Hefei is the capital of Anhui Province in eastern China, a city that has grown into an important centre for science and education and, more recently, a technology hub. Its name also appears as 合肥 in Chinese, and visitors will see both forms on signs and maps.
What the city offers
- Science and education: Hefei is known as a centre of research and higher learning, which gives its streets a lively, student-filled character.
- Technology: The city has developed into a growing technology hub in eastern China, so it suits travellers with an interest in modern China as well as its older culture.
- A base for the south of the province: Hefei is the gateway to Huangshan, the famous mountain range, and to traditional villages in the area.
Planning a visit
Many people treat Hefei as a starting point rather than a final stop. It works well for a stay of a few days, with time to see the city itself and then travel onward to the mountains and the older villages that lie beyond it. Those who prefer a quieter pace of city life, shaped by universities and the working life of a provincial capital, will find it a useful and genuine place to spend time.
If your interest is in the wider province, Hefei is a sensible place to begin, since it connects you to the landscapes and traditions that draw many visitors to Anhui.
