Things To Do
in Hefei

A fermented and deeply flavored freshwater fish specialty—strong aroma but beloved by locals; available at traditional Hui restaurants and some night markets.

Must-Try!

A rich cold-meat and gravy dish named after the historic statesman; often served at banquet-style or traditional restaurants in the region.

Slow-braised local carp with soy-based sauces and aromatics; commonly found in family-style Hui eateries.

Reflecting Anhui’s use of local produce and wild herbs; look for them in spring menus and countryside restaurants.

Around Swan Lake and central commercial streets you’ll find stalls selling skewers, dumplings, local pancakes, and soups—great for sampling small bites and observing evening life.

Morning markets near residential areas sell fresh produce, live fish and meats and are useful for sampling local ingredients and inexpensive home-style snacks.

A polite nod or handshake is common in formal situations. Show respect to elders and avoid raising your voice in public.

Avoid confrontational or blunt criticism; preserving 'face' (mianzi) is important in social and business interactions.

Sharing dishes from communal plates is common—wait for elders to start eating and use serving utensils if provided.

Always ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas or religious sites; some places restrict photography.

Tipping is not customary in most mainland Chinese settings; it is not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels, though upscale hotels or tourist services may accept or appreciate a tip. For tour guides or exceptional service a small tip is sometimes given.

Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate daily transactions. International cards work in major hotels, some restaurants and ATMs, but cash and mobile apps are often required for small vendors—prepare a local SIM or set up a digital wallet if you plan extended travel.

March–May: Mild temperatures and blooming trees; expect occasional rain and pollen. Good season for parks and hikes but bring a light rain jacket.

June–August: Hot and humid with high temperatures and frequent thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, plan indoor activities during afternoon heat and expect lively night markets.

September–November: Generally the most pleasant — clear skies, mild temperatures and comfortable humidity; ideal for sightseeing and hiking.

December–February: Cool to cold and often damp rather than snowy; bring layers and a warm coat. Heating is common indoors but humidity can make cold feel worse.

Close to the city, this park offers multiple trails, temple ruins and city viewpoints—suitable for short hikes and morning walks.

World-famous scenic mountain range in southern Anhui: dramatic granite peaks, sea of clouds and ancient pines. It’s a longer day trip or overnight journey (roughly 3–4 hours travel from Hefei by train or bus), best combined with an overnight stay on the mountain.

A Taoist mountain in Anhui with trails, cliffside paths and temples—a good option for day hikes and cultural exploration a few hours from Hefei.

Smaller trails and rural routes around Anhui villages offer easy hikes, farm views and opportunities to sample local food—ideal for half-day or full-day excursions.

The majority population, with long-established local families and city residents contributing to traditional culture and cuisine.

A significant and visible group thanks to institutions like the University of Science and Technology of China, bringing international students and a youthful atmosphere.

A large segment driving construction, manufacturing and service sectors as the city grows economically.

Small communities of ethnic minorities (including Hui and others) contribute cultural diversity and halal food options in certain neighborhoods.

Vegetarian options are available but less prominent; tofu, vegetable stir-fries, stir-fried greens and noodle dishes are common. Use the phrase '我吃素' (wǒ chī sù) and ask for no meat, lard or fish sauce.

Vegan dining requires caution—many dishes use animal stocks or lard. Specify '不要肉、鸡蛋、奶' (no meat, eggs, dairy) and ask about broths.

Halal restaurants exist but are not widespread; search for Muslim restaurants ('清真餐厅') or larger Muslim food stalls, especially in markets and near university areas.

Rice-based dishes and stir-fries are often safe, but soy sauce and wheat-containing items are common—ask about ingredients and avoid dumplings and many sauces without clarification.