |
Hefei Xinqiao Airport |
Chinese |
Flight information, tax refund guides |
|
China Railway 12306 |
English |
Train tickets |
|
Trip.com |
English/Chinese |
Flights, trains, hotels |
|
Hefei Metro |
Chinese |
Metro navigation |
Accommodation Booking
Platform |
Website |
Language |
Trip.com |
English |
|
Booking.com |
English |
|
Agoda |
English |
|
Expedia |
English |
Attraction & Activity Booking
Platform |
Website |
Language |
Coverage |
Trip.com |
English |
Tours, tickets, activities |
|
China Discovery |
English |
Custom Anhui tours |
|
Huangshan Official |
English |
Mountain tickets, info |
Dining & Food Services
Platform |
Website |
Language |
Purpose |
Dianping |
Chinese |
Restaurant reviews, ratings, addresses (China’s “Yelp”) |
|
Meituan |
Chinese |
Food delivery, restaurant reservations, discounts |
If there are any changes or updates, please contact us for revisions.