2 hours direct from Hefei! 4 laid-back ancient towns to turn your weekend into slow motion
1. Feixi Sanhe Ancient Town | 45 minutes by car / 1.2 hours by Metro Line 5 transfer to Special Line
The "Jianghuai Water Town Secret" in the south of Hefei city, formed by the confluence of Fengle River, Hangbu River, and Xiaonan River. White walls and black tiles stand by the water, with ancient bridges and alleys intertwined, hiding the most comforting slow life of Jiangnan's urban streets.
• Must-visit experiences: Free stroll through Ming and Qing dynasty ancient streets, check in at the Sanhe Great Victory site, and touch the historical imprint of Jianghuai; visit the Yang Zhenning Former Residence for 40 RMB to read about the growth of this scientific master; experience intangible cultural heritage workshops for 15 RMB making rice dumplings, freshly made and fried, crispy outside and tender inside, full of fresh flavor.
• Relaxing moments: In the afternoon, take a 30 RMB boat ride on Xiaonan River, drifting with the waves while listening to the boatman’s stories about the ancient town, with the evening breeze carrying the sweet malt sugar scent; stay at a riverside guesthouse in the evening, open the window to see lanterns reflecting on the water in the Jiangnan night, order a Sanhe stir-fry, fresh and spicy, and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water.
• Tips to avoid pitfalls: For specialty snacks like rice dumplings and malt sugar in the ancient town, it is recommended to choose local small shops outside the main street for better value; boat rides are best taken during off-peak times, and evening rides allow you to enjoy the night view of the ancient town without queuing twice.
2. Changlinhe Town, Feidong County | 40 minutes by car / 1 hour by Metro Line 1 transfer to bus
The "Lakefront Slow Town" by Chaohu Lake, with winding old streets paved with bluestone and rich fishing village atmosphere, every step offers a leisurely and pleasant view by the lake.
• Must-visit experiences: Stroll along Changlinhe Old Street, check in at the Wu Family Former Residence, admire the exquisite wood carvings unique to Jianghuai dwellings; head to the Chaohu viewing platform to gaze at the shimmering lake and watch water birds flutter, capturing the natural healing beauty; for 50 RMB, try fishing with the locals, and the fresh fish caught can be cooked by the shop to taste the authentic lake flavor.
• Relaxing moments: Visit the ancient town morning market early, buy a soft glutinous rice cake with hot soy milk for 10 RMB to start a refreshing day; stay at a lakeside guesthouse in the evening, sit leisurely on bamboo chairs in the courtyard, watch the sunset’s golden glow spread over the lake, and at night, look up to see a sky full of stars, fully enjoying the time to unwind.
• Tips to avoid pitfalls: Confirm the fishing catch fee standards with the shop before fishing to avoid disputes later; the Chaohu viewing platform is windy by the lake, so bring a light jacket for wind protection.
3. Tangchi Town, Lujiang | 1 hour by car / 1.5 hours by bus from Hefei South Station
The "Hot Spring Wellness Slow Town" in southwest Hefei, surrounded by green mountains and abundant hot spring resources, is an excellent resting place for workers to relieve fatigue.
• Must-visit experiences: For 120 RMB, visit Guoxuan Hot Spring Palace, with multiple indoor and outdoor pools to choose from, rose baths and herbal baths warm and comfort the body; go to Golden Peacock Hot Spring Resort to experience stone slab baths, warmth spreading throughout the body, relieving soreness from prolonged sitting; take an afternoon stroll in the Acacia Forest, with quiet trails and babbling streams, fully enjoying natural tranquility.
• Relaxing moments: In the evening, dine at a farmhouse restaurant, order Lujiang small red head chicken with fresh and rich native chicken soup, soft and sweet, warming the stomach and appetizing; stay overnight at a hot spring guesthouse with a private bath, soak in the hot spring while gazing at the stars, letting body and mind fully immerse in relaxation.
• Tips to avoid pitfalls: Hot spring tickets can be purchased online in advance for discounts, which is more cost-effective than buying on-site; pay attention to eating schedules when soaking in hot springs, avoid entering on an empty or full stomach, and it is recommended to wait one hour after eating to prevent dizziness or discomfort.
4. Zhegao Town, Chaohu | 1.2 hours by car / 1.8 hours by Metro Line 2 transfer to special line
The "Millennium Commercial Ancient Town" on the north shore of Chaohu Lake, with old streets fully preserving Ming and Qing architectural styles, old teahouses and shops side by side, full of rich everyday life atmosphere.
• Must-visit experiences: Free check-in at Zhegao Old Street, visit century-old sites like Li Hongzhang Pawnshop and Yulan Bridge, feeling the commercial heritage of the ancient town; for 20 RMB, order a cup of Zhegao morning tea at an old teahouse, paired with lion’s head meatballs and shumai dim sum, listening to old tea drinkers chatting about the town’s past; for 30 RMB, experience Zhegao paper-cutting intangible cultural heritage workshop, with a master guiding on-site, and you can take your finished work home as a souvenir.
• Relaxing moments: In the evening, taste Zhegao’s specialty stir-fry dishes, with cured meat and stir-fried Artemisia for a refreshing flavor, paired with local rice wine to fully enjoy the deliciousness; stay overnight at a characteristic guesthouse in the ancient town, with carved wooden windows full of antique charm, waking up in the morning to the aroma of old street breakfast, starting a slow-paced ancient town day.
• Tips to avoid pitfalls: For Zhegao morning tea, it is recommended to choose old shops frequented by locals for authentic taste and no long queues; for paper-cutting workshops, it is best to communicate and book in advance to avoid waiting time after arrival.