Hefei is a prime candidate for alternative tourism, offering a refreshing break from the crowds during holidays. Visiting its parks is a pleasure, as entry fees are nonexistent, and hotel prices remain stable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The culinary scene is also vibrant, boasting a diverse array of delicious dishes, some of which may originate from other cities in Anhui, but their flavors are uncompromising.
As for snack streets, Hefei offers a range of options, albeit somewhat scattered: Lei Street, a popular destination for Instagrammers, lacks in terms of food quality; Guanting Road Snack Street and the snack street on Huoshan Road near Anhui Agricultural University offer a more authentic and diverse culinary experience, albeit with some homogeneity in offerings, especially fried snacks. Shilimiao and Honggang Road are yet to be explored, while Haihui Flower Market is a vast and lively hub for snacks, flowers, fish, and birds. Finally, Gongchen Street, located opposite the west gate of the ancient Xiaoyaojin Park, is a hidden gem, where locals can be seen preparing handmade egg dumplings and dried meat.
Hefei truly shines as a destination for affordable yet enriching culinary and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for food lovers and travelers alike.
