Bengbu Huaiyuan: A 2-Day, 1-Night Ultimate Guide! Savor Flavors from Three Provinces + Discover Ancient Hidden Gems, Off-the-Beaten-Path, Uncrowded, and Incredibly Photogenic!
Who gets it, fam! This small city in northern Anhui, nestled where the Huai and Guo rivers meet, actually blends the aroma of Shandong cuisine, the richness of Henan cuisine, and the freshness of Huaiyang cuisine all into one bowl🍲 Just a 20-minute high-speed train ride to Bengbu, then a quick bus ride, and you're plunged into an old town bursting with life! History buffs can trace the relics of Yu the Great, foodies can eat until they can't stand, and best of all, it's uncrowded, with zero bad photos. This trip is worth every tear of joy~
📍Must-Visit Attractions: A Double Harvest of History and Nature
1. Bailu Spring Scenic Area (The Seventh Spring Under Heaven)
A hidden gem that Su Shi praised as "the best spring under heaven"💦 The spring water is sweet and white like milk. Climb Wanghuai Tower for a panoramic view of the winding Huai River, while Lüzu Temple and cliff carvings hold stories from a thousand years ago. In spring and summer, it's surrounded by lush greenery, super healing. In autumn, you can smell the sweet fragrance from the distant pomegranate orchards. The entrance fee is cheap, and you can immerse yourself in oxygen – incredible value for money!
2. Xigang Ancient Street (A Living Old Town)
An ancient street from the Ming and Qing dynasties with no commercial gimmicks! Bluestone slabs bear the marks of cartwheels, the morning market fills with the aroma of shaobing by 6 AM, and old teahouses echo with the "soul-stirring tunes" of Sizhou Opera 🎤 Be sure to find the "Huaijin Ancient Ferry" stele and the Four-Eyed Well. The stories of "a thousand sails docked" told by the old ferryman are a hundred times more vivid than any textbook~ In the evening, stroll through the alleys with a lantern, listening to the night watchman's calls – the atmosphere is absolutely enchanting!
3. Ten-Thousand-Acre Pomegranate Orchard (Home of Chinese Pomegranates)
Pomegranate groves dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty – autumn (September-October) is the perfect time to visit! Bright red pomegranates hang heavy on the branches, with thin skins, sweet seeds, and abundant juice. Who understands the joy of a bursting bite✨ You can also visit the Pomegranate Expo Park, see old pomegranate trees decades old, and buy a bottle of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice – it's sweet, sour, refreshing, and incredibly delicious.
4. Jingshan Mountain + Yu King Temple
Calling all hikers! Jingshan is where Bian He discovered the "He Shi Bi" jade. The climb is easy, and the summit offers expansive views of the entire Huaiyuan city. At the foot of the mountain, Yu King Temple commemorates Yu the Great's flood control efforts. The Qing Dynasty architecture is ancient and elegant. After visiting, head to Qimu Temple, where every brick and tile carries the weight of history.
5. Guo River Wetland Park
A heavenly spot for an after-dinner stroll🌿 The riverside path along the Guo River is perfect for cycling and walking. At dusk, the sunset paints the river golden, making every casual photo an atmospheric masterpiece. Occasionally, you might spot water birds flying low, and the wind carries the fresh scent of grass and trees – it's relaxing and therapeutic.
🍜Food List: Eat from Morning to Night, Never the Same
Breakfast Delights: Get full and happy for 10 yuan
- Shaobing with Fried Pork Loin: The shaobing baked in a barrel oven is crispy and flaky, filled with freshly fried pork loin. A set for 5 yuan is so fragrant it'll make you stomp your feet!
- Sa Tang + Cai Jiaozi: Savory meat soup paired with crispy vegetable patties – a traditional way of eating passed down through generations, available at street stalls.
- Hugou Shaobing: Rich sesame aroma, perfect with fried dough sticks or braised meat. Pair it with a bowl of spicy soup to warm your stomach.
Main Courses: Savor flavors from three provinces in one county
- Huaiyuan Roasted Whole Chicken: Free-range chicken stewed until tender and flavorful, with a rich savory sauce. Recommended at Laowei Renjia and Zhang's Whole Chicken Restaurant. You'll want two bowls of rice with this🍚
- Huaiwang Fish with Glass Noodles: Huaiwang fish, a specialty of the Huai River, has tender flesh with no muddy taste. The glass noodles soak up the rich broth, making it incredibly appetizing.
- Stewed Chicken in a Pot with Flatbread: Slow-cooked over a wood fire, with flatbreads stuck to the side of the pot, soaking up the meat juices. It's savory with a hint of crispiness. Wushi Sanpang Stewed Chicken in a Pot is a must-try.
- Ecological Tofu + Deep-fried Meatballs: Specialties of Xinhe Palace Hotel. The tofu is so tender it melts in your mouth, and the meatballs are crispy outside and tender inside – incredibly satisfying.
Night Market & Snacks: Bursting with life
- Wenchang Street North Night Market: Lively even at 2 AM, with fried gluten puffs, oil tea, and roasted gluten skewers. The more you explore, the more delicious it gets.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Melon Seeds: Bai Genzhu's charcoal-roasted melon seeds are perfectly salted and so addictive you can't stop cracking them. Perfect as a souvenir.
- Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root: Lotus root holes filled with glutinous rice, drizzled with brown sugar syrup. Soft, sticky, sweet, and loved by all ages.
🏡Accommodation Recommendations: Comfortable and Convenient
- Best Value: Zhefei Hotel (County Government Branch), a Jinjiang brand hotel. Rooms come with pour-over coffee☕️, 24-hour hot water, and premium mattresses. It's a 10-minute walk to the commercial district, super convenient for getting around, averaging 200+ yuan per person.
- Unique Experience: Huaipan Courtyard, a Qing Dynasty Huizhou merchant's old residence converted into a guesthouse. Features carved wooden doors and antique furniture. Open your window to see the old street. Averaging 100+ yuan per person including breakfast. Listening to the sounds of the Huai River at night is incredibly atmospheric.
🚌Transportation Guide: Super Hassle-Free
- High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed rail to Bengbu South Station, then transfer to K311 bus directly to Huaiyuan, or take a taxi for 30 minutes (fare 30+ yuan).
- Within the City: Buses cover major attractions, taxis have cheap starting fares, and short-distance cycling offers more freedom.
- Self-driving: 1.5 hours from Hefei/Xuzhou. Xigang Ancient Street has free parking, and parking fees at attractions are inexpensive.
💡Tips & Tricks
1. July-August is the flood season for the Huai River; be careful when viewing from the docks. Wear soft-soled shoes when walking on the ancient street to avoid slipping on the stone paths.
2. Morning markets and old teahouses often prefer cash, so remember to bring some small change. Please ask for permission before taking photos of vendors.
3. When buying pomegranates, choose ones with a slightly concave stem end and a heavy feel – they'll be super sweet. Pomegranate wine is light and easy to carry, making it a great gift.
4. For family trips, you can visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall or go fruit picking at Lvtian Ecological Farm. For elders, Yu King Temple and the Huai River Embankment are suitable.
The beauty of Huaiyuan is hidden in the bustling morning markets, the stories of its ancient streets, and the aroma of its food🌾 There's no crowded influencer hotspot, just genuine comfort and warmth. While it's still uncrowded, gather your friends and set off to discover this hidden gem of a city~
What do you want to try most from Huaiyuan, the roasted whole chicken or the pomegranate juice? Tell me in the comments, and I'll pick 3 people to send a Huaiyuan Intangible Cultural Heritage melon seed gift pack! 👉 Follow me for the next ultimate guide to Bengbu city, ensuring your travels are smooth and enjoyable~