4 hidden gems for short trips in Anhui you must visit are amazing
Who gets it! For short trips in Anhui, stop crowding Huangshan and Hongcun 🥹
Discovered 4 secret local spots! No commercialization, few people, stunning scenery, full of mountain, water, and ancient village vibes. All support same-day round trips! Healing mountain wilderness, Huizhou-style ancient villages, and secret lake views all in one. Photos come out like blockbusters straight from your phone. Perfect for a weekend escape—just copy the plan without thinking 🔥
✨ First stop: Hefei Lujiang · Dai'ao Mountain (Little Potala Palace of Central Anhui)
📍 Location: Leqiao Town, Lujiang County, Hefei
🚗 Drive from Hefei city center: about 1.2 hours. Gentle mountain roads, very easy to drive, beginner-friendly
🌞 Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Easy hike in a hidden mountain wilderness 🏔️! Climb to Longwang Peak for panoramic views of central Anhui’s countryside. Layered terraces and scattered villages create a deeply healing scene! The yellow walls and red tiles of Longtian Temple on the summit are picture-perfect. No strenuous climbing, just a leisurely walk to breathe fresh air. Capture forest-style ancient vibes effortlessly 📸. Very few tourists all along, enjoy the mountain beauty alone
🍚 Noon (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain is a must! Lujiang rice dumplings, local pork with bamboo shoots, fresh seasonal vegetables—all authentic central Anhui flavors. Around 30 per person for a satisfying meal with great value
🌿 Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Stroll through the ancient village at the mountain base. Blue stone paths, old courtyards, and ancient trees create a strong atmosphere 🏡. Immerse yourself in slow rural life, enjoy the mountain breeze, relax and daydream. Return before dark, easy and healing without tiring yourself
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
1. No large convenience stores on the mountain. Bring drinking water, snacks, and sunscreen in advance
2. It’s windy on the summit. Bring a light jacket in spring and autumn to avoid catching a cold
3. Stick to the official main trail. Don’t wander off on undeveloped wild paths to avoid getting lost
✨ Second stop: Hefei Feidong · Zhegao Old Street
📍 Location: Zhegao Town, Chaohu City, Hefei
🚗 Drive from Hefei city center: about 40 minutes. The ultimate short day trip
🌞 Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Walk along the original Ming and Qing dynasty ancient street 🏮! Blue stone slabs are simple and elegant. Old shops and Huizhou-style horse-head wall architecture are scattered beautifully. Check out the old pawnshop of Li Hongzhang and century-old alleys. Ten times quieter than Sanhe Ancient Town! Almost no commercial shops, full of authentic Jianghuai ancient street life. Great for vintage-style photos
🍚 Noon (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Must-try authentic Zhegao morning tea! Crispy rice crust, fried noodle sheets, three-flavor pot, rice cakes—classic local flavors passed down for generations. Affordable and generous portions. Safe blind choice
🌿 Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Leisurely explore old streets and courtyards. Watch craftsmen at work and everyday life scenes. Fully immerse in old Hefei’s local culture. Wander freely and feel completely relaxed ✨
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
1. Don’t follow the crowd to buy overpriced street souvenirs. Focus on the immersive experience instead
2. Many residents still live on the old street. Be polite and don’t enter private homes when taking photos
3. Weekend crowds increase slightly. Start early to avoid peak times
✨ Third stop: Hefei Lujiang · Shili Changchong
📍 Location: Wanshan Town, Lujiang County, Hefei
🚗 Drive from Hefei city center: about 1 hour. A hidden green wonderland in the mountains
🌞 Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Immersive creek tracing and fresh air 🍃! Long clear creek valley with tiered tea fields built along the hillsides. Wooden boardwalks wind through the forest, full of lush greenery that soothes the eyes! Babbling streams and dense woods make it a perfect summer escape. Photos have a natural soft light filter. The small forest vibe is simply divine
🍚 Noon (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Eat at nearby farmhouse restaurants. Mountain chicken, fresh river shrimp, seasonal wild vegetables—all locally sourced natural delicacies. Light, refreshing, and delicious
🌾 Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Walk along tea field trails and creekside lawns. Enjoy the surrounding green hills and water, listen to birdsong in the forest 🌿. Light hiking, strolling, and photo opportunities. Escape city noise. A perfect recharge spot for busy workers
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
1. The valley has many mosquitoes. Bring mosquito repellent and wear long pants
2. Creekside stones and moss can be slippery. Watch your step when walking or taking photos to avoid falls
3. No swimming, camping, or open fires allowed. Follow park rules
✨ Fourth stop: Hefei Feixi · Zipeng Mountain
📍 Location: Zipeng Town, Feixi County, Hefei
🚗 Drive from Hefei city center: about 40 minutes. A natural oxygen bar near Hefei
🌞 Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Explore tens of thousands of acres of forest 🌲! Easy hiking on mountain trails through dense greenery with abundant negative ions! Visit the thousand-year-old Xilu Ancient Temple. The red walls and ancient temple are nestled among green hills and trees, full of Zen atmosphere. Few visitors, quiet and healing. Switch freely between ancient and forest-style photo modes
🍚 Noon (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Must-try farmhouse dishes at the mountain base! Feixi local cuisine, firewood chicken, wild stir-fry—rich authentic Anhui flavors. Generous portions, affordable, and reliable
🌿 Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Leisurely stroll on forest lawns and lakeside boardwalks. Enjoy the harmony of mountain and lake views. Walk slowly to aid digestion. Fully immerse in the natural beauty of the suburbs. No rush, no fatigue, easy return for a perfect ending ✅
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
1. Mountain trails have many steps. Wear comfortable sports shoes. Avoid high heels
2. Some vendors in the park charge high prices. It’s better to bring your own water and snacks for savings
3. Don’t buy roadside wild products casually to avoid scams