Hefei Solo Travel Map | A Safety Checklist for 3 Days 2 Nights Solo Travel Without Getting Hurt (Tested by the Blogger)

I spent four days and three nights traveling alone in Hefei. The biggest pitfall I encountered wasn't the bad attractions, but rather following the usual travel guides, which turned my solo trip into a period of compromise: worrying about taking up tables at restaurants, only being able to take close-up selfies, and feeling anxious before returning to the hotel at night. Later, I simply changed my approach and retraced my steps at the pace of a local, only to discover that Hefei is actually very friendly to solo travelers—as long as you choose the right areas, go to the right shops, and find the right spots for your photos.

This is my "Hefei Solo Travel Safety Guide," suitable for first-time visitors to Hefei who don't want to carpool or visit tourist attractions but still want to experience the local atmosphere. It doesn't list specific addresses or prices, only price ranges and directions, and is suitable for both men and women.

Solo travel accommodation: Choosing a safe area is more important than the hotel brand.

Living alone in Hefei, my priority isn't the hotel's star rating, but rather the "popularity" of the area on my way home at night. Based on my experience, three areas stand out: the Swan Lake area in the Zhengwu District, the area from Sanxiaokou to Sipailou in the old town of Luyang, and the Wuhu Road area in Baohe District. The Zhengwu District has wide, well-lit streets, many shopping malls and office buildings, and plenty of pedestrians on the way home late at night, making it suitable for those who prioritize safety. Although the old town of Luyang has many alleys, the subway and buses run late, and there are numerous convenience stores downstairs, so you can comfortably go downstairs to buy water if you get hungry late at night. The Wuhu Road area is close to Bao Park, and many locals stroll there in the early morning, making it suitable for early risers and solo travelers.

Try to avoid staying in unbranded apartments near train stations to save money, especially if you are a single woman. It's better to choose a basic room in a chain brand or a female-only dorm room in a hostel. Hostels in Hefei are concentrated in the old city and university area. Choose those with independent access control and lockers. When checking in, confirm whether the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. This is more important than the decoration style.

In terms of accommodation, those seeking high value for money should choose chain hotels in the old city, those with a mid-range budget can stay around Swan Lake, and those with high-end needs should look directly at business hotels in the government district. Don't worry too much about river views or landmark views; in Hefei, a sense of security at night comes from "having people nearby," not "having a nice view from the window."

Dining alone is not awkward: These restaurants are overly friendly to solo diners.

Local snacks in Hefei are more forgiving of solo diners than I imagined. The types I frequented repeatedly were: first, established restaurants like "Luzhou Roast Duck Restaurant," which are crowded during mealtimes but have a fast turnover; ordering a duck fat pancake with red bean paste and sitting at a corner table doesn't feel out of place at all; second, local chains like "Liu Hongsheng" or "Laoxiangji," where you can order from an open kitchen, find your seat, and there are no waiters watching you to order more food, making it a relaxed work lunch experience for one person.

If you want a slightly more formal meal, you can go to the main hall of "Luzhou Taitai" or "Tongqinglou". Local Hefei families often go there for family gatherings, and it won't seem strange for one person to order two or three small portions of dishes. If you like spicy food, look for mala tang or skewers shops near the university town. Many of them are self-service and weighed or priced by the skewer, so you can take as much or as little as you like, and you can eat your fill for just a few dozen yuan per person.

What truly made me feel "not awkward" wasn't the lack of customers, but rather the layout: counter seating, single tables by the window, and self-service at the open kitchen. Many modern noodle shops and coffee shops in Hefei have this type of seating; when searching, check the reviews for the "dining alone" tag—it's more reliable than looking at the signboard. Avoid large restaurants in shopping malls that require queuing or waiting for a table; waiting alone can easily cause anxiety.

No need to ask others for photos: Four camera positions with built-in tripod-friendly spots.

When taking photos alone, the biggest fear is not finding a place to put your phone. I personally tested four spots in Hefei, and they all had steps, railings, or platforms where you could fix your equipment: The first was "Hechai 1972," a cultural and creative park converted from an old factory. There were many low platforms in front of the red brick walls and old railway tracks, where you could prop your phone up on a fire extinguisher box or windowsill to create a sense of depth; The second was the waterfront platform in the northeast corner of "Swan Lake Park." In the evening blues, you could lean your phone against the stone railing on the lake shore to capture symmetrical reflections of the city. The key was that there weren't many people, so you didn't have to fight for a spot.

The third is the outdoor corridor of the new Anhui Provincial Museum. The light and shadow are very clean around 3 or 4 pm. The steps are wide and flat, making it suitable for taking low-angle burst shots while walking. The fourth is near the elephant slide in Xiaoyaojin Park. There are many parents with children during the day, but there are basically no people before 9 am. You can put your equipment on the bench opposite and take photos in a film style that evokes a sense of childhood.

In indoor or crowded settings, I usually use a three-piece set: countdown timer, Bluetooth remote control, and backpack as a tripod. The air conditioning in Hefei subways and shopping malls is strong, but don't place your bag in blind spots when taking photos, especially when setting up a tripod in an aisle; remember to use your body to block the view.

Reliable and cooperative partners: Only trust these three channels

While traveling alone in Hefei, carpooling isn't really necessary. However, if you're planning to visit nearby attractions like Sanhe Ancient Town or Zifeng Mountain, finding a travel companion on the fly is more cost-effective. After reviewing various options, I've narrowed it down to three relatively reliable channels: First, small local day tour groups recommended by hostel receptionists or guesthouse owners, as they have long-term partnerships and relatively consistent vehicles and guides. Second, the "travel buddy" sections on mainstream travel platforms, but it's crucial to communicate using the platform's chat tools, not personal social media accounts. Third, free guided tours at local museums or parks—just follow the flow of people listening to the explanations; it's safe and you can meet like-minded people along the way.

Avoid joining so-called "celebrity photography tours" within Hefei city limits. Many of them simply take you to fixed camera positions for a repetitive photoshoot, which can actually restrict your freedom if you're traveling alone. If you must join a tour, prioritize small groups of no more than six people and confirm that the price includes insurance; verbal promises are not valid.

For female solo travelers, it's helpful to ask hostel owners if they have a "female travel group" or if there are any female solo travelers staying there recently. Owners are usually willing to help connect you, but it's best to meet in a common area, not in your room. Male solo travelers should focus on verifying the legitimacy of the vehicle used for group travel to avoid being lured into unlicensed taxis on the street.

Three-day, two-night itinerary: Connecting fragmented camera locations into a closed loop.

On the first day, after landing, stay in the old city or government district. In the afternoon, walk along the route of "Xiaoyaojin Park - Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street - Li Hongzhang's Former Residence". In the evening, eat at time-honored snack shops near the pedestrian street. After dark, walk along Suzhou Road towards the hotel, avoiding alleys. On the second day, go for a morning walk at "Bao Park" or "Wuhu Road", then take the subway to "Hechai 1972" for photos. In the afternoon, visit "Swan Lake" for blues music. Have dinner at Wanda Plaza or Yintai City near Swan Lake. Eating at the food stalls on the basement floor of the mall is the most convenient option for solo travelers.

The third day can be reserved for semi-indoor settings like the new Anhui Provincial Museum or "Hidden in the City." In the afternoon, depending on your energy, you can choose to join a small group tour to Sanhe Ancient Town for half a day, or continue exploring the streets and coffee shops along Hongxing Road and Shucheng Road. The advantage of this arrangement is that you have a "safe anchor point" every day: the accommodation area is fixed, the return route at night is familiar, and you don't have to drag your luggage around to different places.

If it rains, Hefei Metro basically covers the core area, and there are indoor options such as museums, shopping malls, bookstores, and independent cafes, so you won't feel embarrassed if you're taking shelter from the rain alone.

10 Safety Checklist Points for Solo Travel: Suitable for Both Girls and Boys

1. Only provide hotel information to one emergency contact person, and do not publicly disclose room numbers and itinerary details on social media platforms in real time.

2. When returning to the hotel after 10 p.m., try to take main roads with streetlights, even if it means taking an extra 500 meters, rather than going through parks or underpasses.

3. Use a legitimate ride-hailing platform, check the last digit of the license plate before getting in the car, sit in the back seat, and share your trip with friends.

4. Always carry a power bank and a piece of paper with the hotel address in your bag, so you won't lose control if your phone runs out of battery.

5. When dining alone, choose to order from the open kitchen or at the counter. When leaving your seat to get your food, take all your belongings with you and do not use your phone to reserve a seat.

6. When taking photos, do not keep your tripod or mobile phone more than two meters away from you, especially by the lake, on steps, and at intersections.

7. Group bookings or travel companions should only be made through platforms, hostel front desks, or official tour guides. Do not follow street touts or hitchhike.

8. Dress in a style that blends with local commuter fashion, avoiding head-to-toe designer brands and eye-catching jewelry to reduce unnecessary attention.

9. Set a "report safety" alarm on your phone before setting off each day, and send your location to friends or family regularly to make it a habit.

10. In case of an emergency, leave the scene first and then call the police. Safety is more important than loss. Do not chase after people or confront them alone.

The blogger concludes: Hefei isn't the kind of city that immediately wows you, but its friendliness towards solo travelers is hidden in the details—comfortable dining, comfortable accommodations, and easy photography. As long as you choose the right area for your accommodation and plan your nightly itinerary, you can easily enjoy a slow-paced three-day, two-night trip as a solo adventure. Finally, a word of caution: the temperature difference between day and night in Hefei and the air conditioning in the subway can easily cause you to catch a cold, so packing a light jacket is more useful than any travel guide.