Home > Destinations > Anhui > Huainan

Huainan

Explore the birthplace of tofu, ancient Chu Kingdom ruins, and stunning wetland scenery along the Huaihe River in central Anhui.

Birthplace of Tofu & Ancient Chu Capital

About Huainan — A Traveler's Introduction

Huainan (淮南) is a distinctive destination in Anhui Province that offers travelers an authentic window into Chinese culture beyond the well-trodden paths of Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. Explore the birthplace of tofu, ancient Chu Kingdom ruins, and stunning wetland scenery along the Huaihe River in central Anhui. Whether you're a history enthusiast tracing ancient dynasties, a food lover seeking authentic regional cuisine, or a nature photographer chasing dramatic landscapes, Huainan rewards curious travelers with experiences that feel genuinely discovered rather than packaged for mass tourism.

What sets Huainan apart is its blend of historical depth and living tradition. Unlike China's megacities where ancient heritage sometimes feels preserved behind museum glass, Huainan's historical sites remain woven into the fabric of daily life — locals still shop at century-old markets, practice tai chi at temple courtyards, and prepare dishes using recipes passed down through generations. The city's relatively low international tourist profile means you'll often have remarkable sites largely to yourself, with opportunities for spontaneous interactions that are increasingly rare in more popular destinations. For the independent traveler willing to venture slightly off the standard itinerary, Huainan offers some of the most rewarding travel experiences in Anhui Province. The city's compact scale, affordable prices, and genuine hospitality make it an ideal destination for culturally curious travelers seeking authentic encounters rather than polished tourist productions. Whether you spend one day or one week here, Huainan will deepen your understanding of China in ways that more famous destinations often cannot.

Top Attractions in Huainan

1. Bagong Mountain National Geopark (八公山国家地质公园)

Bagongshan Geopark — Where Tofu Was Born in 164 BC

Bagong Mountain is Huainan's crown jewel, a 120km² geological and historical complex straddling the Huaihe River valley. This UNESCO Global Geopark nominee features dramatic limestone karst formations, ancient forests, and sacred Taoist sites. It was here in 164 BC that Liu An, the Han Dynasty King of Huainan, accidentally invented tofu while experimenting with alchemy — soy milk curdled upon contact with gypsum from the mountain's mineral springs. Today, the Tofu Culture Museum offers interactive tofu-making demonstrations. The mountain's geological significance is equally impressive: the Bagongshan Formation contains some of the world's oldest known multicellular fossils dating back 840 million years. Hiking trails wind through the 'Stone Forest' of weathered limestone pillars, past the Han Dynasty King's Tomb, and up to Bai'e Temple, a Tang Dynasty Taoist monastery perched dramatically on a cliff edge. The site of the 383 AD Battle of Fei River — where 80,000 Eastern Jin troops defeated a 300,000-strong Former Qin army — is marked with stone tablets and panoramic overlooks. In spring, the mountain bursts with peach and pear blossoms; autumn transforms slopes into red and gold.

📍 Bagongshan District, Huainan 🎫 ¥80 peak, ¥60 off-peak ⏰ 8:00–17:30 ⏱️ Half to full day

2. Shouxian Ancient City Wall (寿县古城墙)

Shouxian Ancient City Wall — Song Dynasty Fortress on the Huaihe

Just 20km south of Huainan, the Shouxian Ancient City Wall is one of China's most intact ancient fortifications. Originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD) and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, this 7.7km rectangular wall encloses Shou County's entire old town. It stands as one of only a handful of complete Song Dynasty city walls surviving in China today, earning National Key Cultural Relic Protection status. The wall averages 8 meters high with four magnificent gates at each cardinal direction. What makes it architecturally unique is its sophisticated flood-control engineering — the sloped earthen core and stone facing has protected the town from Huaihe River floods for nearly a millennium. During the catastrophic 1991 floods, Shouxian remained dry inside its walls. Visitors can walk the full wall-top promenade, passing ancient cannons, watchtowers, and stone steles. Inside, the old town preserves Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture: narrow flagstone lanes, courtyard homes, Bao'en Temple with its 30m Buddha statue, and the Confucian Temple with 800-year-old cypress trees. The Shouxian Museum displays exceptional Chu State bronze vessels from Warring States tombs.

📍 Shou County, 20km south of Huainan 🎫 ¥50 wall, museum ¥30 ⏰ 8:00–17:30; Museum closed Mon ⏱️ Half-day minimum

3. Liu An's Tomb & Huainan King Museum (刘安墓与淮南王博物馆)

Tomb of Liu An — The King Who Invented Tofu and Wrote the Huainanzi

At the foot of Bagong Mountain rests Liu An (179–122 BC), the Han Dynasty King of Huainan and one of ancient China's most fascinating polymaths. His court compiled the 'Huainanzi', a monumental 21-chapter philosophical encyclopedia blending Daoist cosmology, Confucian ethics, and early scientific observation. His alchemy laboratory serendipitously created tofu — transforming Asian cuisine for millennia. The tomb complex features the original burial mound (20m high, 120m diameter), surrounded by ceremonial stone pathways and guardian beast statues. The adjacent Huainan King Museum is a modern architectural marvel whose design mimics flowing tofu slices. Interactive exhibition halls cover Liu An's life, the Huainanzi compilation, alchemical experiments, and archaeological discoveries. Highlights include holographic reconstructions of Han Dynasty court life, a full-scale alchemy workshop reproduction, and multimedia displays of the Huainanzi's astronomical observations — which correctly described the 24 solar terms still used in Chinese agriculture today.

📍 Bagong Mountain Scenic Area 🎫 ¥60 (combined ticket available) ⏰ 9:00–17:00, closed Mon ⏱️ 2–3 hours

4. Jiaogang Lake Wetland Park (焦岗湖湿地公园)

Jiaogang Lake — Migratory Bird Paradise and Lotus Wonderland

About 30km west of Huainan, Jiaogang Lake spreads across 30km² of pristine freshwater wetland, serving as a critical migratory bird stopover on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. A designated Ramsar site, it hosts over 200 bird species including the endangered Oriental White Stork, Siberian Crane, Baer's Pochard, and the majestic Crested Ibis. Best bird-watching runs from November through March, when tens of thousands of waterfowl descend upon reed beds and shallow bays. Professional bird hides and elevated observation platforms with telescopes are strategically positioned. Summer transforms the lake into a breathtaking sea of lotus flowers — over 500,000m² bloom from June through August, creating a 'Thousand-Mile Lotus Corridor.' Wooden boardwalks weave through lotus fields, and traditional fishing boats offer guided tours. The lake's ecology supports a vibrant aquaculture: Jiaogang Lake crabs are celebrated throughout Anhui for their sweet, firm meat. The Ecological Education Center features interactive freshwater ecosystem exhibits.

📍 Fengtai County, ~30km from Huainan 🎫 ¥50 ⏰ 8:00–18:00 summer, 8:30–17:00 winter ⏱️ Half-day

5. Shangyao Scenic Area & Ancient Kilns (上窑风景区)

Shangyao — Ancient Porcelain Kilns and River Cliff Scenery

Perched above a bend in the Yao River 15km northeast of downtown, Shangyao combines stunning river gorge scenery with a fascinating industrial archaeology site. 'Shangyao' means 'Upper Kiln,' referencing its history as a major porcelain production center during Tang and Song dynasties. Excavations have uncovered dozens of ancient dragon kilns (龙窑) — long, sloping tunnel kilns that fired distinctive green-glazed celadon wares. The restored No. 3 Dragon Kiln allows visitors to walk a 46m Ming Dynasty kiln with interpretive panels explaining the porcelain-making process. Above the kilns, the Shangyao Gorge cuts a dramatic 3km path through rust-colored sandstone cliffs. A cliff-side walking path carved during the Qing Dynasty offers vertiginous views, passing natural grottoes that served as Buddhist hermitages. The ancient Huaihe River Ferry Crossing preserves stone mooring posts from the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD). The Shangyao Reservoir, surrounded by forested hills, is popular for fishing, camping, and autumn leaf-peeping.

📍 Datong District, ~15km from center 🎫 ¥40 ⏰ 8:00–17:30 ⏱️ 3–4 hours

6. Longhu Park & Cherry Blossom Avenue (龙湖公园)

Longhu Park — Huainan's Urban Oasis with 400 Cherry Trees

In the heart of Huainan's Tianjia'an District, Longhu Park is a 73-hectare urban oasis centered around a large artificial lake ('Dragon Lake'). Originally a coal mining subsidence area, the park was transformed through a 1990s reclamation project into a beloved civic amenity. The lake is stocked for recreational fishing and features paddle boat rentals. The park's crown jewel is its Cherry Blossom Avenue — a 600m pathway lined with over 400 Yoshino cherry trees that erupt into a spectacular pink and white tunnel each March and April, drawing photographers for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The southern section houses an amusement area with a Ferris wheel and bumper cars. The northern zone features traditional Chinese garden architecture: a Moon Gate leading to the Bonsai Garden, the Lotus Pavilion extending over the lake, and the winding Nine-Bend Bridge popular with tai chi practitioners. Longhu Park hosts the Huainan Lantern Festival every Lunar New Year and regular Huagudeng folk dance performances.

📍 Longhu Road, Tianjia'an District 🎫 Free (rides ¥15–40 each) ⏰ 6:00–22:00 ⏱️ 1.5–2 hours

Recommended Itineraries for Huainan

1-Day Express Tour

If you only have one day in Huainan, focus on the absolute highlights. Start your morning early at Bagong Mountain National Geopark — arrive by 8:00 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for photos. Spend 2–3 hours exploring this premier attraction thoroughly. For lunch, head to one of our recommended local restaurants to sample authentic Anhui cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Shouxian Ancient City Wall for another 2 hours, then wrap up your day at Liu An's Tomb & Huainan King Museum as the afternoon light creates the best atmosphere. End your evening with a leisurely dinner sampling Huainan's signature dishes, followed by a stroll through the city center or along the riverfront to soak up the local atmosphere.

2-Day Cultural Deep Dive

With two days, you can truly immerse yourself in Huainan's culture and history. Day 1: Follow the 1-day express itinerary above to cover the must-see attractions. Day 2: Venture further afield to explore Jiaogang Lake Wetland Park, Shangyao Scenic Area & Ancient Kilns. These sites offer a deeper understanding of Huainan's historical significance and natural beauty. Take your time — the slower pace allows you to notice architectural details, interact with locals, and discover hidden corners that rushed tourists miss. Consider hiring a local guide for the second day to unlock stories and historical context that guidebooks don't cover. End your second day with a visit to a local tea house or night market.

3-Day Complete Exploration

A three-day itinerary gives you the full Huainan experience at a relaxed pace. Day 1: Cover the downtown attractions: Bagong Mountain National Geopark, Shouxian Ancient City Wall, Liu An's Tomb & Huainan King Museum. Day 2: Dedicate to Jiaogang Lake Wetland Park, Shangyao Scenic Area & Ancient Kilns — these sites are best enjoyed without rushing. Pack a picnic lunch or eat at local countryside restaurants near the attractions. Day 3: Explore the remaining attractions at your leisure. Use your final afternoon for souvenir shopping at local markets, revisiting your favorite spots, or simply relaxing at a scenic teahouse. For the adventurous, ask your hotel about off-the-beaten-path attractions or day trips to nearby villages and natural areas that most tourists never see.

How to Get to Huainan

  • By High-Speed Rail (Recommended): Two HSR stations: Huainan South (淮南南站) on Shangqiu-Hangzhou line, Huainan East (淮南东站) on Bengbu-Hefei line. Hefei South: 30–40 min (¥35–55). Direct to Shanghai (3.5hr), Nanjing (1.5hr), Hangzhou (3hr), Beijing (4.5hr). Bus ¥2 or taxi ¥25–40 to center.
  • By Conventional Train: Huainan Railway Station (淮南站) for K/T/Z trains. Hefei 1hr (¥15), Bengbu 40min (¥11), Fuyang 1.5hr (¥19). Budget-friendly for intra-Anhui travel.
  • By Long-Distance Bus: Huainan Bus Station on Guoqing Road. Hefei buses every 20min (1.5hr, ¥30). Direct to Nanjing (3.5hr, ¥80), Xuzhou (2.5hr, ¥65).
  • By Air: Nearest airport: Hefei Xinqiao International (HFE), ~90min by road (120km). Airport shuttle ¥60, 2hr. Nanjing Lukou (NKG) 3.5hr away.
  • City Transportation: Extensive bus network (¥2). Taxis start ¥7. For Bagong Mountain/Jiaogang Lake, hire taxi for day (¥300–400). Didi ride-hailing fully operational.
  • Self-Drive: G36 Expressway (Nanjing–Luoyang), G3 (Beijing–Fuzhou), Hefei–Huainan Expressway. Hefei 1.5hr, Nanjing 3hr, Shanghai 6hr. Parking ¥10–20/day at attractions.

🍜 Where to Eat in Huainan

🍜 Huainan Specialties — Local Cuisine Highlights

  • Huainan Beef Soup (淮南牛肉汤): The undisputed king of Huainan breakfast: rich, milky broth simmered 12+ hours with beef bones, star anise, cassia bark, and Sichuan peppercorns. Thinly sliced beef, sweet potato vermicelli, and bean curd sheets drenched in scalding broth, topped with scallions, cilantro, and chili oil. Served with crispy shaobing flatbread. Best at: Renjia Beef Soup on Renmin Road.
  • Tofu Banquet (豆腐宴): Huainan is the birthplace of tofu, and local chefs have elevated it to an art form. A traditional banquet features 20+ dishes: mapo tofu, stinky tofu, thousand-layer tofu, tofu skin rolls, fried tofu balls, silken tofu with century egg, and 'chrysanthemum tofu' — a single block carved into 1,000 hair-thin strands. Best at: Tofu Culture Restaurant at Bagong Mountain.
  • Shouxian Dajiujia (寿县大救驾): A legendary flaky pastry: when Zhao Kuangyin (later Song Emperor Taizu) fell ill passing through Shouxian, a local cook prepared pastries filled with walnuts, rock sugar, and lard. Zhao recovered, became emperor, and named the pastry 'Dajiujia' (Great Savior). Best at: Shouxian Old Town bakeries.
  • Fengtai Lamb Soup (凤台羊肉汤): Heart-warming lamb soup from Fengtai County, simmered with 20+ Chinese medicinal herbs for a deeply aromatic broth. Served with hand-torn flatbread and pickled garlic, especially popular in winter. Best at: Fengtai Old Town restaurants.
  • Bagong Mountain Tofu Pudding (八公山豆腐脑): Unlike southern China's sweet version, Huainan's tofu pudding is savory: impossibly silky fresh pudding topped with soy sauce, sesame paste, chili oil, pickled mustard greens, dried shrimp, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Made with Bagong Mountain mineral spring water. Best at: Street stalls in Huainan morning markets.

📍 Recommended Restaurants (with Addresses)

  • Renjia Beef Soup (任家牛肉汤): Huainan's most famous beef soup shop, a no-frills institution since 1982. The broth is legendary — rich, deeply beefy, and complex from the proprietary spice blend loved across three generations.
    📍 Address: 68 Renmin Road, Tianjia'an District | ☎ 0554-267-8890 | ¥10–25 | Open 6:00–14:00
  • Bagongshan Tofu Cultural Restaurant (八公山豆腐文化餐厅): Located within Bagong Mountain scenic area, specializing in the full tofu banquet experience with floor-to-ceiling mountain views. Their chrysanthemum tofu requires 48-hour advance booking.
    📍 Address: Bagongshan Geopark Visitor Center, 2F | ☎ 0554-561-2345 | ¥60–180/person | Open 10:00–21:00
  • Shouxian Gucheng Renjia (寿县古城人家): Housed in a restored Ming Dynasty courtyard inside the ancient city walls, serving authentic Shou County cuisine: Dajiujia pastries, Huaihe River fish, and farm-to-table dishes.
    📍 Address: 45 West Street, Shouxian Old Town | ☎ 0554-402-3366 | ¥50–120/person | Open 11:00–21:30
  • Jiaoganghu Floating Restaurant (焦岗湖水上餐厅): A unique dining experience on a floating platform in Jiaogang Lake. Specializes in lake-fresh hairy crabs (Sep–Nov), steamed lotus root with osmanthus honey, and wild-caught fish.
    📍 Address: Jiaogang Lake Wetland Park, Central Lake | ☎ 0554-831-5678 | ¥80–200/person | Open 10:00–20:00 (closed Dec–Feb)
  • Laojie Yihao (老街一号): Popular mid-range restaurant for modern Huaihe cuisine. Signature 'Three-Flavor Fish' prepares one fish three ways: sour soup head, pan-seared fillet, soy-braised tail.
    📍 Address: 22 Chaoyang Middle Rd, Tianjia'an | ☎ 0554-664-2888 | ¥40–100/person | Open 10:30–22:00

💰 Budget Planning

Huainan is one of Anhui's most affordable cities. A comfortable day trip from Hefei costs under ¥300. A thorough 2–3 day exploration rarely exceeds ¥800–1,200 total.

💰 Budget Traveler: ¥150–250/day

Budget hotel/guesthouse (¥80–150/night). Street food: beef soup breakfast (¥10–15), noodle lunch (¥15–20), casual dinner (¥30–50). Public buses (¥2) and shared bikes. Attractions ¥40–80.

💳 Mid-Range Traveler: ¥350–550/day

3–4 star hotel (¥200–350/night). Sit-down restaurants (¥100–180/day). Private car/taxi for day trips (¥300–400/day). Entrance fees ¥150–200/day.

👑 Premium Traveler: ¥700–1,200/day

Best hotel: Crowne Plaza Huainan (¥450–700/night). Private guide/driver (¥600–800/day). Multi-course banquets (¥200–400/person). VIP tickets with private tours.

🌤️ Seasonal Highlights

🌸 Spring (March–May): Best Season. Cherry blossoms at Longhu Park peak late March–early April. Bagong Mountain carpets in wildflowers. Pleasant 15–25°C. Qingming Festival brings temple fairs to Shouxian. Book ahead for Labor Day (May 1–5).

☀️ Summer (June–August): Hot but Rewarding. Temperatures exceed 35°C. Jiaogang Lake lotus blooms spectacularly June–August. Early morning visits essential. Night markets with outdoor dining. Hotel prices at yearly low.

🍂 Autumn (September–November): Second-Best Season. Perfect 15–25°C with crisp skies. Jiaogang Lake hairy crabs in season (Sep–Nov). Bagong Mountain autumn foliage peaks late October–mid November. Mid-Autumn Festival moon-viewing at Shouxian wall.

❄️ Winter (December–February): Quiet and Atmospheric. 0–8°C with occasional snow. Prime bird-watching at Jiaogang Lake — tens of thousands of migratory birds including rare cranes. Steaming beef soup the perfect comfort food. Lowest prices, fewest tourists.

💡 Practical Travel Tips

  • Get an early start: Attractions spread wide (Bagong Mountain north, Jiaogang Lake west, Shouxian south). Begin by 8:00 AM to maximize daylight, especially for day trips from Hefei.
  • Try beef soup for breakfast: Huainan beef soup (牛肉汤) is a morning tradition — broth is richest early. Famous shops like Renjia sell out by afternoon. Order 'with everything' (全加).
  • Download Didi (滴滴出行): Ride-hailing most convenient between spread-out attractions. Full-day rental (包车) ¥300–400, cheaper than official tours.
  • Combine Bagong Mountain + Liu An's Tomb: Adjacent sites, best as half-day. Start at museum (opens 9:00), then hike. Combined ticket (¥120) saves ¥20.
  • Shouxian deserves a full day: Wall walk alone takes 2 hours for full circuit. Museum, Confucian Temple, Bao'en Temple each ~1 hour. Consider overnight in old town guesthouses.
  • Vegetarian paradise: Huainan is incredibly vegetarian-friendly thanks to tofu heritage. Bagongshan restaurant has dedicated vegetarian banquet (¥128/person).
  • River safety: Huaihe River currents are strong. Boat tours require life jackets (provided). Don't swim in the Huaihe at any location.
  • Learn tofu-making: Hands-on workshop at Bagongshan Tofu Culture Museum (¥30/30min). Grind soybeans on traditional stone mill and press your own block.

Nearby Destinations in Anhui

Hefei 合肥 (Anhui) • Bengbu 蚌埠 (Anhui) • Chuzhou 滁州 (Anhui) • Fuyang 阜阳 (Anhui)

Travel Essentials for Visiting Huainan

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Huainan. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cold but offers fewer crowds and lower prices. Check the seasonal highlights section above for month-by-month guidance.

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is not widely spoken outside of major hotel chains, so downloading a translation app (such as Pleco, Google Translate with offline Chinese pack, or Baidu Translate) before your trip is highly recommended. Learning a few basic phrases — "ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thank you), "duo shao qian" (how much) — will be greatly appreciated by locals.

Currency & Payments: China uses the Renminbi (RMB/CNY). While cash is still accepted everywhere, mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate daily transactions. International visitors can now link foreign credit cards to Alipay (set up before arriving in China). Carry some cash (¥500–1,000) as backup for small street vendors and rural areas. ATMs accepting foreign cards are available at major bank branches.

Internet & Connectivity: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X) are blocked in China. Purchase an eSIM or VPN service before arriving — VPNs cannot be downloaded once inside China. Local SIM cards from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom are available at airports and official stores (bring your passport). Free WiFi is common in hotels and cafes, but requires a Chinese phone number for registration.

Getting Around: Didi (China's Uber equivalent) is the most convenient way to navigate Huainan. Download the app before your trip — it has an English interface and accepts international credit cards when linked properly. For non-Chinese speakers, Didi's built-in messaging translation feature is a lifesaver — drivers will send you messages in Chinese, and the app translates them to English automatically. Public buses are affordable (¥1–2 per ride) and cover all major routes, but announcements and route information are in Chinese only — having your destination written in Chinese characters is essential. If you're visiting multiple countryside attractions, hiring a private car through your hotel for the full day (typically ¥350–500) is often more cost-effective and far less stressful than coordinating multiple Didi rides to remote locations. Taxis are plentiful and metered with starting fares of ¥6–8; always have your destination address written in Chinese to show the driver. For day trips to countryside attractions outside the city center, consider hiring a private car with driver through your hotel or via Didi's 'rent a car' feature (typically ¥350–500 for a full day). Electric scooters and shared bicycles are available through apps like Meituan and HelloBike, though you'll need a Chinese payment method to unlock them.

Health & Safety: Huainan is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Tap water is NOT safe to drink — always use bottled or boiled water. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer, as public restrooms may not provide toilet paper or soap. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended. Pharmacies (药店) are widely available; look for the green cross sign. Major hospitals have international departments, though English-speaking staff may be limited in smaller cities like Huainan.

What to Pack for Huainan

City images generated by CN Trip Essentials. Free for commercial use with attribution.