Anqing

Anqing has a generally comfortable climate in spring and autumn, though you may want to bring a light jacket for going out in the morning and evening.

Anqing was once the capital of Anhui Province and is the birthplace of Huangmei opera. Riverside scenery along the Yangtze, historic sites, and a relaxed pace of life come together here, making it well suited to a weekend or short holiday.

• Yingjiang Temple and Zhenfeng Pagoda: A landmark of Anqing, known as the “first pagoda on the ten-thousand-li Yangtze.” Climb the pagoda for views over the river; the temple also preserves two iron anchors, each weighing three tonnes.

• Tianzhu Mountain: A UNESCO Global Geopark and the source of the abbreviation “Wan,” used for Anhui. It is known for its unusual peaks, strange rocks, and seas of clouds, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy mountain scenery and hiking.

• Daobashi Historic and Cultural District: The district retains Ming- and Qing-style bluestone lanes and clusters of old buildings. Red lanterns hang along the streets, making it a pleasant place to stroll while taking in the city’s historic character.

• Anqing Museum: A National First-Class Museum with the China Huangmei Opera Museum, where you can learn about Anqing’s history and opera traditions. Highlights of the collection include the ancient Yue King Jibei sword.

• Linghu Park: A long-established park popular with local residents, with a lake, pavilions, and towers set against one another. It also houses the Yan Fengying Memorial Hall. In the evening, you can often hear impromptu Huangmei opera performances.

• Shitaishidi (former residence of Zhao Puchu): A Ming dynasty Huizhou-style garden residence that was once home to four generations of Hanlin scholars. It combines the spacious grandeur of northern architecture with the refined delicacy of Huizhou style, in a quiet setting.

A Classic Three-Day, Two-Night Slow Travel Itinerary

• Day 1: Cultural stroll through the old city
  • Morning: After arriving in Anqing, start at Yingjiang Temple. Climb Zhenfeng Pagoda for views over the Yangtze and enjoy the riverside scenery.

• Noon: Head to Dananmen Old Street for lunch. Try Dananmen beef buns and Jiangmao dumplings.

• Afternoon: Explore Daobashi Pedestrian Street, then visit Shitaishidi. Afterward, stop by Qianyan Houji Qunyechang Bookstore.

• Evening: Take a walk along Yanjiang Road and enjoy the river breeze, or board a ferry at Jiuhua Wharf for views across the water. For dinner or a late-night snack, try Xianfeng Lane or the Qijie area.

• Day 2: Fresh mountain air at Tianzhu Mountain
  • All day: Travel from the city center to Tianzhu Mountain, a journey of about 1.5 hours by car. Take the Dalongwo Cableway up the mountain and visit Tianchi Peak, Mysterious Valley, and Liandan Lake in sequence. You are more likely to see a sea of clouds on a morning after rain.

• Evening: Return to the city to rest after coming down the mountain. For dinner, choose a local Huizhou-style home-cooking restaurant.
• Day 3: A leisurely city walk
  • Morning: Visit Anqing Museum to learn about Tongcheng School culture and the history of Huangmei opera. Then take a walk in Linghu Park and observe how local residents spend their leisure time.

• Afternoon: Go to Beizheng Street or the old city center to buy specialties such as Hu Yumei broad-bean paste and Mailongxiang pastries, then head home.

Must-Try Foods in Anqing

Anqing cuisine combines the homestyle flavors of Huizhou cooking with the fresh ingredients of a riverside city. It offers an especially wide range of noodles, pastries, and rice-based dishes.

• Jiangmao Dumplings: A century-old local brand. Despite the name, these are closer to wontons than dumplings. Thin wrappers enclose tender, fresh meat filling and are served with slowly simmered free-range chicken broth.

• Pork with Sweet Potato Starch Dumplings: The dumplings, made from sweet potato starch, have a springy texture and absorb the rich juices from the pork belly, making this a common homestyle dish.

• Stir-Fried Rice Soaked in Old Hen Soup: Crisp glutinous rice puffs are placed in hot free-range chicken soup and eaten once softened, combining the fragrance of the broth with the aroma of the rice.

• Dananmen Beef Buns: A common Anqing breakfast. Beef and tofu are mixed into the filling, while the wrappers are pan-fried until golden. They are usually served with mung bean dumpling soup.

• Anqing Fried Noodles: Prepared differently from ordinary dry-fried noodles, these thick noodles are stir-fried over high heat with beef gravy, giving them a distinct savory sauce flavor.

• Anqing Fried Snacks: Common at night markets. Bananas, fermented tofu, and vegetarian ham are deep-fried and served with a sweet, sour, and spicy dipping sauce.

• Kawangca: A local Anhui milk tea brand. Huizhou fermented rice wine is a signature drink, with a light sweetness that makes it suitable for sipping while shopping.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay: Staying around Renmin Road Pedestrian Street or Daobashi Street makes it easy to walk to major attractions, with plenty of dining and taxi options nearby. For good value, consider chain hotels near the Huamao 1958 commercial area. If you want river views, choose accommodation along Yanjiang Road.

• Getting around:
  • Getting there: High-speed trains run directly to Anqing Station, which is in the city and convenient for reaching both the old and new districts.
  • Around the city: The urban area is compact. Shared electric scooters and taxis are practical, and taxi flag-fall fares are relatively low.
  • To Tianzhu Mountain: Take a scenic-area bus from the city center to Tianzhu Mountain in Qianshan; the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Driving yourself or hiring a car are also options.

Practical Tips

• Tianzhu Mountain cableway: The Dalongwo Cableway is usually closed for maintenance on Mondays, so check the operating schedule before setting out. Wear comfortable, slip-resistant sports shoes for hiking.
• Climbing Zhenfeng Pagoda: There are 108 steps inside the pagoda. If you are traveling with older companions or anyone with knee problems, you can enjoy the views from the base without climbing to the top.
• Choosing where to eat: Prioritize long-established local restaurants or home-style eateries in the old city’s lanes. Choose restaurants near scenic areas with care. Dananmen beef buns are best visited in the morning, as they may sell out by afternoon.
• Museum reservations: Anqing Museum is closed on Mondays. Bring your ID when visiting; some exhibition halls may require advance reservations.
• Experiencing Huangmei opera: Visit Zaifen Huangmei Mansion for an immersive performance, or listen to outdoor amateur singers at the entrance to Linghu Park. Tickets for performances must be reserved by phone in advance.