Hefei (合肥; Héféi) is the capital city of Anhui Province in China. It is an industrial, administrative and commercial centre devoid of any special attractions. It is not often visited by foreign tourists, who mostly use it as a hub for trips into the hinterland of Anhui. It is however, possible to enjoy oneself for a day or two in Hefei before moving on.
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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.
Green, blue or orange taxis: These taxis are metered and start at ¥8 (November 2015). Black taxis: Black taxis are also properly signed and metered and are usually a more comfortable and newer car. The fare for these taxis starts at ¥9. Unmarked taxis: There are other unmarked cars (usually black Santanas) that may offer to give you a ride. You often see these kind of illegal taxis around the railway station, airport, or in the outskirts. These are unmetered and the price is negotiated beforehand. The fare will always be higher than usual. If you don't know Hefei well, the fare will be significantly higher.
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. 1 Lord Bao Park (包公园 Bāogōngyuán), 芜湖路72号 72 Wuhu Road, ☏ +86 551-62885950. 08:00-18:00 in summer, 08:00-17:00 in winter. The park is free, the attractions can be accessed for a through ticket of ¥50, you can also buy individual tickets for each attraction for ¥5-35. This is a combination of a very pleasant park with tea houses, gardens, a lake, a tower and of course the restored underground tomb of Lord Bao himself as well as the tombs of his family. The park is worth walking through.
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).
Local specialties include: Crayfish (小龙虾 xiǎo lóngxiā). This is Hefei's signature food. The longxia are boiled and then eaten with dipping sauces, usually vinegary or spicy. One pound (一斤 yijin) of longxia is now around ¥50. Longxia are known as a spicy food and are typically eaten outside with beer. Chinese are often selective about where they buy longxia because longxia needs to be cleaned and cooked thoroughly.
Bitburger Beer Hall, 258-6 Wuhu Road. Hefei’s first German bar and one of the first establishments in the city to serve imported draught beer – German, of course. With its helpful staff, spacious layout, mellow ambience and a decent selection of bar snacks and East-West fusion food, Bitburger is a popular destination for the more discerning tourist or business visitor. German-brand draught beers start at around ¥45. Imported wine store sells red and white wine at medium to top range prices (¥100–500). Soho Bar, 198 Shengli Road. Top range sports bar located in The Hilton Hotel.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Hefei typically sees ~34°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
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