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About Hefei
Hefei is the capital of Anhui Province, a fast-growing science and technology hub on the shores of Chaohu Lake. It combines the legacy of Song-dynasty magistrate Bao Zheng (Lord Bao), the Three Kingdoms battlefield of Xiaoyaojin, the water-town charm of nearby Sanhe Ancient Town and Anhui cuisine, and it is a high-speed rail gateway to Huangshan and Hongcun. This guide covers hotels, attractions, restaurants and practical tips for Hefei.
- Capital
- Hefei
- Largest city
- Hefei
- Population
- Approximately 9.5 million within the municipality
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua); local Hefei dialect (a Jianghuai Mandarin variety)
- Currency
- Renminbi (Yuan)
- Time zone
- China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8, no daylight saving)
Explore Hefei by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Hefei
The 12 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Former Residence of Li Hongzhang
Anhui Museum (New Hall)
Sanhe Ancient Town
Xiaoyaojin Park
Dashushan National Forest Park
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Hefei Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Hefei, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Hefei
- Days 1-2Hefei city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Hefei
- Days 1-3Hefei comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Hefei, departure
Where to stay in Hefei
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ¥300-420 (approx. $45-$63 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ¥700-1,100 (approx. $104-$164 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ¥2,000-4,000+ (approx. $299-$597+ USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
InterContinental Hefei
An IHG InterContinental five-star hotel on Qianshan Road in the southwest of the city.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Langham, Hefei
A high-rise luxury hotel from the Langham brand, listed as a five-star property in southwest Hefei.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hyatt Hefei
A Grand Hyatt five-star hotel popular with business travellers, on Wanfo Lake Road in the southwest of the city.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Hefei Baohe
A Westin-brand five-star hotel on Ma'anshan Road in Baohe District, near the Baohe Wanda Plaza retail street.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Hefei
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Luzhou Roast Duck Shop (Suzhou Road)
Luzhou Taitai (Suzhou Road)
Luzhou Taitai Food Kitchen (Changjiang Middle Road)
Donglaishun
Tongqinglou Restaurant (Maanshan Road)
Tongqinglou Restaurant (Funan Road / Mengcheng Road)
Book a food tour in Hefei We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Hefei
Hefei is a major high-speed rail hub with fast links to Nanjing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Beijing and Huangshan, plus Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE). Within the city, the Hefei Metro, buses, taxis and the Didi ride-hailing app cover most needs.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CNY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥100-180 (approx. $15-$27 USD) | ¥350-600 (approx. $52-$90 USD) | ¥1,200-2,800 (approx. $179-$418 USD) |
| Food (per day) | ¥50-90 (approx. $7-$13 USD) | ¥150-250 (approx. $22-$37 USD) | ¥400-900 (approx. $60-$134 USD) |
| Transportation | ¥10-25 (approx. $1.50-$4 USD) | ¥40-90 (approx. $6-$13 USD) | ¥150-350 (approx. $22-$52 USD) |
| Activities | ¥30-80 (approx. $4.50-$12 USD) | ¥120-250 (approx. $18-$37 USD) | ¥250-500 (approx. $37-$75 USD) |
| Daily total | ¥300-420 (approx. $45-$63 USD) | ¥700-1,100 (approx. $104-$164 USD) | ¥2,000-4,000+ (approx. $299-$597+ USD) |
Best time to visit Hefei
Weather through the year in Anhui
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Anhui.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most comfortable seasons for Hefei.
Hefei has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn bring mild weather of roughly 15-27°C / 59-81°F. Summers are hot and humid, often above 33°C / 91°F. Winters are cool and damp, typically 0-8°C / 32-46°F with occasional frost and little central heating in older buildings. The June-July plum rains bring persistent showers, so a compact umbrella is useful.
Essential travel tips
- Download a VPN before arrival, as many Western websites and apps are blocked in mainland China
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card in advance, and download Didi for taxis
- Buy high-speed rail tickets on the 12306 app or Trip.com a few days ahead, especially around public holidays
- Use Hefei as a base for Huangshan and Hongcun: high-speed trains run from Hefei South to Huangshan North in roughly 2 hours
Safety information
Install a VPN before arriving in China if access to Google, WhatsApp or Instagram is needed
Carry a passport or a copy at all times and expect ID checks at stations and hotels
Link an international card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before the trip; this is the main way to pay in Hefei
Save the hotel name and address in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers
Check a real-time air quality index in winter and use sun protection and water in the hot, humid summer
Use Didi or official taxis rather than unlicensed cars at the airport and stations
Save 110, 120 and 119 in the phone; a translation app helps in an emergency
Frequently asked questions
Is Hefei safe to visit in 2026?
Hefei has low rates of violent crime and is considered safe for tourists. The main concerns are pickpocketing in crowded stations and occasional overcharging. The US State Department places mainland China at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, citing arbitrary enforcement of local laws and exit bans rather than street-level danger. Emergency services: police at 110, ambulance at 120, fire at 119.
What is the best time to visit Hefei?
The best time to visit Hefei is April-May and October-November, when temperatures are mild (about 15-27°C / 59-81°F) and skies are clearest. Summers are hot and humid, and June-early July brings the plum-rain season. Avoid National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) and Chinese New Year if possible.
Do I need a visa to visit Hefei?
Many nationalities, including most EU countries, the UK and Australia, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under China's unilateral visa exemption program. Travelers transiting to a third country can use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy with a confirmed onward ticket. Other nationalities should apply in advance; requirements change periodically, so check with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
What currency is used in Hefei?
The currency in Hefei is the Renminbi (Yuan), CNY, symbol ¥. Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for most transactions and can be linked to a foreign bank card; cash and international cards are accepted less widely, so set up mobile payment before arrival.
What language is spoken in Hefei?
The main language is Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua), with a local Hefei dialect of Jianghuai Mandarin. English is limited outside international hotels and major attractions, so a translation app is useful.
What are the top attractions in Hefei?
The top attractions in Hefei include Bao Gong Park, the Anhui Museum, Xiaoyaojin Park and nearby Sanhe Ancient Town. Together they cover the city's Song-dynasty heritage, Three Kingdoms history and lakeside water-town culture.