Overview
Hefei is the capital and largest city of Anhui Province in eastern China, sitting roughly at the geographic center of the province on the northern shore of Chao Lake — one of China's five largest freshwater lakes. While it lacks the immediate name recognition of Nanjing or Shanghai, Hefei has transformed rapidly since the early 2000s into a significant center for science, technology, and higher education, home to the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and numerous research institutes.
Historically, Hefei was best known as the birthplace of Bao Zheng (999–1062 CE), a Song Dynasty official celebrated across Chinese culture for his incorruptible integrity and fair judgment — an enduring local point of pride. The city also played a role in late Qing Dynasty and Republican-era politics through the statesman Li Hongzhang, who was born nearby.
For travelers, Hefei serves as a practical gateway into Anhui Province. Its modern high-speed rail connections make it an efficient stopover on the way to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, or the Yangtze River towns. Within the city itself, a visitor can spend a rewarding one to two days exploring lakes, parks, and cultural sites before heading further into the province.
Before You Go
Visas
China has specific entry requirements that vary by nationality and can change with little notice. For current visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country, or China's National Immigration Administration.
Connectivity and Apps
China's internet is subject to restrictions. Many widely-used international apps and websites — including Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, and common Western news sites — are not accessible without a VPN. Download and configure a reputable VPN before you arrive, as the app stores may also be restricted once you are in the country.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods in Hefei and most Chinese cities. Cash (RMB) is still accepted at many places, but cashless mobile payments are deeply embedded in daily commerce. International visitors may be able to link a foreign card to WeChat Pay or Alipay — verify the current process on those platforms before traveling.
Health and Practical Prep
- Check with your doctor or a travel health clinic regarding recommended vaccinations for travel to China.
- Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly advisable.
- Air quality in Hefei can vary; travelers sensitive to pollution may wish to monitor air quality indexes and bring a suitable mask.
- Carry a translation app (downloaded offline) as English signage and English-speaking assistance are limited outside top-tier hotels.
Getting There
By Air
Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE) is the city's main airport, located west of the urban core. It handles domestic routes to most major Chinese cities and a limited number of international and regional connections. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or your booking platform.
By High-Speed Rail
Hefei is exceptionally well connected by China's high-speed rail (高铁) network. The city has multiple stations — Hefei Station and Hefei South Station are the primary hubs. High-speed services run frequently to Nanjing, Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, and many other cities. Hefei South Station is also the main departure point for trains toward Huangshan North Station, making rail the most convenient way to reach Huangshan. Tickets can be booked on the 12306 platform (China Railway's official site) or through third-party apps such as Trip.com.
By Road
Long-distance bus connections link Hefei to cities within Anhui Province, though high-speed rail has largely supplanted buses for intercity travel among most visitors.
Getting Around
Metro
Hefei has an expanding urban metro (subway) network with several lines covering key districts, major rail stations, and the university area. It is clean, efficient, and inexpensive. Fare gates accept transit cards, WeChat Pay, and Alipay; verify current options at the station.
Ride-Hailing
Didi Chuxing is the standard ride-hailing app in Hefei. The app can be used by international visitors and offers an English-language interface, though having your destination typed in Chinese characters is helpful when communicating with drivers.
Taxis
Metered taxis are available. Carrying your destination written in Chinese is practical since most drivers do not speak English.
Cycling
Dockless shared bicycles (Meituan, Hello Bike, and others) are widely available across the city and offer an affordable way to cover shorter distances. Payment is via mobile app.
Things to See & Do
Bao Zheng Memorial Park (包公园)
The park complex on the bank of Bao River is dedicated to the Song Dynasty magistrate Bao Zheng, a figure deeply embedded in Chinese folklore and popular drama as a symbol of justice. The grounds contain his tomb, a memorial hall with exhibits about his life and legacy, and traditional garden landscaping. This is one of Hefei's most visited cultural sites.
Chao Lake (巢湖)
One of China's five largest freshwater lakes lies just southeast of the city proper. The lakeside area offers scenic views and is a destination for day trips. Silver fish and river crabs from the lake are local culinary staples. Check locally for current boat tour availability and access points.
Li Hongzhang Former Residence (李鸿章故居)
Located on Huaihe Road pedestrian street, this late-Qing-era compound was the ancestral home of the influential statesman Li Hongzhang. The preserved architecture gives insight into elite domestic life of the period.
Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street (淮河路步行街)
This is the city's main commercial and historic street, suitable for an evening stroll. It mixes retail, food stalls, and period-style architecture.
Hefei University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) Campus
USTC is one of China's most prestigious science and engineering universities and its campus in the high-tech district is of interest to those curious about China's research and innovation ecosystem. Access to campus areas may be restricted; verify locally.
Anhui Provincial Museum
The museum covers the natural history, archaeology, and cultural heritage of Anhui Province and is a reasonable introduction to the wider region's history before venturing to rural Anhui. Verify current opening hours and admission procedures locally or on the museum's official site.
Food & Drink
Anhui cuisine (徽菜, Huī cài) is one of China's eight recognized culinary traditions and Hefei is a good place to encounter it, though the local city cooking also blends influences from neighboring Jiangsu and other styles. Anhui cuisine is known for its use of wild herbs, preserved and salted ingredients, and braised or stewed preparations. Dishes tend toward savory, robust flavors.
Things to Try
- Stinky mandarin fish (臭鳜鱼): A preserved, fermented fish that has a strong aroma but a notably rich flavor — an Anhui signature and an acquired taste.
- Li Hongzhang hodgepodge (李鸿章大杂烩): A braised mixed-ingredient dish historically associated with the statesman; versions appear on menus across the city.
- Silver fish from Chao Lake: Small, delicate fish from the lake, often served stir-fried with eggs.
- Hefei-style noodles (合肥面): Various noodle preparations are popular for breakfast and lunch in small local shops.
- Doufu (tofu) preparations: Regional tofu dishes feature prominently in local vegetable-focused cooking.
For dining, the Huaihe Road area and surrounding food streets offer everything from sit-down restaurants to street food vendors. The city also has standard modern mall food courts and chain restaurants across all price ranges. As with most of China, menus may be in Chinese only — a translation app with a camera function is useful.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
China's general emergency numbers are widely reported as: Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119. Verify these locally upon arrival, as this guide does not guarantee current accuracy.
Language
Mandarin is the working language. Anhui dialect exists but Mandarin is universally understood. English proficiency outside major hotels and universities is low. Offline translation apps and a pocket phrasebook are practical tools.
Money
RMB is the only legal tender. ATMs accepting international cards exist at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC) and some international hotels, but availability can be inconsistent — carry some local currency. Mobile payment dominance means some smaller vendors may be reluctant to handle cash; have both options available.
Climate Notes
Hefei has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid with temperatures frequently above 35°C. Winters can be cold and damp, occasionally with frost, though heavy snow is uncommon. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing.
Connectivity
SIM cards with data plans can be purchased at the airport from China's major carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom). Bring your passport for registration. Configure your VPN before arrival.
Safety
Hefei is generally considered a safe city for travelers. Petty crime such as pickpocketing exists as in any city and travelers should exercise standard precautions with bags and valuables in crowded areas, markets, and on public transit.
Traffic requires attention — pedestrian crossings can be unpredictable in terms of driver behavior, and electric scooters (often silent) move quickly on roads and sometimes sidewalks. Look both ways before crossing even on designated crossings.
Travelers should be aware that China's legal and regulatory environment differs substantially from Western countries. Photography near certain government buildings, military installations, or infrastructure may be restricted. Exercise judgment and follow posted signs.
For medical emergencies, international-standard care may require travel to a major hospital. Your country's embassy or consulate can provide a list of recommended medical facilities. Register with your embassy or consulate if making an extended stay.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Hefei carries strong associations with two historical figures — Bao Zheng and Li Hongzhang — whose legacies represent very different dimensions of Chinese official culture: idealized moral uprightness on one hand, and pragmatic modernizing statecraft on the other. Understanding these local heroes provides useful context for the city's self-image.
As a university city with a large student population, Hefei has a younger demographic energy relative to some other provincial capitals. The USTC community in particular gives the city a somewhat cosmopolitan academic character that contrasts with more traditionally oriented parts of Anhui Province.
Standard courtesies observed across China apply in Hefei: addressing people respectfully, avoiding confrontational behavior in public, and being mindful that face (面子, miànzi) — maintaining dignity and avoiding public embarrassment for yourself or others — is a significant social concept. Tipping is not customary in mainland China and may cause confusion.
Local festivals follow the Chinese lunar calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival (centered on Chao Lake's silver fish season) and Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) are times of significant local celebration but also periods when travel, hotels, and restaurants are busiest and some businesses close. Plan accordingly.
