2026 Guzhen Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

The Huai River runs through the city, dividing Bengbu into two parts—vast plains to the north and a gentle water town to the south. The red and blue north-south boundary sculpture by Longzi Lake is the city’s most distinctive landmark. Standing with one foot on each side, the southern and northern vibes meet here. This kind of “fusion” was seeded 7,000 years ago. The pottery human head sculptures unearthed at the Shuangdun site carry the “smile from 7,000 years ago.” On Mount Tushan, the legend of Yu the Great splitting the mountain to guide the Huai River and summoning the lords still echoes today. At the Gaixia site, the legacy of “Farewell My Concubine” resonates through the millennia. History layers itself here, forging this city into a natural “cultural melting pot.” The “Qinling-Huaihe” line from geography textbooks can be directly “tasted” in Bengbu. Crispy northern-style sesame flatbread sandwiches filled with tender southern-style fried pork tenderloin. Crawfish, where the sweet and spicy flavors of Jiangnan river delicacies blend with the rich northern braised sauce. Finish with a glass of iced rice wine. In Bengbu, there’s no north-south rivalry, only endless joy in eating. The Huai River divides but never limits. Is this city south or north? The answer is yours to define. Travel guide How to get there: Take the high-speed train to Bengbu South Station. The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail runs directly, about 2.5 hours from Shanghai and over 3 hours from Beijing. Attractions are concentrated in the city. Shared electric scooters are recommended for getting around, and taxis usually cost 10–15 yuan. What to do: Longzi Lake Scenic Area (4A, free admission, see the north-south boundary sculpture), Bengbu City Museum (national first-class, free with reservation, closed on Mondays), Zhanggongshan Park (climb Wanghuai Tower for a panoramic view), Tushan Scenic Area (site of Yu the Great’s flood control, free admission). What to eat: Must-try sesame flatbread with pork tenderloin (Bengbu’s “city cake”), Xueyuan glutinous rice balls (intangible cultural heritage food), beef soup, fried skewers (with soulfully sweet and spicy sauce). Food is concentrated on Maxia Street and Xuehua Road. Where to stay: Recommended areas are around Longzi Lake (newer environment) or the old town by the Huai River (vibrant atmosphere). Three-star hotels cost about 200+ yuan.

On this trip, we checked out a high-value hotel downtown, a rejuvenating hot spring resort, an eco-friendly retreat, and a cultural center packed with artistic vibes. Let’s dive into this chill and highly practical itinerary! [Attractions & Experiences] 1️⃣ Anhui Jiangong New Era Hotel (Bengbu Branch) Address: No. 5183 Donghai Avenue If you're looking for a convenient and cozy place to crash, look no further. The location is prime—right next to Zhanggong Mountain, with sprawling green spaces and shopping hubs just steps away. The rooms feature modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, and access to a gym and pool. The breakfast spread is fantastic, boasting a delicate sweetness reminiscent of the southeastern coast. The staff are super friendly and attentive. However, there's slight room for improvement regarding soundproofing and the faint smell from recent renovations. If you're a light sleeper, don't forget to pack some earplugs! 2️⃣ Guzhen Xiangxue Resort Address: Bengbu Cadre School Venture out of the city center and take a trip to Guzhen. This nature-centric resort is the perfect escape from the daily grind, offering serene walks where you can truly feel the changing seasons. It’s a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and shutterbugs—under a clear blue sky, the vibrant autumn leaves, sculptures, and architecture create a picture-perfect scene that will definitely eat up your camera storage. Consider staying overnight; the starry sky here is incredibly bright! 3️⃣ Daming Royal Hot Spring Water World Address: Inside Daming Cultural Industry Park, Tanghe South Road, Longzihu District, Bengbu Opening Hours: June 22 - August 31, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) For beating the heat, Daming Royal Hot Spring Water World is the ultimate go-to! It’s spacious and fully equipped with various hot springs and spa pools, making it a fantastic summer retreat. A morning of splashing around will leave you feeling completely refreshed. It’s highly recommended for family trips or hanging out with friends. Just remember to bring your own flip-flops and swim caps, and try to visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxing experience. 4️⃣ Yuhui District Cultural Center, Bengbu Address: 6th Floor, No. 122 Changle Road, Yuhuixu Town, Yuhui District, Bengbu Culture buffs shouldn’t miss this spot. Not only does it host a variety of rich exhibitions, but it also frequently organizes community cultural events. The interior is crisp and tranquil, and looking out the window reveals the poetic, autumnal hues of the surrounding trees. [Travel Experiences & Warm Tips] · Bengbu is a city best savored on foot. In the mornings at Zhanggong Mountain, the sight of seniors practicing Tai Chi under Wanghuai Tower and kids playing by the lake weaves a beautiful tapestry of everyday life. A stroll here in the early morning or at dusk is incredibly grounding. · The crystal-clear waters of Bairu Spring and the stone inscriptions by Su Shi make you feel like you've time-traveled. If you want to temporarily escape reality, this is the place to be. · Don't miss out on the Huai River Culture Square at night. The neon-lit musical fountain is super therapeutic. Grab a Shaobing stuffed with tenderloin and a cup of iced sweet fermented rice (Bing Jiuniang), sit by the river, and just listen to the water—it’s pure bliss. [Transportation Guide] · Getting from the Bengbu High-Speed Railway Station to attractions and hotels is a breeze. A taxi ride or a quick spin on a shared bike will usually get you there in under 20 minutes. · You’ll find plenty of great dining options near the local B&Bs and hotels. If you're a fan of street food, hit up the snack streets for dinner. Be sure to try the local Liangpi (cold noodles), mutton soup, and iced sweet fermented rice. [Bonus for Photography Enthusiasts] The outdoor sculptures paired with the golden autumn foliage make for incredibly Instagrammable shots. We recommend exploring the outdoor parks on a sunny afternoon. Whether you're at the garden-style hotel or the cultural center, they're both fantastic spots for capturing that unique, indie vibe.

When it comes to Anhui tourism, many people immediately think of Huangshan and Huizhou, often overlooking Bengbu, located on the banks of the Huai River. This small city, known as the "Pearl City," sits on the geographical dividing line between northern and southern China. The Huai River flows through the city, making it an important transportation hub in northern Anhui, and it holds countless historical stories and stunning scenery. Free from excessive commercialization, it offers only pristine natural landscapes, rich history, and a simple, authentic atmosphere—low-key yet exceptionally charming. The travel highlights of Bengbu lie in the blend of mountains and waters, ancient and modern. A must-visit is Mount Tu, known as Bengbu’s "Mother Mountain" and one of the sacred sites of Chinese civilization. Legend has it that Yu the Great cut through the mountain here to guide the Huai River, passing his home three times without entering, leaving behind an enduring tale. Slowly climbing the mountain trail, shaded by lush trees and caressed by gentle breezes, you can overlook the winding Huai River from the summit. The S-shaped river outlines the gentle contours of northern Anhui’s land. At the peak, the Yu King Temple’s incense burns continuously, ancient cypresses stand strong, and the Mother Stone quietly stands as if still telling the ancient water control legend. Standing here, you can truly feel the weight of a thousand years of history. Besides Mount Tu, Longzi Lake is the leisure backyard for Bengbu residents. This natural lake shimmers with clear waves, surrounded by long walking paths and lush greenery along the shore. Whether taking a morning stroll or sitting quietly by the lake in the afternoon watching the ripples, it’s incredibly pleasant. Sunlight sparkles on the water’s surface, with distant bridges and green hills reflecting each other. Every snapshot is a healing scene, making it an excellent escape from city noise and a perfect place to relax. Bengbu’s culture and history are deeply embedded in the city’s very bones. It is a key birthplace of Huai River civilization. The Shuangdun site, over 7,000 years old, unearthed pottery shards with carvings considered the earliest form of writing, quietly telling the wisdom of ancient ancestors. The Gaixia ancient battlefield witnessed the dramatic struggles between Chu and Han, with the tragic stories of "Surrounded on All Sides" and "Farewell My Concubine" leaving deep historical marks here. The Yuhui Village site seems to transport visitors back a millennium to witness the grand assembly of Yu the Great and the feudal lords. Each relic is a living history book that captivates visitors endlessly. Strolling through Bengbu’s streets, you can also feel the strong local culture. The simple and honest folk customs of northern Anhui are found in street snacks and the warm words of locals. The cuisine blends northern and southern flavors—sesame seed cakes stuffed with pork tenderloin, Bengbu rice noodles, and fresh lake delicacies—each bite offering authentic northern Anhui taste, simple yet unforgettable. Without the fast pace of big cities, the slow rhythm of life here invites you to slow down and savor this rare leisure. Finally, here’s a very practical travel tip: bring comfortable sneakers for climbing Mount Tu; Bengbu’s attractions are relatively spread out, so self-driving or taking public transport is recommended, both very convenient; spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Bengbu, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery; take your time to explore, spending two to three days to leisurely visit ancient sites, enjoy the mountains and waters, and taste local food to deeply experience the charm of the Pearl City. No crowds, just mountains and waters intertwined with long history—that’s Bengbu. It’s not flashy, but with its unique charm, it leaves every visitor with unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for a lesser-known city with rich heritage to unwind, consider visiting Bengbu. By the Huai River, encounter a millennium of history and discover the healing poetry and everyday warmth of life.

Today we head to Gudong Town, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Art," to visit Ginkgo Village. This place is the world's premier ginkgo kingdom. Every late autumn, golden leaves flutter around the houses, and the precious century-old ginkgo trees give this small village a rustic and profound charm. There are 820 households living here, with over 2,000 acres of contiguous ancient ginkgo trees. According to incomplete statistics, the entire village is home to more than 3,000 ancient ginkgo trees, including over 50 trees aged more than 500 years, over 70 trees aged more than 400 years, more than 50 trees aged 200-300 years, over 600 trees aged more than 30 years, and 2,100 trees aged more than 20 years. The ginkgo trees in Jiangdong Village not only feature age and natural continuity but also have the unique characteristic of "the village within the forest, the forest within the village," mutually supporting each other. Any photo taken here looks like a masterpiece. November is the best season to enjoy the autumn scenery, with beauty beyond words.

In a nutshell: Pear blossoms like snow + golden rapeseed waves + pink peach blossoms, North Anhui’s spring breaks away from traditional Hui-style patterns, highlighting the vast and wild charm of the great plains. Fewer crowds, dense flowers, and delicious food! ✨ Accurate Flower Bloom Schedule (Follow it to never miss out) · Late March to early April: Dangshan pear blossoms and Xiaoxian peach blossoms bloom, covering the plains in white and pink · Late March to mid-April: Fuyang rapeseed flower sea and Guzhen cherry blossoms bloom, a double hit of golden flower waves + pink floral mist · Mid to late April: Suzhou tulips and crabapple flowers wrap up, a colorful flower carpet seals the spring 🌸 5 Must-Visit Flower Seas (Each with its own highlight) 1. Dangshan Pear Tree King Scenic Area (Top Pear Blossom Spot) Ten thousand acres of pear blossoms, century-old gnarled trees with iron trunks, flowers bloom like snow covering the branches. Walking through the pear orchard feels like entering a pure white fairy tale world. 📍 Address: Xuanmiao Town, Dangshan County, Suzhou ⏰ Best time: Late March to early April 💡 Highlights: Ancient Pear Tree King, cycling along the old Yellow River path, perfect for capturing ancient-style pear blossom photos 2. Zhonggang Sili Lake Rapeseed Flower Sea, Funan (Grand Scale Highlight) Nearly 5,000 acres of golden flower fields, a thousand-meter golden sea corridor bridge weaving through, combining blue water + long bridge + flower sea in one frame, every shot is a wide-angle masterpiece. 📍 Address: Zhonggang Town, Funan County, Fuyang ⏰ Best time: Late March to mid-April 💡 Free entry! 20-minute drive, perfect for family picnics 3. Guanqiao Town, Xiaoxian (Colorful Highlight) Yellow rapeseed flowers + red peach blossoms + white pear blossoms, a tri-color flower sea weaving a plain palette, less crowded and off the beaten path. 📍 Address: Guanqiao Town, Xiaoxian County, Suzhou ⏰ Best time: Late March to early April 💡 Great for walking through flower fields, also visit Huangcangyu in Xiaoxian nearby 4. Guyangcheng Cherry Blossom Garden, Guzhen (Romantic Highlight) 150,000 cherry trees form a pink ocean, with Han wedding ceremonies and matchmaking interactions in April, creating a full atmosphere. 📍 Address: Guyangcheng Ruins, Guzhen County, Bengbu ⏰ Best time: March 28 to April 20 💡 Reservation required, cherry blossoms + Han-style architecture make for stunning photos 5. Suzhou Botanical Garden (Exquisite Highlight) Millions of tulips weave a colorful flower carpet, paired with European-style windmills and wooden boardwalks, creating a painterly effect. A must-visit in April. 📍 Address: Yongqiao District, Suzhou ⏰ Best time: April 💡 Perfect for couples and friends taking photos, finish with Suzhou beef buns 🚗 3-Day 2-Night Easy North Anhui Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Fuyang → Zhonggang Rapeseed Flower Sea, Funan → Stay in Fuyang city Day 2: Dangshan Pear Flower Sea → Cycling along the old Yellow River path → Stay in Dangshan county town Day 3: Guanqiao Town tri-color flower sea, Xiaoxian → Suzhou Botanical Garden tulips → Return trip 🚗 Transportation & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls · Best option: Self-driving! Roads in North Anhui plains are good, travel time between flower seas is 1-1.5 hours, stop and shoot anytime · Public transport: High-speed rail to Fuyang West / Dangshan South / Suzhou East, then transfer to chartered car or ride-hailing · Avoid pitfalls: 1. Weekends are crowded, visit on weekdays to avoid crowds 2. Don’t step on flower fields! Take photos from paths or bridges, enjoy flowers respectfully 3. Book homestays early! Flower season accommodations are tight, county town lodging is more cost-effective 🍜 Must-Try North Anhui Foods (Flower lovers must eat) · Dangshan crisp pear tart: A must during pear blossom season, sweet and soothing, strong pear aroma · Xiaoxian mutton soup: Incredibly fresh, perfect with baked flatbread · Fuyang Gelatiao noodles: Top-notch North Anhui noodle dish, chewy and flavorful · Suzhou beef bun: Crispy outside, tender inside, juicy with every bite · Linquan Huaji Orchard chicken: Eat free-range chicken near the flower sea, fresh and flavorful 💡 Practical Tips 1. Large temperature difference between morning and evening on the plain, bring a light jacket + comfortable sneakers 2. Bring a picnic mat! Picnic beside the flower sea for an immersive spring embrace 3. Drone aerial shots make for better photos! Overlooking the flower sea panorama is amazing 4. Wear light colors (white/pink/yellow), they match perfectly with the flower sea Soulful Rant Stop saying North Anhui’s spring is boring! Pear blossom snow, golden rapeseed, and pink peach blossoms dye the North Anhui plain into a rainbow. No need to squeeze into South Anhui, spring here is wild, free, and romantic. Close your eyes and go—you won’t regret it!

Check out this legendary landmark from your Chinese history textbook! 📍Gaixia Site Museum ✨Every inch of this land bears the imprint of 4500 years of history✨ It's a witness to prehistoric civilization and the final stage of the Chu-Han Contention. 4500 years ago, this was the CBD of the late Dawenkou Culture💫 Archaeologists have discovered numerous prehistoric city ruins here, filling the gap in the knowledge of prehistoric cities in the Jianghuai region! Even more amazing! This is the real-life site of "Farewell My Concubine" and "Surrounded by Enemies on All Sides"‼️ In 202 BC, the final battle of Chu and Han took place here, where Xiang Yu suffered his final Waterloo. 🔍Fun Facts: · The museum perfectly showcases the "dual heritage" value of prehistoric civilization and warfare. · The modern exhibition halls take you on a journey through time, incredibly immersive. · Every shot of the Xichang Street Archway is a historical masterpiece.

🌟Bengbu Five-Day Elegance Record|Pearl by the Huai River and the North-South Thoroughfare! From Dayu’s flood control to the train pulling the city, unlock the millennium hub code of the “Pearl City” — “The legendary hub within the 1-hour Xuzhou circle! Here lies not only the north-south dividing line but also the imperial dragon vein that made Zhu Yuanzhang build Zhongdu” 💡【Itinerary】Day 1️⃣: Shuangdun Code and Huai River Morning Charm · Early morning: Arrive in Bengbu and head straight to “Huaihe Cultural Square” to see the north-south dividing line sculpture “Fire Phoenix·Dragon” swallowing the morning sun · Morning: Explore the “Shuangdun Ruins” with 7,300-year-old carved symbols, touching the “dawn of Eastern writing” · Afternoon: Visit the “Bengbu Museum” to trace roots and see the Spring and Autumn period bronze artifacts from the tomb of Zhongli Jun, decoding the “Huaiyi civilization” · Evening: Enjoy the sunset and sailboat shadows at “Longzi Lake,” the largest urban inland lake in China with Tang Dynasty stone bridge charm · Night: Stay at a lakeside guesthouse and try “Tuohu Crab” (September to November) Day 2️⃣: Imperial Hometown and Industrial Epic · All day: “Ming Emperor’s Mausoleum” → “Ming Zhongdu Ruins” to see the stone statues of Zhu Yuanzhang’s parents and the unfinished capital archaeological site · Experience: Wear Ming dynasty clothing and walk the “Hongwu Avenue,” learn Fengyang flower drum dance · Evening: Visit the “Jinpu Railway Old Site” nostalgic century-old station to watch green trains crossing the Huai River Bridge · Night: Try “Hugou Shaobing” paired with “Wuhe Qiantou Fish” Day 3️⃣: Gaixia Battle and Wetland Secrets · Morning: “Gaixia Ruins” to traverse the ancient battlefield of “Ambush from Ten Sides,” touch the rammed earth layers of Xiang Yu’s camp · Afternoon: Explore the “Sanchah River Wetland,” a vast reed marsh by boat for birdwatching (best season April to October) · Evening: Be amazed by the steel symphony of the “Huaihe Sluice Water Conservancy Hub,” the “First Sluice of the Thousand-Mile Huai River” · Night: Stay in a fisherman's houseboat, enjoy a full fish feast and listen to Sizhou opera Day 4️⃣: Jade Culture Romance and Innovation Wave · Morning: “Bengbu Ancient Residential Expo Park,” a miracle rebirth of 450 Ming and Qing old houses on the lake island · Afternoon: “China Glass Industry Museum” to dazzlingly see how the “Silicon-based New Materials Capital” lights up the world · Evening: Climb “Zhanggongshan Park” to view Huai Tower and the hub geography of seven rivers and eight bridges · Night: Try “Huaiyuan Braised Loach,” watch flower drum lantern performances Day 5️⃣: Food Origins and Return · Morning: “Xueyuan Snacks” with four-colored glutinous rice balls, an intangible cultural heritage dessert once tasted by Mao Zedong · Afternoon: “Old Department Store Building” for treasure hunting “Shanghai brand” vintage items and Bengbu mechanical watches · Evening: Take home “Bailianpo Tribute Rice,” “Huaiyuan Pomegranate,” and “Guzhen Peanuts” for the journey 🚂【Exclusive Experiences】✅ Watch hundreds of cargo ships whistle and set sail at 5 AM at the Huai River ferry crossing ✅ Night immersive drama “Great Ming Zhongdu” at the Ancient Residential Expo Park ✅ Hands-on glassblowing of “jade-style” colored glass at the Glass Museum (reservation required) ✅ Shoot vintage railway scenes at the Jinpu Railway old platform (open every Saturday) 🦀【Huai River Flavor Code】▫️Shaobing sandwich with pork tenderloin: a fusion of north-south flavors brought by the train ▫️Ice wine brew: a summer refreshment invented by Li Hongzhang’s military advisor ▫️Du Guangxing smoked duck: a delicious staple in the Jinpu Railway workers’ luggage 📍Hidden menu: Reserve the “Zhongli Banquet” (Spring and Autumn Zhongli State cuisine restoration) 📸【Photography Highlights】1️⃣ Solar eclipse spectacle at the north-south dividing line sculpture (timing calculation needed) 2️⃣ Longzi Lake sailboats framed with city skyline 3️⃣ Winter migratory birds and snow scenes at Sanchah River Wetland (December to February) 4️⃣ Glass museum light show reflecting Huai River night view 🚄【Transportation Tips】▫️40 minutes from Xuzhou high-speed rail / 50 minutes from Hefei direct ▫️Citywide shared electric scooters, Huai River ferry crossing costs 2 RMB ▫️Ming Zhongdu ruins cluster recommended to hire a car (scattered attractions) 💎【Pre-trip Must-Knows】▪️Shuangdun Ruins original artifacts warehouse open on the first Saturday of each month ▪️Huai River flood season (July-August) some waterside platforms closed ▪️Glassmaking experience requires 3-day advance reservation “When the waves of the Huai River embrace the whistle of the Jinpu Railway, when 7,300-year-old carvings meet the brilliance of silicon-based new materials, Bengbu tells me in five days: This hub chosen by emperors extends every railway as a dialogue between north and south, every grain of silicon sand reflects the iteration of civilization — accessibility is its gene, integration is its soul.”

🌟 Highlights: The hotel boasts an excellent location with convenient transportation, abundant shopping and dining options nearby, and easy parking🚗 🛏 Room Facilities: Smart room control + five-star bedding, one-touch lighting control + instant hot water! The mattress is medium-firm, feeling like being wrapped in clouds. The natural wood-toned decor makes every photo look premium! Love the floor-to-ceiling window views🤩 🍲 Food Recommendations: The breakfast offers a wide variety of nutritious and healthy options, delivering great value for money🥢 ❤ Why We Recommend It: Bubble tea, hot pot, and convenience stores are just downstairs, with a 100-meter walk west leading directly to Happy Home Shopping Mall🏬, making daily essentials shopping super convenient~ 📍 Address: Boman Hotel (Bengbu Guzhen Investment Building Branch) 💰 Avg. Cost: 200+

Visit the Big Buddha viewpoint in Phuket, stop by Wat Chalong (a beautiful yellow temple), and hike up the hill to see the Big Buddha. Enjoy stunning views of Phuket from here, all while riding in a local songthaew (shared taxi). Traveling with Angna 😊 It's easy! Just book your flight with Trip.com, reserve your accommodation, arrange transportation (including car), and head to the airport. See you there! #dreamvoyage #phukettravel #sea #phukettrip