Fuyang

Fuyang has four distinct seasons, with large temperature swings between morning and evening in spring and autumn, so bring a light jacket when traveling.

• Yingzhou West Lake: This thousand-year-old lake was once praised alongside Hangzhou West Lake and is now a free wetland park. Walk along Sudi Causeway and Feigai Bridge, and enjoy the lakeside sunset in the evening.

• Balihe Scenic Area: Northern Anhui’s only 5A-rated attraction, it is known as the “World’s No. 1 Farmers’ Park.” The park has expansive lake views and miniature versions of famous world buildings, making it ideal for a half-day boat tour.

• Fuyang Museum: A national first-class museum with free admission by reservation. Its collection includes Shang and Zhou bronze vessels and Han dynasty artifacts. The distinctive architecture is also worth seeing, and the museum offers an introduction to the area’s thousand-year history.

• Guan Zhong Old Street: A retro district named after Guan Zhong, with flagstone lanes and red lanterns as its main features. Folk performances take place at night, and the many snack stalls make it a good place to stroll and eat.

• Wenfeng Pagoda: This Ming dynasty pagoda stands in Wenfeng Park and is a city landmark of Fuyang. Climb the pagoda for views over the old city, while the park itself is relatively quiet.

• Fuyang Ecological Park: Combining plant and animal exhibits with amusement facilities, the park has a Ferris wheel and interactive activities with adorable animals, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. The grounds are large, and electric carts are available for rent.

Must-Try Local Foods

Fuyang has a wide variety of noodle dishes, so fans of staple foods should make a point of trying the following.

• Gela Tiao: Thick, round, chewy noodles mixed with rich sesame paste, chili oil, and schizonepeta. Stir thoroughly before eating. They are savory, fragrant, and very filling.

• Fuyang Rolled Flatbread: A thin, soft wrapper filled with braised gluten, mung bean sprouts, shredded cucumber, braised egg, and other ingredients, then topped with garlic sauce and chili oil and rolled into a cone. It is generously portioned with a pronounced savory sauce flavor.

• Taihe Banmian: Hand-stretched wide noodles served with a spicy red-oil broth containing beef or lamb. The noodles are chewy and the broth is fragrant and hot, making this one of the area’s signature noodle dishes.

• Sa Tang: A common local breakfast made by pouring chicken broth over an egg, usually served with fried bread rolls or beef buns. Warm and comforting, it is ideal in the morning.

• Pillow Bun: Shaped like a pillow, each bun can weigh two or three jin. The crust is crisp and golden, while the inside is white, soft, and richly fragrant with wheat. It is also an intangible cultural heritage food and a popular souvenir from Fuyang.

• Red-and-White Fen Chicken: “Red” refers to beef and “white” to chicken. The meat is tender and smooth, and the dish is usually served with crispy rice. It is a common local specialty.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 Old-City History and Local Life: After arriving in the morning, visit Wenfeng Pagoda in Wenfeng Park to see the old city’s landmark. In the afternoon, head to Fuyang Museum to learn about the history of the Ying and Huai River region. In the evening, stroll along Qinghe Song Street, then visit Erli Well Night Market for Fuyang rolled flatbread, Gela Tiao, and other snacks.

• Day 2 Lakeside Scenery and Retro Night Walks: Visit Yingzhou West Lake in the morning, walk along Sudi Causeway, and enjoy the views across the lake while waiting for sunset. Have Taihe Banmian for lunch. In the afternoon, head to Guan Zhong Old Street, then stay into the evening for the night views and snacks.

• Day 3 Nature or Family Fun: If you have enough time, drive to Balihe Scenic Area to take in the lake scenery. Alternatively, stay in the city and take the children to Fuyang Ecological Park for a Ferris wheel ride and animal interactions. Have Chahua beef soup for lunch, then buy pillow buns and other local specialties before heading home.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Accommodation: Fuyang offers plenty of places to stay. Around the Wanda commercial area and near Erli Well Night Market, budget hotels cost around 40–50 yuan, while better-equipped boutique hotels or guesthouses cost 200–300 yuan. Staying in the city makes it easier to reach night markets and breakfast shops.
• Transportation: Taxis and electric scooters are convenient within the city. For Balihe Scenic Area or Yingshang County, driving or renting a car is recommended, and you can enjoy the scenery along the way.

Practical Information

• Morning Market: Dongguan Morning Market is a local breakfast hub. It opens at 5 a.m., and queues often form by around 6 a.m. Mafang, beef buns, and beef-filled pastries are popular. Arrive early, as some stalls may sell out before 8 a.m.
• Night Market Travel: Erli Well Night Market has more than 1,000 vendors, so try small portions first before deciding what to buy. Parking is limited, so take a taxi or ride an electric scooter.
• Museum Reservations: Fuyang Museum is closed on Mondays. Reserve in advance through its official WeChat account; the 9 a.m. session is usually more relaxed.
• Local Customs: Dongguan Morning Market is a halal neighborhood. Please respect local customs and do not bring pork products inside.