Hefei City Guide

Local Anhui dishes focus on stews and braised flavors. There's growing international food including Western, Japanese, and Korean. Vegan and vegetarian meals exist, often in Buddhist restaurants. Some street food and restaurants stay open late.

Nightlife is growing with bars, karaoke, and clubs mainly in the city center and near universities. Options range from casual pubs to dance venues.

Growing coffee scene with international chains and local specialty shops.

Tipping is not expected or customary in most situations.

Buy SIMs at China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom stores. China Mobile has the best coverage. Passport needed for registration. eSIMs are rarely supported.

Streets are generally clean with good sanitation and growing recycling programs.

Late-night pharmacies, minimarts, and some clinics plus food options are available.

Large supermarkets like Carrefour, Walmart, and local chains carry international goods. Fresh markets sell local produce and meat, bargain there. Supermarkets open 8 AM to 10 PM, usually open on Sundays and holidays.

Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are used everywhere. Cash is rare, and foreign cards may not work often.

ATMs are common in banks, malls, and hotels. Major banks include Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank. Check your bank’s fees for international withdrawals.

International schools include Hefei Canadian International School and international departments in local schools. Teaching is usually in English and Chinese.

Small community with limited meetups and co-living options. Expat groups and coworking spaces provide some networking.

Several large parks with trails and green areas for recreation.

Popular routes include parks and paths around Chao Lake with generally safe conditions but air quality varies.

Several gyms with modern facilities are available.

Tennis courts are in sports centers and university campuses.

Padel courts exist but are uncommon.

Yoga studios offer various styles; English classes may be limited.

Training available for Chinese martial arts like Wing Chun and Tai Chi, plus some boxing and Sanda gyms.

No major skiing; minor indoor or seasonal outdoor facilities exist in Anhui province.

Chao Lake offers kayaking and paddleboarding rentals during warmer months.

No surfing as Hefei is inland.

No diving opportunities in or near Hefei.

Hospitals like Anhui Provincial Hospital have English-speaking staff. Public hospitals are good but busy; private clinics offer more personal care. Pharmacies are common with typical Western-style meds.

Tap water should be boiled or bottled water used for drinking.

Parks like Xiaoyaojin and Botanical Garden offer playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafés and baby supplies are available. Attractions include Hefei Wildlife Park and Anhui Museum.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low; few safe spaces and minimal legal protections exist.

Pet policies vary. Veterinary care is available but pet-friendly places are limited. Import rules are strict.