Huainan Travel Guide: Gems, Eats & Tips

This Huainan travel guide highlights underrated cultural spots, iconic tofu-based dishes, and tailored itineraries, perfect for cultural travelers, food enthusiasts, budget backpackers, and family vacationers.

Must-Visit Attractions in Huainan

Bagong Mountain Scenic Area

Bagong Mountain is the birthplace of Chinese tofu, a national 4A-level tourist attraction, and a sacred site for tofu lovers and history buffs.

Basic Details

• Location: Bagongshan District, Huainan, Anhui Province
• Scenic Level: National 4A Tourist Attraction, National Geopark
• Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30 year-round, extended to 18:00 from May to September
• Ticket Price: 40 CNY for adults, 20 CNY for students with valid ID, free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 65
• Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours

Core Highlights

• Tofu Cultural Exhibition Hall: Displays the 2,100-year history of tofu invention by Lord Liu An of Huainan during the Western Han Dynasty, with interactive demos of traditional tofu making (weekends only).
• Main Peak of Bagong Mountain: Offers panoramic views of the Huai River valley and surrounding karst landscapes, with a stone pavilion at the summit for resting and photo-taking.
• Ancient Battlefield Site: The location of the famous Battle of Fei River in 383 AD, a pivotal event in Chinese history, with engraved stone steles recounting the battle’s details.
• Lotus Pond Scenic Spot: Features blooming lotus flowers from June to August, with wooden walkways winding through the water for a peaceful stroll.

Practical Travel Tips

• Transportation: Take bus 121 or 26 from Huainan Railway Station, a 40-minute direct ride; taxi fare is 80-100 CNY one-way from the railway station.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) for mild temperatures and vibrant foliage.
• Recommended Itinerary: Start at the Tofu Cultural Hall → hike to the Ancient Battlefield Site → climb the main peak → relax at Lotus Pond.
• Precautions: Wear comfortable hiking shoes for mountain trails, bring a reusable water bottle, and avoid visiting during heavy rain as some paths may be slippery.

Cultural Context & Atmosphere

The mountain is tied to the legendary tale of Lord Liu An inventing tofu while searching for an immortality elixir, and the annual Huainan Tofu Festival held in September draws thousands of food lovers from across China. The air is filled with the scent of pine trees and local herbal tea, with quiet ancient temples and traditional wooden pavilions scattered across the scenic area, creating a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.

Who Should Visit

This attraction is ideal for history buffs, tofu enthusiasts, and casual hikers looking to connect with China’s ancient culinary and military heritage while enjoying natural scenery.

Huainan Old Town & Local Food Street

Huainan Old Town is a well-preserved traditional street lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, serving as the heart of local food and folk culture, with few large tourist crowds.

Basic Details

• Location: Tianjia’an District, Huainan
• Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, with street stalls operating from 10:00 to 22:00
• Ticket Price: Free entry
• Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours

Core Highlights

• Traditional Residential Courtyards: Well-preserved ancient Chinese courtyard homes with black-tiled roofs and intricate wooden carvings, some of which are still occupied by local residents.
• Local Food Stalls: A concentrated hub of all Huainan’s iconic street foods, including stinky tofu, tofu pudding, and beef noodles.
• Folk Art Shops: Sell handcrafted paper-cuts, clay figurines, vacuum-packed tofu products, and local herbal remedies.

Practical Travel Tips

• Transportation: Take bus 1, 3, or 9 from Huainan Railway Station, get off at the Old Town stop; it’s also a 15-minute walk from Huainan Central Square.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings or weekend mornings to avoid large crowds.
• Recommended Itinerary: Walk from the east entrance to the west, stop at each food stall for tastings, then browse the folk art shops for souvenirs.
• Precautions: Bargain gently for handcrafted items, and keep an eye on personal belongings as the street can get busy on weekends.

Cultural Context & Atmosphere

Huainan Old Town has been a regional trading hub for over 500 years, and you can hear local dialects, see elders playing chess in street squares, and watch children flying kites, offering a genuine glimpse of daily Huainan life. Unlike overcrowded ancient towns in other parts of China, this area retains a low-key, authentic vibe with minimal commercialization.

Who Should Visit

This spot is perfect for foodies and cultural explorers who want to experience local daily life without the crowds of major tourist destinations.

Must-Try Huainan Local Dishes

As the birthplace of Chinese tofu, Huainan’s cuisine is centered around tofu-based dishes, with additional local specialties that reflect the region’s agricultural and culinary heritage. Below are the most iconic must-try foods:

Tofu-Focused Dishes

• Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu): Fermented tofu fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with spicy garlic sauce and pickled vegetables. Average cost: 8-12 CNY per serving. Best stalls: South entrance of Huainan Old Town, Bagong Mountain Food Court.
• Tofu Pudding (Dou Hua): Silky soft tofu pudding available in two classic flavors: sweet with red bean paste, or savory with soy sauce, scallions, and chili oil. Average cost: 5-8 CNY per bowl. Best spots: Old Town breakfast stalls, Huainan Breakfast Street near Tianjia’an Square.

Other Local Specialties

• Huainan Beef Noodles: Thinly sliced beef in a rich, slow-simmered bone broth, served with hand-pulled noodles, crispy fried garlic, and cilantro. The local version uses a unique spicy chili oil that adds depth without overwhelming flavor. Average cost: 15-20 CNY per bowl. Best restaurant: Laoniang Beef Noodle Shop, 128 Huainan Avenue, Tianjia’an District (open 6:00-20:00).
• Fried Lotus Root Cakes: Sliced lotus root coated in a crispy batter, fried until golden brown, and served with sweet chili sauce. Average cost: 10-15 CNY per plate. Best stalls: Old Town street stalls, weekend markets near Bagong Mountain.
• Huainan Braised Pork Belly: Slow-braised pork belly in soy sauce, star anise, and rock sugar, tender and juicy, paired with steamed rice. Average cost: 25-30 CNY per serving. Best restaurant: Huainan Laowei Restaurant, 45 Renmin Road.

Tailored Travel Itineraries

1-Day Mini Trip (Perfect for Day Trippers from Hefei)

This itinerary is designed for travelers coming from Hefei, with a tight but enjoyable schedule:

• 08:30: Take the high-speed train from Hefei South Railway Station to Huainan East Railway Station, 30-minute ride, 35 CNY one-way.
• 09:30: Arrive at Huainan East Station, take bus 26 to Bagong Mountain Scenic Area, 40-minute direct ride.
• 10:15-13:00: Explore Bagong Mountain, visit the Tofu Cultural Exhibition Hall and hike to the main peak.
• 13:00-14:00: Lunch at the scenic area’s food court, try stinky tofu and tofu pudding.
• 14:30: Take bus 121 back to Huainan Old Town, 50-minute ride.
• 15:20-17:30: Wander Old Town, sample local street foods and browse folk art shops.
• 18:00: Take the high-speed train back to Hefei from Huainan Railway Station.

2-Day Slow Travel Itinerary (For Cultural & Food Enthusiasts)

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to dive deeper into Huainan’s culture and cuisine:

Day 1

• 09:00: Check into your accommodation near Huainan Old Town.
• 10:00-12:30: Visit Bagong Mountain Scenic Area, join the free tofu-making demo (weekends only).
• 12:30-13:30: Lunch at a local family-run restaurant near the mountain, try Huainan braised pork belly and tofu dishes.
• 14:30-17:00: Cycle along the Huai River Riverside Park, rent a bicycle for 20 CNY per hour to enjoy the riverside views.
• 18:00: Dinner at Laoniang Beef Noodle Shop, try the iconic local beef noodles.

Day 2

• 08:00: Breakfast at Old Town breakfast stalls, try tofu pudding and fried dough sticks.
• 09:00-12:00: Explore Huainan Old Town, visit the ancient courtyards and folk art shops, and pick up souvenirs.
• 12:30-13:30: Lunch at Huainan Laowei Restaurant, try fried lotus root cakes and other local specialties.
• 14:00: Visit Huainan Museum (free entry, open 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays) to learn more about Huainan’s history and tofu culture.
• 15:30: Depart from Huainan Railway Station.

Accommodation Recommendations

Huainan offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles, with the most convenient areas being near Huainan Old Town and the railway station.

Budget Accommodation (50-150 CNY per night)

• Huainan Youth Hostel: Located at 32 Renmin Road, Tianjia’an District, a 10-minute walk from Huainan Old Town. Offers clean shared dormitories (20-50 CNY per bed) and private rooms (120-150 CNY per night). Core advantages: free daily breakfast, free bike rental, and organized local food tours. Ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, and budget groups.
• Express Inn Huainan Old Town Branch: Located at 18 Huainan Old Street, within walking distance to all food stalls and attractions. Offers basic but clean private rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, priced at 100-180 CNY per night. Ideal for family travelers and couples on a tight budget.

Mid-Range Accommodation (200-400 CNY per night)

• Holiday Inn Express Huainan Railway Station: Located at 56 Huainan Avenue, a 5-minute walk from Huainan Railway Station. Offers modern rooms, free daily breakfast, and a fitness center, priced at 250-350 CNY per night. Core advantages: 24-hour front desk and convenient location for train travelers. Ideal for business travelers and family travelers who value convenience.
• Huainan Riverview Hotel: Located along the Huai River Riverside Park, Panji District. Offers river-view rooms and an on-site restaurant serving local dishes, priced at 300-400 CNY per night. Core advantages: stunning riverside views and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for couples and slow travelers looking for a relaxing stay.

Luxury Accommodation (500+ CNY per night)

• Intercontinental Huainan: Located at 100 Central Square, Tianjia’an District, a prime location near Huainan Central Square. Offers 5-star facilities, a fine-dining restaurant, a spa, and an indoor pool, priced at 600-1000 CNY per night. Ideal for luxury travelers and honeymooners.

Travel Pitfalls & Avoidable Mistakes

Even with a well-planned itinerary, travelers can fall into common traps when visiting Huainan. Here are the top tips to avoid mistakes:

• Don’t buy overpriced souvenirs at Bagong Mountain Scenic Area: Most tofu products and souvenirs can be purchased at lower prices at Huainan Old Town shops or local supermarkets.
• Avoid eating at restaurants near major railway stations: Food at these restaurants is often overpriced and less authentic. Instead, head to Huainan Old Town or local neighborhood restaurants for fresh, affordable meals.
• Don’t hike Bagong Mountain alone during rainy days: Some mountain trails become slippery and muddy, and it’s easy to get lost without a local guide.
• Don’t miss the weekend tofu-making demo: The free demo at the Bagong Mountain Tofu Cultural Hall is only available on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to participate.
• Be cautious with street food hygiene: Stick to stalls with high customer turnover and visible clean cooking practices to avoid stomach issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What’s the best time to visit Huainan?
  A: Late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) for mild temperatures, vibrant foliage, and comfortable hiking conditions.
• Q: How do I get from Hefei to Huainan?
  A: The fastest way is by high-speed train, which takes 30 minutes from Hefei South Railway Station to Huainan East Railway Station, with tickets priced at 35 CNY one-way. You can also take a bus, which takes 2 hours and costs 25-35 CNY.
• Q: Is Huainan safe for solo travelers?
  A: Yes, Huainan is a very safe city with low crime rates, especially for tourists. Local residents are friendly and willing to help if you need directions.
• Q: What currency is used in Huainan?
  A: Chinese Yuan (CNY). Most large shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but cash is preferred for street stalls and small local shops.
• Q: Can I bring Huainan tofu products back home?
  A: Yes, vacuum-packed tofu products are available at local supermarkets and souvenir shops, and they have a long shelf life, making them perfect souvenirs.