Luzhou Extreme 48 Hours | Hefei Weekend Special Forces Route: A One-Stop Connection of City Center Night Views and Food + Sanhe Ancient Town Highlights
Day 1: High-density check-in at the old town center
Upon arrival in Hefei, it's recommended to stay near Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street or Bao Park Metro Station for easy walking and return at night. The first stop in the morning is Li Hongzhang's Former Residence, a representative of late Qing Dynasty Jianghuai official residences; the architectural layout and biographical exhibition can be completed in about forty minutes. Afterwards, walk north along Suzhou Road, entering Cuozhaoshan Lane and Qinlao Lane, one of the areas with the highest density of snacks in Hefei's old city. For lunch, you can choose duck oil pancakes and osmanthus red bean paste from Luzhou Roast Duck Restaurant, or freshly made Xiatangji pancakes at the alley entrance; arriving before 11:00 AM will significantly reduce queues.
In the afternoon, visit Baohe Park. Walk from Huaihe Road to the Baohe Riverbank, then enter the Ring Park Greenway. Along the north bank, you can connect Bao Gong Temple, Fuzhuang, and Qingfeng Pavilion. Don't force yourself to enter every paid attraction; the riverside path itself offers the shade and water features of the old city moat, perfect for taking photos and brisk walking. It's recommended to exit at Wuhu Road and head towards Huizhou Avenue.
In the evening, take the subway or bike to Leijie Street. Leijie Street is Hefei's most vibrant food street, perfect for a one-stop dinner. It's a hub for local flavors: crayfish, Sanhe rice dumplings, Zhuangmu glutinous rice balls, and Wushan goose are all available. It's recommended to walk along the main street first, observing the food preparation speed and available seating before deciding where to sit. Avoid the most crowded stalls in the middle section; shops near the entrance and side alleys tend to have shorter queues.
Return to Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street in the evening. The lights and night market atmosphere around Mingjiao Temple and Parkson Plaza are perfect for wrapping up the night. There are still food stalls in Gulou Alley where you can buy some grilled skewers or iced drinks, but there's no need to have a full meal. Get back to your accommodation before 10 PM to conserve energy for the next day.
Day 2: A half-day highlight of Sanhe Ancient Town, no rushing.
Check out and store your luggage the next morning. Depart from the city center before 8:00 AM, taking a regular tourist bus or subway line to Sanhe Ancient Town. The journey takes about one and a half hours each way. The core value of Sanhe Ancient Town lies in its "water town layout + Hui-style old streets." The area itself is free to enter, so buying a combined ticket is not recommended. Spend your time on a few highlights: Yiren Alley, the exterior of Yang Zhenning's former residence, the ancient city wall, and Sanxian Bridge. A walk around the Xiaonan River should take no more than two hours.
Sanhe rice dumplings are a must-try, but only those freshly fried in the old town's main street taste the best. The outer skin is crispy, and the filling is juicy. Pair them with a cup of local tea or some side dishes for a perfect brunch. Avoid buying vacuum-packed rice dumplings or "tourist area special" gift boxes, as the taste is vastly different from freshly made ones. If you're interested in history, you can visit the exterior of Sun Li-jen's former residence and Wannian Terrace along the way; you don't need to enter all the exhibition halls.
Return around 2 PM. If you have some free time back in the city, you can stop by Baohe Wanda Plaza or the old Anhui Provincial Museum as a buffer point. After collecting your luggage, head to Hefei Station or Hefei South Station. It is recommended to allow enough time for transfers when taking the high-speed train back. The total walking distance for the two days is expected to be around 25,000 steps.
Useful Tips: Transportation Saving Card + Packing Tips + Avoiding Queues
Transportation Savings Card: Hefei Metro covers major tourist attractions; using the official QR code or purchasing a multi-day pass is more cost-effective. In the old town area, there's a high density of shared bicycles and electric bikes, making short-distance transfers more flexible than taxis. When visiting Sanhe Ancient Town, be sure to choose a regular tourist bus line or transfer to the metro; don't easily trust "low-price guides" near stations.
Packing list: A lightweight backpack is sufficient for two days and one night. Must bring: broken-in sneakers, quick-drying top, light jacket, folding umbrella, power bank, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water bottle, ID, and a small amount of cash (some stalls in the old street only accept cash). Download offline maps and the Hefei Rail Transit App in advance to avoid signal or queuing issues.
Avoiding queues: Long queues are common at Luzhou Roast Duck Restaurant and popular stalls on Lei Street during peak hours. Skipping the queue by half an hour to an hour can significantly improve the situation. During holidays, long queues for boat tours in Sanhe Ancient Town can be time-consuming, so skip them on your itinerary. Be wary of offers of "internal discounts" or "skip-the-line lanes" near scenic spots. Avoid eating too many raw or cold snacks at once to prevent affecting your return trip.
This route compresses Hefei's most representative old-town charm and suburban water towns into a weekend of 48 hours, making it an efficient template for short weekend trips.