Huainan

Huainan lies in northern Anhui and combines the history of Chu culture, traditions from the birthplace of tofu, and the local flavor of Huainan beef soup. Prices are moderate and the pace of life is relaxed, making it suitable for a weekend or short holiday trip.

• Shouxian Ancient City: One of the more complete surviving Song-dynasty city walls, stretching nearly 8 kilometers. Walk along the flagstone streets and climb the city wall to look out over the moat, taking in both the city’s history and its everyday atmosphere.

• Anhui Chu Culture Museum: A national first-class museum housing important artifacts such as Chu gold coins and bronzeware. Its modern displays make it a good place to learn about Chu culture and the local history of Shouxian.

• Bagong Mountain Scenic Area: The idiom “wind sounds and cranes cry, every bush and tree looks like an enemy” originated here, and Liu An, the King of Huainan, also left behind the local legend of tofu. The mountain climate is pleasant in autumn, and the scenic area includes exhibits related to tofu culture.

• Jiulonggang Republican-Era Town: A filming location for the TV series *Six Sisters*. The town preserves old red-brick buildings, a traditional-style platform, and various retro structures, making it suitable for taking atmospheric period-style photos.

• Huai River Ferry Crossing: For just 1–2 yuan, you can take a ferry across the Huai River. At dusk, the sunset reflects on the water, making it a good place to slow down and enjoy the riverside scenery.

• Yiyi Leisure Ranch: The park is free to enter and suitable for families. Visitors can observe cows, try milking, and taste Yiyi yogurt.

Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: History, culture, and the life of the ancient city
  • Morning: After arriving in Huainan, head to Shouxian and first visit the Anhui Chu Culture Museum. Allow 2–3 hours and book a free guided tour in advance.
  • Afternoon: Head to Shouxian Ancient City, entering through the East Gate (Binyang Gate). Walk along the city wall, then visit Bao'en Temple and the mosque inside the ancient city.

• Evening: Enjoy Huainan beef soup and flaky sesame cakes in the ancient city, then stroll along the city wall, watch the light show, and experience the city’s nighttime atmosphere.
• Day 2: Natural scenery and retro architecture
  • Morning: Visit Bagong Mountain Scenic Area and explore sites related to the Battle of the Fei River. Alternatively, head to Yiyi Ranch to get close to the animals and enjoy fresh yogurt.

• Afternoon: Return to the city center to visit Jiulonggang Republican-Era Town, admire the old buildings, and take photos. Then head to the Huai River Ferry Crossing to watch the sunset over the river.

• Evening: Visit Qianfeng Food Street or Dongquan Food Street for fried potato slices, sizzling skewers, and iced fermented rice wine before ending the trip.

Huainan Food Highlights

• Huainan Beef Soup: Beef bones are simmered for a long time to create a rich, savory broth, usually served with vermicelli, dried tofu sheets, and tofu cakes. A common local way to eat it is to soak a freshly baked flaky sesame cake in the soup. Any small shop frequented by local residents is a good choice.

• Bagong Mountain Tofu: Produced in the birthplace of tofu, it has a delicate texture and a pronounced bean aroma. Local restaurants usually offer tofu banquets, where you can try dishes such as chrysanthemum tofu and white jade dumplings.

• Huainan Fried Potato Slices: Potato slices are fried until golden on the outside and soft inside, then brushed with a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy sauce and served with kelp and dried tofu. They are a common street snack.

• Shouxian Da Jiu Jia: A provincial-level intangible cultural heritage pastry made with layers of flaky pastry wrapped around a filling of rock sugar, walnuts, and osmanthus. Crisp and sweet, it makes a good souvenir.

• Yiyi Yogurt: A local Huainan yogurt brand with a rich milky flavor. The lime and yellow peach varieties are relatively refreshing and can be enjoyed after a meal.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Getting there: High-speed trains reach Huainan South Railway Station or Shouxian Railway Station. From Hefei, Nanjing, and other nearby cities, the journey takes about an hour.
• Getting around: Taxis are inexpensive in Huainan, and buses also run between attractions. When visiting Shouxian and Bagong Mountain, driving or taking a taxi is more convenient.
• Where to stay:
  • Stay in the city center (Tianjia'an District): Consider the area around Guangchang North Road or Longhu Park, where hotels are concentrated. The Shimao Culture Plaza is across the street, and Qianfeng Food Street is also easy to reach.
  • Stay in Shouxian: If you want to continue exploring the ancient city at night, stay near Shouxian Ancient City. You can walk out to see the illuminated city wall and enjoy a more relaxed itinerary.

Travel Tips

• Museum reservations: The Anhui Chu Culture Museum and Huainan Museum are both free to enter, but reservations must be made in advance through their official WeChat accounts. Both museums are usually closed on Mondays, so check the opening schedule ahead of time.
• Parking at the ancient city: During holidays, traffic controls may be introduced at Shouxian Ancient City after 9 a.m., preventing vehicles from entering. Arrive early, or park near Binyang Gate and walk in.
• Beef soup spice level: Local beef soup is often spicy. If you do not eat spicy food or are dining with children, ask for no chili in advance or choose the clear broth.
• Ferry schedule: The scenery at Huai River Ferry Crossing is best around sunset, but check the last ferry time to avoid affecting your return trip.