Huaibao 3-Day Citywalk Guide: Discover the Hidden Charm of Northern Anhui
Schwarz
City Impression
Huaibao, located in northern Anhui Province (within the Huaibei municipal area), is also known as 'Xiangcheng'. This modest city in northern Anhui may lack the fame of Huangshan or Jiuhuashan, but it harbors surprisingly beautiful landscapes and profound cultural heritage. As early as the Spring and Autumn period, it served as an important city of the Song State. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Grand Canal passed through, bringing trade prosperity and cultural exchange. In modern times, it rose through coal mining, and today it's quietly transforming into an eco-friendly, culturally rich tourist destination.
With four distinct seasons, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant visiting conditions. The bells of the millennia-old Xiantong Temple, the weathered remnants of the Sui-Tang Canal, the lush Xiangshan National Forest Park, and the serene Nanhu Wetlands — all await your discovery.
Itinerary (3 Days, 2 Nights)
Day 1: Ancient City Discovery · Historical Journey
Morning After arriving in Huaibei, check into a hotel in Xiangshan District. Drop your bags and head straight to Xiangshan National Forest Park, the 'green lung' of the city with an impressive 97% forest coverage. Follow the mountain trail past Zoumintai Platform and Tianzang Temple. At the summit of General Mountain (342m), the entire city unfolds before you. Within the park stands Xiantong Temple, founded during the Western Jin dynasty over 1,700 years ago. The Qianlong Emperor himself inscribed 'Hui Wo Nan Li' (Bless My Southern Frontier) on a stele that remains well-preserved to this day.
Noon After descending, try Huaibei's signature dish — Huaibei Cold Noodles (Mianpi). Smooth, chewy noodles drenched in a secret sauce of chili oil and sesame paste, topped with cucumber and bean sprouts — refreshing and appetizing. Follow it up with a steaming bowl of Huaibei Mutton Soup, milky white and rich without being gamey.
Afternoon Visit the Sui-Tang Grand Canal Museum (Huaibei Museum), which houses remarkable relics including Tang dynasty shipwrecks and ceramics excavated from the Liuzi Canal site — a perfect window into the Grand Canal culture. Then stroll through the Sui-Tang Canal Ancient Town, a faithful recreation of a bustling Tang-era canal port. Blue-grey brick buildings, arched bridges, and flowing water create a mesmerizing scene, especially as evening lights begin to glow.
Dinner Savor authentic Huaibei Clay Pot Chicken (Diguo Ji) — chicken slow-cooked in an iron pot, surrounded by crispy flatbread that soaks up the rich broth. Pair it with the local Kouzi Liquor, a premium mixed-aroma baijiu that's Huaibei's proudest export, and experience the warm hospitality of northern Anhui.
Day 2: Landscape Canvas · Nature Escape
Morning Head to Nanhu National Urban Wetland Park, Huaibei's largest wetland reserve. Picturesque lake and mountain scenery awaits. Rent a boat for a leisurely paddle, or cycle and hike along the lakeside greenway, breathing in the crisp morning air. Birdwatchers can spot egrets, wild ducks, and other waterfowl.
Noon Near Nanhu, try Linhuan Sesame Cake (Shaobing) — crispy outside, soft inside, fragrant with sesame, this centuries-old snack is a local institution. Pair it with a bowl of Huaibei Oil Tea (Youcha) — thick, savory, and soul-warming.
Afternoon Explore Longji Mountain Natural Scenic Area. The undulating ridges resemble a dragon's spine, and dense forests make this a hiker's paradise. Along the trail you'll encounter Dragon's Ridge Sky Path and Immortal's Cave. If time permits, visit nearby Huajia Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere.
Dinner Back in the city, try Nanping Crispy Tripe (Xiangdu) — a distinctive dish where pork tripe is cooked to a crunchy, squeaky texture — and Linhuan Fermented Bean Curd Pork — pork belly braised in fermented tofu sauce until glossy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Served with northern Anhui-style steamed buns, this is country cooking at its finest.
Day 3: Market Alleys · Farewell Wander
Morning Wander through Suixi Old Town Flagstone Street. This ancient street preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, with weathered flagstones gleaming in the morning light. Traditional shops lining the street sell local specialties: Kouzi Liquor, Linhuan Five-Spice Turnip, and Linhuan Pickles — perfect souvenirs and a taste of Huaibei's market culture.
Then visit the Huaibei National Mining Park to understand this 'Coal City's' industrial heritage. The park features a mining museum and underground experience zone, offering an immersive look at the coal industry that shaped the region.
Noon Near Flagstone Street, sample Shuangdui Fish Noodles — not actual fish but wheat dough shaped like little fish, served in a savory broth. Follow with Huaibei Hot Noodles (Tang Mian) — the most ubiquitous street food in Huaibei, deceptively simple yet unforgettable.
Afternoon Depending on your departure time, take a relaxing stroll through Huantan Park or Qianlong Lake Wetland Park. Or join locals at the city square near Huaibei Sports Center — sunbathing, flying kites, and soaking in the slow-paced rhythm of this small city.
Depart Huaibao with the lingering aroma of Kouzi Liquor and memories of northern Anhui hospitality.
Must-Try Foods
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Huaibei Cold Noodles | Smooth, chewy noodles with secret sauce |
| Huaibei Hot Noodles | Classic street food, rich broth |
| Linhuan Sesame Cake | Crispy outside, soft inside |
| Clay Pot Chicken | Northern Anhui classic with bread dippers |
| Nanping Crispy Tripe | Crunchy pork tripe specialty |
| Fermented Bean Curd Pork | Braised pork in fermented tofu |
| Shuangdui Fish Noodles | Fish-shaped wheat noodles in broth |
| Huaibei Oil Tea | Thick, savory morning warmer |
| Kouzi Liquor | Mixed-aroma baijiu, the city's calling card |
Transport Guide
- Rail: Huaibei Station has high-speed trains to Beijing (~3.5h), Shanghai (~4h), Hefei (~1.5h)
- Air: The nearest airport is Xuzhou Guanyin International Airport, ~90km away (bus or taxi)
- Local: Buses from ¥2 (WeChat/Alipay accepted); taxis start at ~¥6; bike-sharing available citywide
Accommodation
- Xiangshan District is the city center with the widest hotel selection, from budget to luxury
- Recommended areas: along Xiangshan Road or near Huaibei Railway Station
- Price guide: Budget ¥100-200/night, Mid-range ¥300-500/night
Best Seasons
- Spring (Mar-May): Warming temperatures, blooming flowers on Xiangshan — perfect for hiking
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clear skies, crisp air, osmanthus fragrance — the ideal visiting season
- Summer is hot, winter cold, but each has its own charm
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — most sites involve mountain trails and cobblestone streets
- Spring and autumn have significant day-night temperature swings; bring a light jacket
- Local cuisine leans savory and salty; inform restaurants if you prefer milder flavors
- Locals speak Jianghuai Mandarin; standard Mandarin works everywhere
- Entrance fees are affordable; most parks are free