Hefei travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Hefei, Anhui, China.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Xuan paper, Hui ink sticks and She inkstones
Price: Varies widely by grade; basic sets from about ¥50 (~$7)
Where: Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street shops and department stores; the Anhui Museum showcases the Four Treasures of the Study
Lu'an Guapian green tea
Price: Varies widely by grade; small packs from about ¥50 (~$7)
Where: Tea shops and department stores in central Hefei
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street
Roughly 920 m car-free shopping street of malls, department stores, snack stalls and neon-lit shops, lively after dark
Where: Xiaoyaojin Subdistrict, Luyang District, Hefei
Sanxiaokou Women Street
Traditional bargaining-style fashion and accessories street in the Sanxiaokou commercial district
Where: Sanxiaokou, Luyang District, Hefei
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Huaihe Road / Sanxiaokou corridor
Best for: Snacks, street fashion, department stores and evening strolling in Luyang District
Baohe Wanda Plaza
Best for: International chains, cinema and dining near Hefei Railway Station
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Hefei Baohe Wanda Plaza
Hours: Daily 09:30-22:00 (may vary on public holidays)
Anhui Commercial Capital
Vista International Plaza
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargain at Sanxiaokou Women Street and other traditional markets; start at roughly half the first quoted price.
Department stores and malls have fixed prices; bargaining is not expected there.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash as a backup at small stalls.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate; foreign cards work at larger malls and hotels.
Hours: Malls typically open about 10:00 and close about 22:00.