Capital of Anhui · Home of Lord Bao · Gateway to Huangshan · China's Science & Innovation Capital
Hefei (合肥) has over 2,200 years of recorded history, established as a county under the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). Its name derives from the confluence of the Fei and Dong rivers — hé fèi (合淝). Known historically as Luzhou, it was a vital military garrison protecting the region between the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers.
The city is the birthplace of Bao Zheng (包拯, 999–1062 AD), the revered Song Dynasty magistrate celebrated across Chinese culture for his incorruptible justice — known as "Iron-faced Judge Bao." In the Qing Dynasty, Hefei produced Li Hongzhang, the statesman who shaped China's relations with the Western world.
Today Hefei is one of China's fastest-growing cities, home to the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and dozens of leading research institutes — earning it the nickname "China's Quantum City" for its breakthroughs in quantum computing and communication.
Best: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings blossoms to Xinghua Park and mild temperatures; autumn offers clear skies perfect for mountain excursions to Zipeng and Dashushan.
Avoid: July–August are hot and extremely humid (35°C+), with heavy monsoon rains. Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October, Spring Festival in Jan/Feb) see heavy crowds — book well ahead.
Peak months: March, April and September attract the most tourists. Budget travel is most affordable in January, June and December.
| Month | Avg Temp | High | Low | Rainfall | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4°C / 39°F | 7°C | 0°C | Low | 🟢 Low | Budget month — quiet and cold |
| Feb | 6°C / 43°F | 9°C | 2°C | Low | 🟡 Low-Med | Spring Festival crowds possible |
| Mar | 11°C / 52°F | 15°C | 6°C | Moderate | 🔴 Peak | Cherry blossoms — busy |
| Apr | 17°C / 63°F | 22°C | 12°C | Moderate | 🔴 Peak | Ideal — warm, green, lively |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 27°C | 17°C | Moderate | 🟡 Medium | Excellent — Labour Day busy |
| Jun | 26°C / 79°F | 31°C | 21°C | High | 🟢 Low | Rainy season begins |
| Jul | 29°C / 84°F | 34°C | 25°C | Very High | 🟡 Medium | Avoid — hot and humid |
| Aug | 28°C / 83°F | 33°C | 24°C | High | 🟡 Medium | Hot — summer school holidays |
| Sep | 23°C / 73°F | 27°C | 18°C | Low | 🔴 Peak | Perfect autumn weather |
| Oct | 17°C / 63°F | 21°C | 12°C | Low | 🔴 Peak | Golden Week — very busy |
| Nov | 11°C / 52°F | 15°C | 6°C | Low | 🟡 Medium | Late autumn colours |
| Dec | 5°C / 41°F | 8°C | 1°C | Low | 🟢 Low | Quiet, cold, budget prices |
Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE) is 30km west of the city. Flights connect to all major Chinese cities: Beijing (~2h), Shanghai (~1.5h), Guangzhou (~2h), Chengdu (~2h). Limited international connections via layover. Airport Bus Line 1 goes to downtown in ~50 minutes for ¥25.
Hefei South Station (合肥南站) connects via HSR to Shanghai Hongqiao in ~2.5 hours (¥200–350), Nanjing in ~1 hour (¥80–120), and Beijing in ~4 hours. Hefei Station (合肥站) serves regional routes. Book via 12306.cn or the Trip.com app.
Hefei Metro operates Lines 1–5 covering major attractions. Single journey ¥2–6. Tap with your phone via WeChat/Alipay or buy paper tickets. Line 1 links Hefei Station to Swan Lake area; Line 2 covers Baohe Park. Operating hours: 06:00–23:00 daily.
Taxis are plentiful and metered: base fare ¥8, then ¥2/km. Download Didi (DiDi Chuxing) for app-based booking — international version available. Most drivers don't speak English; show addresses in Chinese characters. Short journeys typically ¥15–30.
Extensive network covering all districts. Flat fare ¥2 (cash or scan code). Bus routes displayed in Chinese; Google Maps or Gaode Maps (高德地图) show real-time routes and arrivals. Less convenient for tourists without Chinese language skills.
Meituan Bike (美团单车) and Hello Bike (哈啰单车) offer dock-less rentals throughout the city. Scan QR code with WeChat/Alipay. Cost: ~¥1.5 per 30 minutes. Excellent for exploring Baohe Park waterfront, Huancheng Park and the old city centre.
Official Hefei government travel information, festivals, and city guides.
Visit Site ↗Comprehensive Hefei travel guide with itineraries, transport and attraction tips.
Read Guide ↗Verified traveller reviews for hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Read Reviews ↗Book high-speed rail tickets online — English language interface.
Book Trains ↗Anhui Province and Hefei chapter with practical travel intelligence.
Read More ↗Encyclopedic overview of Hefei's history, geography, economy and culture.
Wikipedia ↗Best hotel selection in Hefei via Trip.com (Ctrip) — Chinese platform with English UI.
Find Hotels ↗Live Hefei 15-day weather forecast from China Meteorological Administration.
Check Weather ↗