हेफ़ेई

Understand

Hefei is the capital and largest city of Anhui Province. It is in central Anhui, west of Chaohu Lake, and sits between the Huai River plain and the Yangtze River basin. This position has historically made Hefei a crossroads within the region and a link between eastern and central China.

The city has a population of more than 9 million and serves as Anhui’s political, economic, and educational center. Over the past several decades, Hefei has experienced rapid growth, transforming from a mid-sized administrative city into one of China’s notable hubs for science and technology. Several major national research institutions, universities, and technology parks are here and contribute significantly to its development.

Hefei’s history spans over two thousand years.The area was a strategic site in various dynasties because of its location near waterways and transport routes.Although much of the old city has been replaced by modern development, a few historical structures—such as remains of ancient city walls—still offer a sense of the city’s past.

Modern Hefei is characterized by broad roads, expanding residential districts, and large commercial areas.Newer zones such as the Binhu New District illustrate the city’s ongoing urban expansion.Its transportation system is well-connected, with high-speed rail lines linking Hefei to Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Beijing, and other major cities within just a few hours.

Hefei is often a convenient starting point for exploring central Anhui, in…

See

Hefei isn't known as a tourist destination, but if you are using it as a stop-off point there are some pleasant places to see. In particular, Hefei has many fine parks and gardens.

Do

KTV (Karaoke TV) Going to KTV at least once is an essential part of experiencing China. Many of the bigger, flashier places have a larger selection of English songs. Best to go with some Chinese friends/colleagues so you can see how it's done. Ten Fu Teahouse These are nice stores on Huayuan St (花园路) and near the corner of Mengcheng and Shouchun lu (across from the main gate of Xinghua Park). Complementary tea and snacks. You will be presented with some tea sets etc. but there is no pressure to buy. Take a picnic to Emerald Lake scenic area (翡翠湖风景区 Fěicuì hú). A good place to escape the bustle of the city and ride bicycles around the lake. Ferris wheel at Xinghua park Costs ¥10/person and you can get a good birds-eye view. Early in the morning you can also see observe people practising Tai Chi in groups. At other times of the day you might see older people singing traditional songs or playing er'hu or flute in pavilions. In summer, the park is filled with people flying kites. Have a massage There are a few well-known places (incl. Laohu massage) along Hupo Ave. in Hǔpò shānzhuāng (琥珀山庄) area. ¥40/hour. Go-Karting at Anhui Fu Bang Racing Club D1 Indoor Go-Karting (安徽馥邦赛车俱乐部D1卡丁车馆 Ānhuī fù bāng sàichē jùlèbù D1 kǎ dīng chē guǎn)新站区铜陵北路与物流大道交叉口馥邦汽车城3栋 New Station area, intersection of Tongling North Rd and Wuliu Ave., Fu Bang Motor City 3. Tian an Bowling Alley (合肥天安保龄球馆 Héféi Tiān'ān bǎolíngqiú guǎn) 马鞍山路68号 68 Ma'anshan Rd Drive duck boats around the lake at Bao Gong park or X…