Attractions · Hefei

The Lord Bao Memorial is a hall commemorating Bao Zheng, the famous Northern Song official, and stands on the bank of the Baohe River. The site preserves Bao Zheng's tomb, Qingfeng Pavilion and other structures amid towering ancient trees in a quiet setting. Bao Zheng's integrity spirit — "a pure heart is the root of governance, an upright path is one's own design" — is passed on here. Highlights include Xiaosu Hall, Bao Zheng's tomb and the Baohe River scenery. Built in memory of Bao Zheng, the famous Northern Song official, it stands on the bank of the Baohe River, with Xiaosu Hall, Bao Zheng's tomb and Qingfeng Pavilion linked together amid lush old trees — a symbol of integrity culture and Luzhou heritage. Tip: hiring a guide to tell Bao Zheng's stories is recommended for a deeper understanding of integrity culture. Practical info: located at No. 72 Wuhu Road, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui; admission ¥50; opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather, ideal for visiting Chaohu Lake and ancient towns; summer can be hot. Pair it with Sanhe Ancient Town, Chaohu Lake (Zhongmiao Temple · Laoshan Island) and the Anhui Provincial Museum for a half- or full-day itinerary.

Tip: Hiring a guide to tell Bao Zheng's stories is recommended for a deeper appreciation of integrity culture.

• Address: No. 72 Wuhu Road, Baohe District, Hefei City, Anhui
• Ticket: ¥50
• Opening: 08:00–17:30

Sanhe Ancient Town is about 40 km from Hefei and is a typical water-town settlement. It takes its name from the meeting of the Fengle, Hangbu and Xiaonan rivers; the old streets, bridges and dwellings are well preserved, and small bridges over flowing water, Hui-style architecture and Huai Army culture blend together. Highlights include the old streets and lanes, the Xiaonan River scenery, the Huai Army culture display and Sanhe rice dumplings. Tip: going in the morning is recommended, when you can taste authentic Sanhe rice dumplings. Practical info: located at Sanhe Town, Feixi County, Hefei, Anhui; admission free (combined tickets for some sights); open all day. Best season: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather, ideal for visiting Chaohu Lake and ancient towns; summer can be hot. Pair it with the Lord Bao Memorial (Bao Park), Chaohu Lake (Zhongmiao Temple · Laoshan Island) and the Anhui Provincial Museum for a half- or full-day itinerary. Confirm same-day opening and reservation policies before you go and allow ample time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks.

Tip: It is recommended to visit in the morning and sample authentic Sanhe rice dumplings.

• Address: Sanhe Town, Feixi County, Hefei City, Anhui
• Ticket: Free (combo ticket for some sites)
• Opening: Open all day

Chaohu Lake is one of China's five largest freshwater lakes, vast in area and stretching misty to the horizon. Laoshan Island stands in the lake, and its Wenfeng Pagoda can be climbed for distant views. Zhongmiao Temple, with thriving incense, is a thousand-year-old monastery on the lakeshore. Highlights include Wenfeng Pagoda on Laoshan Island, Chaohu Lake sunset and lake-fresh cuisine. Tip: visit on a clear day, when you can take a boat on the lake. Practical info: located at Zhongmiao Street, Chaohu City, Hefei, Anhui; admission about ¥60 for the Laoshan Island boat; opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather, ideal for visiting Chaohu Lake and ancient towns; summer can be hot. Pair it with the Lord Bao Memorial (Bao Park), Sanhe Ancient Town and the Anhui Provincial Museum for a half- or full-day itinerary. Confirm same-day opening and reservation policies before you go and allow ample time.

Tip: It is recommended to visit on a clear day and take a boat tour.

• Address: Zhongmiao Street, Chaohu City, Hefei City, Anhui
• Ticket: Laoshan Island boat ticket approx. ¥60
• Opening: 08:00–17:30

The Anhui Provincial Museum has a rich collection of cultural relics, including the Chu Grand Ding, Hui-style architectural components and Huizhou documents. The new building has a distinctive form that incorporates Hui-style architectural elements, and it is an important window onto Anhui's history and culture. Highlights include the Anhui history and culture exhibition. It holds Hui-style ancient buildings, the Chu Grand Ding, Huizhou documents and more, systematically presenting the depth of Anhui's history and culture, and the new building has a distinctive form. Tip: admission is free, and hiring a guide is recommended. Practical info: located at No. 87 Huaining Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui; admission free; opening hours 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays). Best season: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather, ideal for visiting Chaohu Lake and ancient towns; summer can be hot. Pair it with the Lord Bao Memorial (Bao Park), Sanhe Ancient Town and Chaohu Lake (Zhongmiao Temple · Laoshan Island) for a half- or full-day itinerary. Confirm same-day opening and reservation policies before you go and allow ample time.

Tip: Free admission. Hiring a guide is recommended. Closed on Mondays — please plan accordingly.

• Address: No. 87 Huaining Road, Shushan District, Hefei City, Anhui
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)

The Former Residence of Li Hongzhang is a typical late-Qing Jianghuai dwelling, with courtyards opening one after another and corridors linking them, and uses scene reconstructions and displays of text and images to tell the history of the Huai Army and the Self-Strengthening Movement. Highlights include the late-Qing Jianghuai courtyard layout, the Huai Army and Self-Strengthening Movement displays, the finely carved wooden doors and windows, and Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street. The former residence is the old Hefei home of Li Hongzhang, a leading late-Qing official and leader of the Huai Army; it is a typical late-Qing Jianghuai dwelling, with courtyards opening one after another, corridors linking them and finely preserved carved wooden doors and windows. The Li family had far-reaching influence in late-Qing politics, and the residence uses scene reconstructions and displays of text and images to compress half a century of raising the Huai Army and promoting the Self-Strengthening Movement into an old house in the busy city — step outside and you are in the bustle of Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street. Tip: it is in the old city together with the Lord Bao Memorial, so the two can form a half-day route; the museum is closed on Mondays, and afterwards you can try Hefei's time-honoured snacks on the pedestrian street. Practical info: located at 44 Huaihe Road, Luyang District, Hefei, Anhui (Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street); admission free (entry arrangements and temporary exhibitions subject to the venue's notices for the day); opening hours 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30), closed Mondays.

Tip: Pairs well with Lord Bao Memorial Temple in the old city for a half-day itinerary; closed on Mondays.

• Address: 44 Huaihe Road, Luyang District, Hefei, Anhui (Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street)
• Ticket: Free (entry arrangements and temporary exhibitions subject to the venue's daily notice)
• Opening: 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30), closed Mon