Hefei Travel Guide
By China On Arrival Editorial Desk · Checked and updated 2026-09-23 · Research basis: Editor research
At a glance
Anhui's laid-back capital and lake city, mostly a comfortable stop between Huangshan and the north - Chao Lake drives, Lord Bao history and a big food-street scene.
Suggested stay: 2 days · Airports: HFE (Xinqiao) · Train hubs: Hefei South (HSR hub) / Hefei Station (Line 1/3)
What is Hefei known for?
- Lord Bao Memorial
- Chao Lake
- Sanhe Ancient Town
What do you eat in Hefei?
Luzhou roast duck · Li Hongzhang hodgepodge. Luzhou roast duck and the Li Hongzhang hodgepodge.
How do you arrive in Hefei?
HFE (Xinqiao) handle the international arrivals; Hefei South (HSR hub) is the high-speed rail entry point.
Where should you stay in Hefei?
Huaihe Road / Sipailou is the default first-timer base — first-timers — walking street and old town on foot. Before paying, check the property's guest policy and, for smaller hotels, confirm the front desk can register a foreign passport — licensing rules still exclude some budget properties. Hotel-by-hotel picks: where to stay in Hefei →
| Area | Best for | The honest note |
|---|---|---|
| Huaihe Road / Sipailou | first-timers — walking street and old town on foot | the classic center; food streets |
| Swan Lake / Civic District | modern comfort, government-quarter quiet | big-brand towers; 20 min to old town |
| Hefei South / Leijie | early HSR departures | station-side; food street nearby |
Area picks are editor research, verified 2026-09-23 — not sponsored placements. Book through the links below to support this site.
How do you get in from the airport?
HFE: airport bus to the center about 60 min (¥25/about $3.75); taxis ¥100-130 (about $15-19), 40-50 min. No metro to the terminal yet. HSR riders use Hefei South.
Plan your trip around these questions
- 🔍 The 3-day route that never doubles back
- 🔍 Do you even need a visa?
- 🔍 Booking train tickets as a foreigner
- 🔍 Which hotels can foreigners book
- 🔍 Paying without a Chinese bank card
- 🔍 Landing with data: eSIM setup
Explore the Hefei guides below, organised around the questions travelers ask before booking.