Wuhu

Wuhu lies along the Wanjiang section of the Yangtze River, where riverside sunsets, local food and city sightseeing can all be enjoyed in one trip. Most attractions in the city are free to enter, making Wuhu well suited to a weekend or short holiday.

• Wuhu Ancient City: This district is known for its Ming- and Qing-era Wanjiang residential architecture, with horse-head walls along its flagstone lanes. During the day, visit shops showcasing intangible cultural heritage; after dark, enjoy the district’s illuminated streets. It is also a good place for photos in hanfu.

• Riverside Park: Walk along the Yangtze promenade to see Zhongjiang Tower, built during the Ming dynasty, and the Old Customs House Clock Tower, which is more than a century old. Evening is a good time to enjoy the sunset, glowing clouds and passing cargo ships by the river.

• Fantawild Tourism Area: Several theme parks, including Fantawild Dreamland and Oriental Heritage, are gathered here, offering a wide range of rides and attractions. Families with children and younger visitors can spend the whole day here, with light shows and fireworks available at night.

• Zheshan Park: Located in the city center, the park is ideal for walks through green spaces and mountain paths. Climbing from the foot of the hill to the summit takes about 20 minutes, and the top offers views over the city. The park is also home to Guangji Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple, and Zheshan Zoo.

• Yugengshan Cultural Industry Park: Developed from the former British Concession site, the park retains modern European-style buildings and former consular residences. It is usually quieter, making it suitable for admiring the architecture and taking retro-style photos.

Local Specialties

• Shrimp Roe Noodles: This Anhui intangible cultural heritage dish uses Yangtze River shrimp roe to make a rich, savory broth, paired with springy noodles. The century-old restaurant Geng Fuxing is a representative place to try this local specialty.

• Red-Skinned Roast Duck: The duck has glossy red skin and a crisp texture, while the meat inside is tender and served with the shop’s special sweet-and-salty braising sauce. Lanyi Xing is a popular local shop where people often queue to buy it.

• Xiaolong Soup Dumplings: Thin wrappers enclose generous meat filling and plenty of broth, with a slightly sweet flavor. Before eating, make a small opening in the wrapper, then drink the soup and eat the filling.

• Steamed Pork with Rice: A common local breakfast, this dish steams rice flour-coated pork with glutinous rice, allowing the meat juices to soak into the rice. It is savory, fragrant, soft and sticky, and can be paired with a bowl of savory tofu pudding.

• Wuhu Mala Tang: Its defining flavor is a rich sweet-and-spicy sauce. Ingredients may include fried eggs, gluten puffs and stinky dried tofu, accompanied by a cup of red-bean fermented rice wine to balance the taste.

Suggested 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 Exploring the Old City and Watching the Riverside Sunset: In the morning, climb the trails at Zheshan Park and see the yellow walls of Guangji Temple; for lunch, choose steamed pork with rice or shrimp roe noodles nearby. In the afternoon, explore Wuhu Ancient City, walk along its flagstone lanes and take photos in a traditional style. At dusk, head to Riverside Park to enjoy the sunset and river breeze around Zhongjiang Tower. Return to the ancient city for mala tang in the evening, or buy half a red-skinned roast duck for a late-night snack.
• Day 2 Fantawild or a Cultural Walk: Visitors with children or those who enjoy thrilling rides can spend the whole day at Fantawild. Enter early to experience the attractions and watch the fireworks in the evening. Visitors who prefer architecture and culture can tour Yugengshan’s retro buildings in the morning, then visit Zhongshuge to see its red spiral staircase. In the afternoon, visit the Wuhu Museum to learn about Wanjiang history, then take a walk in Jinghu Park before heading home.

Accommodation and Transportation

• Where to Stay: Consider the Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street area in Jinghu District or the area around Wuhu Ancient City, where dining is convenient. The ancient city, Zheshan, Riverside Park and the food streets can be reached on foot or by taxi, with rides taking about 10 minutes. If you plan to spend a full day at Fantawild, staying near the park in Jiujiang District can reduce travel time.
• Getting Around: High-speed trains go directly to Wuhu Station, taking about half an hour from Nanjing and about 40 minutes from Hefei. Attractions in the city are relatively close together, and taxi fares are usually under RMB 10. You can also take the cross-seat monorail and view the city from the elevated tracks. Taxis and tourist shuttle routes are available for Fantawild.

Practical Travel Tips

• Venue Reservations: The Wuhu Museum is closed every Monday, and visitors should make an online reservation in advance.
• Buying Food and Souvenirs: Vacuum-packed red-skinned roast duck sold at scenic areas is generally less tasty. Buy freshly chopped duck and eat it promptly at established city shops such as Lanyi Xing and Dai Xiaomei. It is best to avoid buying souvenirs at specialty shops near the railway station.
• Shoes and Clothing: Exploring the ancient city and Riverside Park involves plenty of walking, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended. Sports shoes are more suitable for Fantawild, and remember to use sun protection.
• Communicating Taste Preferences: Local dishes tend to be salty and sweet, while mala tang is also mainly sweet and spicy. Visitors who prefer lighter flavors can ask for less salt when ordering.