Bengbu

Bengbu lies in northern Anhui, with the Huai River running through the city. It also sits on the geographical divide between northern and southern China. Life moves at a relaxed pace here, making it a good destination for a weekend or short-holiday trip focused on local food and leisurely city walks.

• Longzihu Scenic Area: This large urban lake is open all day and free to visit. Along the shore stands Han Meilin’s sculpture marking the geographical divide between northern and southern China. The lakeside is ideal for walking or cycling, with sunset and waterside views in the evening.

• Zhanggongshan Park: This free 4A-rated park is one of Bengbu’s major urban landmarks. Near the south gate stands the Pearl Maiden sculpture, “Pearl and Clam Welcome Guests.” Climb the 35-meter-high Wanghuai Tower for views over the city and the winding Huai River.

• Bengbu Museum: A national first-class museum with free admission, though advance reservations are required. It is closed on Mondays. Its main exhibits cover artifacts from the Shuangdun culture and the history of the Huai River. Allow an afternoon to explore Bengbu’s origins and development; the museum is also well air-conditioned.

• Tushan Scenic Area: According to local legend, this site is associated with Yu the Great’s flood-control efforts and his marriage to a woman of the Tushan clan. The mountain is not very high, and the summit offers views of both the Huai River and the city. At its foot, the thousand-year-old Yuwang Palace charges an admission fee of RMB 10.

• Bengbu Flower and Bird Market: This market is home to many food stalls popular with locals. It is liveliest from early morning to late morning, when you can find snacks such as fried skewers, sesame flatbread stuffed with pork tenderloin, and heritage-listed glutinous rice balls. It is a good place to graze as you explore.

Relaxed 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Lakeside Scenery and Local Food
  • Morning: After arriving at Bengbu South Railway Station by high-speed train, head to Longzihu Scenic Area. See the sculpture marking the divide between northern and southern China, then cycle around the lake.
  • Afternoon: Visit Bengbu Museum. Make a reservation in advance and learn about Huai River culture and the history of Shuangdun.
  • Evening: Head to Zhanggongshan Park. See the Pearl Maiden sculpture before climbing Wanghuai Tower to watch the sunset over the Huai River.
  • Night: Dine on Maxia Street (Nanshan Road) or at Acai Laopu, and try thirteen-spice crawfish with chilled fermented rice drink.
• Day 2: Legendary Sites and Traditional Architecture
  • Morning: Take a taxi to Tushan Scenic Area. Visit Yuwang Palace, learn about the legend of Yu the Great controlling the floods, and enjoy views of the Huai River from above.
  • Afternoon: Choose between Weishiyuan Folk Museum, also known as Bengbu’s “Little Hongcun,” to see Hui-style architecture, or Hequan Town for handicraft activities and farmhouse cooking.
  • Night: Explore Bengbu Flower and Bird Market or Miejiang Street. Sample fried skewers, sesame flatbread stuffed with pork tenderloin, and Xueyuan’s four-flavor glutinous rice balls while experiencing local nightlife.
• Day 3: A Leisurely City Stroll and Departure
  • Morning: Visit Nanshan Park to see how residents spend their leisure time, or head to the Bengbu Pearl Market to pick out a “pearl mystery box.”
  • Noon: Have a bowl of gankou noodles in the city center, then buy Huaiyuan pomegranates or Zhanji peach pastries as souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Leave Bengbu by high-speed train.

Must-Try Foods

Bengbu’s local cuisine centers on noodles, flatbreads, and freshwater specialties. These dishes are worth adding to your list:

• Sesame Flatbread with Pork Tenderloin: A freshly baked sesame flatbread is sliced open and filled with freshly fried pork tenderloin, then topped with sweet chili sauce. It is crisp, savory, and fragrant. You can find it on Miejiang Street and at traditional handmade-flatbread stalls near older residential neighborhoods.

• Braised Crawfish: Bengbu is known as “China’s leading crawfish-eating city” and is also an important birthplace of crawfish cuisine. Garlic, thirteen-spice, and flash-fried versions each have their own character and pair well with a cold drink.

• Xueyuan Four-Flavor Glutinous Rice Balls: Xueyuan is a heritage-listed, time-honored Bengbu brand. Its four varieties are filled with black sesame, sweet red bean paste, hawthorn, or osmanthus. Soft and chewy, they are often served in a sweet fermented rice soup.

• Gankou Noodles: These alkaline noodles are firm and springy, topped with a richly flavored meat sauce carrying the smoky aroma of the wok. Mixed together, they make a robust dish that is a common everyday meal in Bengbu.

• Chilled Fermented Rice Drink: This sweet, refreshing rice-wine drink usually contains red beans and raisins. It pairs especially well with fried skewers or crawfish.

Transportation and Accommodation

• Transportation: For high-speed rail, Bengbu South Railway Station is generally the most convenient choice. The journey takes about 40 minutes from Nanjing and around one hour from Hefei. The city center is compact, and shared electric scooters are easy to park, with rides costing RMB 2 each. Short taxi trips are also inexpensive.
• Accommodation: The Wanda or Intime shopping districts in Bengshan District are convenient and surrounded by snack streets. Chain hotels average about RMB 150 per night. Older hotels near the railway station may have mediocre soundproofing, so compare options carefully.

Practical Tips

• Reservations: Bengbu Museum is closed on Mondays. Reserve your visit in advance through its official WeChat account.
• Prepare for Temperature Changes: Temperatures in Bengbu can differ noticeably between daytime and early morning or evening, so carry a light jacket or sweatshirt.
• Avoid Peak Dining Hours: Maxia Street and popular restaurants such as Xueyuan and Hongji Tangcai can become crowded at mealtimes. Visit outside peak hours or allow time to queue.
• Choose Established Local Businesses: Shops in the old city and stalls near residential neighborhoods are more likely to serve authentic local flavors. Use your judgment when choosing restaurants around tourist attractions.