Situated in the center of Anhui Province, Hefei is a hinterland city which is in the vicinity of Chaohu Lake and between the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers. Thanks to the water surrounding it, Hefei City is proud of its enticing natural scenery.

Natural Landscape

The well-known Chaohu Lake is located in Hefei and is one of the five largest fresh-water lakes in China covering an area of about 800 square kilometers (about 309 square miles). There is an abundance of aquatic produce in the lake, amongst which the whitebait, the shrimp and the crab are known as the three treasures of Chaohu Lake. The lake is embraced by surrounding green mountains - layer upon layer of ridges and peaks. The 'moonlit night of the Chaohu Lake' and the 'morning glow of the four peaks' are two of the ancient eight top scenic spots in Luyang (present day Hefei).

With the assiduous support of the Parks' Horticulture Department, there are many parks built around Hefei City including Xiaoyaojin Park, Shushan Forest Park, Hefei Wild Animal Park, Hefei Arboretum and Huancheng Park which is the biggest among these parks covering an area of 137.6 hectares (about 340 acres). This open park connects six scenic areas which form a beautiful image of a 'Jade Necklace'. These six scenic areas are Baohe Scenic Area featuring the culture of Lord Bao; Yinhe Scenic Area featuring a waterscape; Xishan Scenic Area featuring animal sculptures; Hupotan Scenic Area featuring entertainment items, Huanbei Scenic Area featuring natural environment and wildlife and Huandong Scenic Area with a visitors' service area to enhance the garden visit. All the scenic areas contribute to Hefei ranking as one of the three 'National Park Cities' along with Beijing and Zhuhai. So, a visit to Hefei City is a must - a wonderful experience resembling visiting a pleasance.

Human Cultural Landscape

Perhaps Hui Garden, located in Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone, is a window through which you can best learn about Anhui Province culture. It covers an area of 20 hectare (about 49 acres) around which the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers flow. It is mainly divided into two garden areas: Wanbei area featuring Imperial gardens and Wannan area featuring the world-famous Hui Architectural Style. There are many symbolic man-made constructions in corresponding sections such as the beautiful Huangshan Mountain, the Chaolu Lake, the Di Garden, etc. Never miss the opportunity to explore Hui Garden.

If cultural scenery is more suitable to your taste, then a visit to the historical and cultural landscapes of Hefei beckons. The most famous one is called Memorial Temple of Lord Bao which is located south of the city center in Baohe Park. It is built to the memory of Bao Zheng, a well-known honorable officer of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is a typical architectural complex built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

As a result of its important historical strategic position, Hefei is an area of contention among the local powers. Another cultural destination worth a visit is 'Xiaoyaojin (Leisure Ford)' a famous battlefield of the Three Kingdom Period (220 - 280) and can best elaborate its strategic importance. In this scenic area there is the Xiaoyao Lake, the Bridge of the Flying Cavalier, the Three Isles in the lake, and the Cangyou Garden.

The Former Residence of Li Hongzhang is another cultural destination which is a well preserved former home in Hefei. It is a typical residence of the south during the Qing Dynasty. Li Hongzhang was born in Hefei and held a civil and military position in the Qing Government. Here you can examine detailed materials that give comprehensive information of this eminent historical person.