Things to do in Hefei
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Top 10 attractions in Hefei
Sanhe Ancient Town
Sanhe Ancient Town is situated at the southern tip of Feixi County in Hefei, where the Fengle River, Hangbu River, and Xiaonan River converge. The town derives its name from these three waterways, with the name "Sanhe" appearing as early as the Ming Dynasty and officially becoming Sanhe Town during the Qing Dynasty. In 1858, Taiping Rebellion generals Chen Yucheng and Li Xiucheng achieved a decisive victory over the Xiang Army here, historically known as the "Great Victory of Sanhe." The triumphal arch at the town entrance, Yingwang Mansion, and ancient city walls still bear witness to this turbulent period. The old bluestone-paved streets stretch along the river, lined with contiguous Huizhou-style residences featuring gray brick walls and soaring horse-head gables, blending water-town alleys with Huizhou-style markets seamlessly. Most tours begin at Sanxian Bridge in the town center. To its northwest stands the seven-story Guocui Tower, offering panoramic views of the town and displaying Huizhou artifacts like sedan chairs, inscribed tablets, carved beds, and stone carvings. Nearby, the Dafu Mansion (Sanhe Folk Museum) recreates an official residence's hall with exquisite wood carvings, including an oversized abacus over one meter long. Northeast of the bridge, Xiangu Tower is a Huizhou-style temple funded by merchants including the owner of the time-honored pastry shop "Zhonghexiang." Heading north along the east bank of Xiaonan River leads to ancient West Street, paved with bluestones and once bustling with shops—Liutongxinglongzhuang still maintains its original commercial layout. South along the west bank brings you to Quezhu Covered Bridge, named after Sanhe's ancient moniker "Quezhu," featuring a two-tiered eaves corridor with "beauty's seat" railings perfect for resting and enjoying the waterfront. The southern area around Old South Street and Wannian Street clusters notable former residences, including those of physicist Chen-Ning Yang, general Sun Liren, and Helu. During the Anti-Japanese War, young Chen-Ning Yang sheltered here with his family. Nearby, the famous "One-Person Alley" narrows to barely accommodate a single visitor, making it a popular photo spot. Further south stand Wannian Temple, Chenghuang Temple, and the historic Wannian Stage—Sanhe being the birthplace of Lu Opera, whose authentic melodies often grace the stage during festivals. Local snacks concentrate near Sanxian Bridge: freshly fried Sanhe rice dumplings with crispy shells, shrimp paste, crispy duck, and various river delicacies represent regional cuisine, while tea-flavored dried tofu makes for perfect street-side nibbling. Rice wine and feather fans serve as portable souvenirs. In 2026, Sanhe became a key filming location for CCTV's Spring Festival Gala Hefei segment, with its night scenes of a thousand fish lanterns captivating nationwide audiences.Feixi · 23.2 km from downtown
Anhui Museum (New Building)
The Anhui Provincial Museum (new building), located in Hefei, opened in 2011 and is the main museum area. The building itself is a highlight: its architectural design draws inspiration from the traditional Hui-style residences, featuring interconnected buildings with white walls and black tiles that enclose a central courtyard, covering an area of over 40,000 square meters. The museum houses over 200,000 artifacts, with Shang and Zhou bronzes, Han dynasty stone carvings, Song and Yuan dynasty gold and silver wares, the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper), and Hui-style carvings being its most distinctive features. The permanent exhibition, "Anhui Civilization History Exhibition," traces the history from prehistoric jade artifacts of Lingjiatan to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its popularity concentrated on several important bronze artifacts: the Zhuke Ding (also known as the Chu Ding), unearthed from the tomb of King You of Chu in Shouxian County, is astonishing in size, with a twelve-character inscription engraved on its rim, named after the first two characters "Zhuke" (铸客). The characters "Anbang" (安邦) are also cast on its front legs and underside. The Ejun Qijin Jie (鄂君启金节), a tax-free confirmation voucher for vehicle and ship transportation issued by the King of Chu, resembles a split bamboo section. The five round pillars of the Western Zhou cloud-patterned bronze five-column vessel stand equidistantly on a square base; their purpose remains undetermined, but their resemblance to a router often brings a knowing smile to visitors' faces. The special exhibitions are also worth spending time on. The "Ancient Architecture of Huizhou" exhibition hall showcases the beauty of Huizhou architecture through water features, ancestral halls, memorial archways, and wood, stone, and brick carvings. At its heart is the Feng Renjing Residence, a Qing Dynasty house relocated from Shexian County and rebuilt exactly as it was. With a central courtyard and a "回" (hui) shaped floor plan, visitors can walk into the courtyard and look up to see how the water from the four slopes flows into it. The "Four Treasures of the Study" exhibition brings together Xuan paper, Huizhou ink, Xuan brushes, and She inkstones. The "Treasures of Jianghuai" exhibition is small yet exquisite; a Southern Song Dynasty gold-rimmed agate bowl with a warm, translucent luster, and a Yuan Dynasty lacquer box with carved cloud patterns bearing an inscription on the bottom, demonstrate the exquisite craftsmanship even to those unfamiliar with antiques. The adjacent Anhui Provincial Geological Museum is a good option to visit on the same day. It is recommended to set aside half a day: first see the bronze artifacts in the "Anhui Civilization History Exhibition", and then visit the "Ancient Architecture of Huizhou", "Anhui Stationery", and "Treasures of Jianghuai" in that order; if time is limited, prioritize the first two exhibition halls. Don't just take photos at the entrance of Feng Renjing's residence; you can only truly appreciate it by walking into the courtyard.Hefei · 9.6 km from downtown
Xiaoyaojin Park
Xiaoyaojin Park is located in the northeast corner of Hefei's old city. In ancient times, it was a ferry crossing on the Feishui River, from which the park derived its name. During the Three Kingdoms period, Wei general Zhang Liao achieved a famous victory against overwhelming odds here, defeating Sun Quan's army. The historic event "Zhang Liao's awe-inspiring reputation at Xiaoyaojin" occurred in these waters, making it one of the few remaining Three Kingdoms battlefield sites in Hefei's old city. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the site served as private gardens for the Dou, Wang, and Gong families. The Quzhuang villa built in the late Qing Dynasty was commonly known as "Gong family garden." After being converted into a public park in 1952, it has carried the urban memories of generations of Hefei residents. The park is naturally divided into east and west gardens by its water system, with eight signature scenic spots like Xiaoyao ancient ferry, awe-inspiring east of the Yangtze, pavilion lake fall moon, and Wei-Wu historical relics after comprehensive upgrades. Entering through the south gate archway, visitors see the plaque "Xiaoyaojin Park" inscribed by Lu Runxiang, a Qing dynasty top scholar. Walking along the bluestone-paved Xiaoyao avenue, the statue of Zhang Liao on horseback wielding a sword stands prominently. Feiqi bridge is said to be where Sun Quan leapt to safety on horseback, while a replica Eastern Wu warship docks by Xiaoyao lake. The east garden excels with water features—islets dot the lake, with Xiaoyao villa and Zhang Liao's cenotaph hidden among island trees. Ascending Xiaoyao pavilion offers panoramic views, and painted pleasure boats at the cruise dock provide lake tours. Quzhuang's open-air stage regularly hosts traditional opera performances like Huangmei, Luzhou, and Peking opera, where tea-sipping audiences enjoy nostalgic charm. Play facilities including the elephant slide and ferris wheel cluster in the southeast corner, ideal for family half-day outings. The west garden features botanical landscapes, with plum blossom hill, peony garden, and azalea garden taking turns to shine through the seasons. The secluded Zangyou garden displays exquisite bonsai cultivated by generations of gardeners, while the adjacent tropical rainforest hall thrives with lush greenery. The Wei-Wu historical relics area—including Zhang Liao's tomb complex, the Three Kingdoms Hefei history and culture museum, and Jian'an culture museum—appeals to travelers interested in Three Kingdoms history. The ancient-style scenery around Feiqi bridge, Xiaoyao pavilion, and classical corridors offers perfect hanfu photography backdrops.Hefei · 630m from downtown
Former Residence of Li Hongzhang
Li Hongzhang Memorial Residence is located in the middle of the bustling Huaihe Pedestrian Street in Hefei City. It was a typical residential building in the Jianghuai area during the late Qing Dynasty. Li Hongzhang was born in Hefei. He served as a high ranking official in the late Qing army and was the leader of the Self-Strengthening Movement. His five brothers also served in high positions. Although at that time Li's residence occupied half the street, only a few rooms are left now. However, you can still enjoy the exquisite wood carvings, visit the exhibition hall about Li Hongzhang, and learn about his controversial life.Hefei · 56m from downtown
Lord Bao Park
Baogong Park was formerly known as Baohe Park. To commemorate the 1000th birthday of Bao Zheng, a famous Song Dynasty minister, Baogong Cultural Park was re-planned and reconstructed based on the original Baohe Park. In the ancestral hall there are the bronze statue of Baogong, bronze-cut dragon, tiger, and dog, and the wax scene of Baogong settling a lawsuit.Hefei · 810m from downtown
Mushan Island
Laoshan Island is located in the middle of Chao Lake. It is covered in lush green forest and is home to a number of attractions including a temple, pagoda, and a secluded bay.Chaohu · 39.6 km from downtown
Hechai 1972
Hechai 1972 is located at the junction of Baohe District, Government Affairs District and Shushan District in Hefei City. It is the first art park in China to be transformed from the former prison site. With its unique urban memory and heavy industrial imprint, it has entered a new era, indicating With the birth of a new landmark of Hefei Cultural and Creative Industry, it is a good place for young people to play and check in.Hefei · 8.6 km from downtown
Hefei Sunac Land
Hefei Sunac Park perfectly combines the essence of Huizhou's excellent culture with modern technology. It has six theme areas: Huizhou Ancient Rhythm, Liyuan Spring and Autumn, Happy Water Town, Chaozhou Ancient City, Dream Butterfly Wonderland, and Feishui Battle. It is a large-scale Huizhou culture theme park. . The park has more than 20 amusement equipment such as the vertical roller coaster "White Dragon Flying Sky", China's first broken rail roller coaster "Dragon and Tiger Fight", and a jumping machine; Youmeng large outdoor theater "Feishui Battle" theme theater; Youji A grand parade of theme floats with Huizhou cultural characteristics; at the same time, it brings together a selection of gourmet food from all over the world, a dazzling array of exquisite products and unique performances. There are also various delicacies, snacks, and specialty restaurants in the park, providing you with both fun and food. Recommended items The White Dragon Flying Sky, with a speed of more than 125 kilometers per hour and a high point of 56 meters, screams hard between high altitude and high speed; the fractured double-track roller coaster "Dragon and Tiger Contest", two sets of trains are raised to the top of the track at the same time, passing through a unique broken track The flipping technology flips at the same time and dives at the same time at a speed of more than 70km/h, giving you enough thrills and excitement; there are also float parades, bringing you a real visual feast.Hefei · 18.6 km from downtown
Hefei Andover Oceanarium
Hefei (Yao Tai Han Hai) Ocean World is located at No. 321 Fanhua Avenue in Hefei Economic Development Zone. This large-scale marine park integrates ocean science education, marine life research, animal training and exhibition, as well as leisure entertainment, and is rated as an AAA-level tourist attraction. It is a major marine biological project jointly developed by Singapore's Yao Tai Han Hai Cultural Tourism Group (Andover) and Hefei's Haiheng Group under the Economic Development Zone. The park covers a total area of 32 acres with a construction area of 20,000m. The first-phase investment was CNY 15,000,000, the second-phase investment was CNY 8,000,000, and the total investment amounts to CNY 23,000,000. Hefei Andover Oceanarium takes water as its central theme, showcasing the fascinating connections between diverse species across different aquatic environments and revealing the wondrous harmony of life. Your journey will take you through streams, lakes, rainforests, rivers, and finally the vast ocean, offering close-up views of representative animals and their habitats to experience nature's harmonious balance. Following the completion of Phase I (the oceanarium), Hefei Andover Oceanarium has finished Phase II—a grand dolphin theater featuring Ukrainian high-diving shows, sea lion performances, and dolphin shows, with a seating capacity of approx. 1,500 spectators per show. Hefei (Yaotaihanhai) Ocean World is home to thousands of marine species and features five spectacular shows: Ocean Theater (featuring entertaining high-diving acts and sea lion/dolphin performances), Fish Tornado, Mermaid Show, Aquatic Ballet - Origins of Mermaids, and Ray Show, all highly popular among local residents!Hefei · 11.7 km from downtown
Luogang Central Park
Luogang Central Park has large green areas, lakes and flower beds, with flowers blooming all year round and pleasant scenery. You can take a walk, jog, ride a bike or have a picnic here to enjoy the beauty of nature.Hefei · 10.1 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Hefei
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Free things to do in Hefei
Sanhe Ancient Town
Feixi · 23.2 km from downtownAnhui Museum (New Building)
Hefei · 9.6 km from downtownXiaoyaojin Park
Hefei · 630m from downtownFormer Residence of Li Hongzhang
Hefei · 56m from downtownPre-sellingLord Bao Park
Hefei · 810m from downtownHechai 1972
Hefei · 8.6 km from downtownLuogang Central Park
Hefei · 10.1 km from downtown
Leijie Night Market Square
Hefei · 4.8 km from downtownHefei Sunac Cultural Tourism City
Hefei · 18.2 km from downtown
Dashu Mountain National Forest Park
Hefei · 11.7 km from downtown
What travelers say about Hefei
爱旅行的溪姐October 7, 2026
5.0
Sanhe Ancient Town is a free ancient town near Hefei that's well worth visiting. With its charming canals, ancient streets, and alleys, it exudes a captivating atmosphere. You can stroll along the cobblestone paths, visit historical residences, and sample local delicacies such as rice dumplings, rice wine, and dried tea. It's not overly commercialized, making for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Overall, it offers great value for money and is perfect for a short trip to experience the charm of a Jianghuai water town.
Sanhe Ancient Town
娜娜家小公主September 13, 2026
5.0
The new Anhui Provincial Museum features a Hui-style "four waters returning to the hall" design, exuding grandeur and tranquility. Admission is free, but remember to make a reservation in advance. The exhibition halls unfold along a historical timeline, from the Lingjiatan Jade Pig and the Zhuke Ding (a large bronze vessel), to the Wu King Guangjian (a bronze mirror) and Hui-style brick carvings, each artifact connecting five thousand years of civilization in the Jianghuai region. The Chu Ding (a large bronze vessel) is particularly impressive. The guide, Liu Ruya, provides a patient and humorous explanation, enhancing the visit.
Anhui Museum (New Building)
iAndyChinaApril 6, 2026
4.0
Very nice place at day and at night nice park and entertainment quite places and tea houses for families and singles
Xiaoyaojin Park
M34***87October 6, 2026
5.0
The attraction is small, mainly introducing Li Hongzhang's life: his early studies, his business ventures in middle age, and his later involvement in Westernization. The main building is the Li family residence, which features many photo exhibitions, offering insights into the life of this prominent figure in the late Qing Dynasty. Located on Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street, it's a great place to stroll along the street. Nearby attractions include Xiaoyaojin Park and Bao Gong Temple.
Former Residence of Li Hongzhang
M23***75August 19, 2026
5.0
Lecturer Wang Qiaoyun was very professional when introducing the Bao Gong Temple, connecting Bao Gong with the national policies of the Northern Song Dynasty, which gave us a deeper understanding of this period of history and Bao Gong! [Smile]
Lord Bao Park
读万卷书；行万里路October 5, 2026
5.0
Located on the largest island in Chaohu Lake, Laoshan Island can be reached by boat from Zhongmiao Wharf. A round trip by large boat costs 60 yuan and takes about 15 minutes, with boats departing every 20 minutes on average. A round trip by speedboat costs 75 yuan and takes about 5 minutes; there's generally little to no queuing, and you can board immediately. If you take the large boat there and want to return by speedboat, you can pay an additional 10 yuan. If you take the speedboat there, you can return directly to the large boat. Laoshan Island boasts beautiful scenery and is worth a visit.
Mushan Island
欢乐随喜September 1, 2026
4.0
The site recreates the old Hefei street scene from the 1980s, including the old railway station, green train, supply and marketing cooperative, and a wall with 108 old-fashioned TV sets, creating a fantastic atmosphere perfect for taking retro photos from the Republican era.
Hechai 1972
何必花太多September 22, 2026
4.0
For this trip to Hefei, I chose the Sunac Novotel, which was conveniently located just across the street from Sunac Resort. The lake-view rooms offered great views, and while the rooms were a bit old, they were clean and tidy overall, providing a comfortable stay.
After playing in the park and it started raining, we could immediately return to the hotel to rest. Their breakfast was plentiful, with a variety of options, and the food was quite good. The Shore Grassland is just a ten-minute walk away and worth a visit. It's about an hour's drive from Nanjing, making it a good option for weekend getaways.
Hefei Sunac Land
M2v***smOctober 5, 2026
5.0
Our home is near the aquarium, and we got a super deal on an annual pass for just over 200 yuan. We bring our kids here every day. It's a great indoor place for a summer outing with kids, with a variety of shows, especially the mermaid and sea lion/dolphin shows. The underwater tunnel and jellyfish exhibit are magical, and the kids had a blast. It gets crowded on holidays, so remember to arrive early to secure a good spot for the shows. We recommend bringing your own snacks. The visit takes about 3-4 hours, and it's definitely worth it for families.
Hefei Andover Oceanarium
Jerry_Z*^_^*May 3, 2026
5.0
Luogang Central Park is the world's largest urban central park and the site of the National Horticultural Exposition. The park is huge, with many functional areas to meet various visitor experiences. It is easily accessible by subway and has everything you need for eating, drinking, and entertainment. It is a representative park of Hefei.
Luogang Central Park
