Wuhu (芜湖; Wúhú) is a city in Anhui Province in China. Many Chinese say there's not much to do here, but with a nice food street and proximity to larger cities like Nanjing and Hefei, it's worth a day trip.

Wuhu by night

Get in

By plane

• Wuhu Xuanzhou Airport (芜湖宣州机场) connects Wuhu to major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The airport is located about 45 km from the city center, and taxis or shuttle buses are available for transfers.

By train

• Wuhu is well-connected by high-speed rail. Key routes include:
• anjing–Anqing Intercity Railway: 40 minutes to Nanjing and 2.5 hours to Shanghai.
• Anhui–Jiangxi Railway: Connecting Wuhu to Hefei and beyond.
• The main railway station is Wuhu South Station, offering frequent services.

By bus

Long-distance buses are available at the Wuhu Central Bus Station, offering direct services to cities like Hefei, Nanjing, and Hangzhou.

By boat

As a port city on the Yangtze River, Wuhu is accessible by river cruise services, especially for leisure travelers exploring the Yangtze's scenic routes.

Get around

By monorail

Wuhu Rail Transit operates two monorail lines: -

Line 1: Covers central areas and connects to the train stations. -

Line 2: Links residential and commercial districts.

By bus

Wuhu has an extensive public bus network. Fares start at ¥1, and routes are displayed in both Chinese and English.

By taxi

Taxis are widely available. The starting fare is ¥8 for the first 2 km, with additional charges per km.

By bicycle

Bike-sharing services like Mobike and Hellobike are popular. Stations are located throughout the city.

See

1 Guangji Temple (广济寺) (Temple of Broad Relief), Near Mount Zhe, Jinghu District (10 minutes' walk from the city center). 08:00–17:00. This Buddhist temple dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is famous for the Zhe Pagoda, a cultural relic from the Northern Song Dynasty. Free. 

2 Mirror Lake (镜湖) (Jinghu Lake), Jinghu District (Accessible by bus or monorail). Open 24 hours. A picturesque lake at the heart of the city, offering a serene environment for walking, jogging, or boating. Free. 

3 Yangtze Riverside Park (滨江公园), Along Binjiang Road, Yijiang District. Open 24 hours. Stretching along the Yangtze River, this park features walking paths, gardens, and stunning river views. Perfect for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Free. 

4 Fantawild Adventure (方特乐园), 55 Hexie Road, Jiujiang District (10 km from downtown Wuhu). 09:00–18:00. A theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions. Suitable for families and children. ¥280. 

5 Mount Zhe (赭山), Jinghu District. 06:00–18:00. A hill park offering hiking trails and panoramic views of Wuhu. It's especially popular during spring when the flowers bloom. Free. 

Do

6 Maren Qifeng Scenic Area (马仁奇峰风景区), Near Fanchang District. 08:00–17:00. Features a glass bridge, mountain trails, and river rafting. The area offers breathtaking views of Anhui's natural beauty. ¥150. 

7 Macrolink Beluga Ocean Park (新华联大白鲸海洋公园), Fanchang District. 09:00–17:00. A marine park showcasing aquatic life through exhibits, performances, and interactive displays. ¥200. 

Buy

• Wuhu Wanda Plaza offers a modern shopping experience with a mix of international and local brands. Traditional markets like the Wuhu Night Market are perfect for souvenirs, such as bamboo carvings and Wuhu iron paintings.

Eat

Wuhu's culinary scene is famous for its Anhui flavors. Must-try dishes include:

• Stinky Mandarin Fish (臭鳜鱼): Fermented fish with a strong aroma but rich flavor.
• Wuhu Shrimp Noodles (芜湖虾子面): Hand-pulled noodles served with fresh river shrimp.

Drink

Wuhu has a mix of traditional teahouses and modern bars for both daytime relaxation and evening fun.

8 Riverside Teahouse (江畔茶馆), Binjiang Road, Yijiang District. 09:00–22:00. A traditional teahouse with riverside seating, offering a variety of Anhui teas. Try the locally grown green tea. From ¥20 per pot. 

9 Jinghu Café (镜湖咖啡), Near Mirror Lake, Jinghu District. 08:00–20:00. A modern café serving specialty coffee and light snacks. Ideal for relaxing after exploring the city. Coffee from ¥25. 

10 Sky Bar (天空酒吧), Top floor of Wuhu Wanda Plaza. 17:00–02:00. A rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, serving cocktails, beer, and wine. Cocktails from ¥60. 

11 Yangtze Brewpub (扬子精酿啤酒馆), Hexie Road, Jiujiang District. 16:00–23:00. A cozy microbrewery offering craft beers brewed on-site. Popular among locals and expats. Beers from ¥40. 

Sleep

Wuhu offers a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels.

12 Marriott Hotel Wuhu, Riverside Avenue. A five-star hotel with modern amenities, a fitness center, and stunning views of the Yangtze River. From ¥800 per night. 

13 Hanting Express Wuhu, Near Wuhu South Station. A budget-friendly option offering clean rooms and basic amenities. Convenient for travelers arriving by train. From ¥150 per night. 

14 Fantawild Resort Hotel, 55 Hexie Road, Jiujiang District. Located near Fantawild Adventure, this family-friendly hotel features spacious rooms and kid-friendly facilities. From ¥400 per night. 

15 Jinghu Lakeside Hotel (镜湖湖畔酒店), Next to Mirror Lake. A mid-range hotel with serene lake views, comfortable rooms, and an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. From ¥300 per night. 

16 Wanda Realm Wuhu (芜湖万达嘉华酒店), Inside Wanda Plaza. A luxury hotel offering a mix of business and leisure facilities, including a spa and indoor swimming pool. From ¥700 per night. 

Connect

Wuhu provides reliable communication and internet facilities for travelers.

Internet

- Free public Wi-Fi is available at most tourist attractions, shopping malls, and public parks, such as Mirror Lake and Riverside Park.

Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants also offer complimentary Wi-Fi. Ask the staff for the password if it’s not displayed.

For travelers, consider purchasing a local SIM card from providers like China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom. Prepaid SIM cards with data plans can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, or phone shops.

Mobile Signal

- Mobile signal coverage is excellent in urban areas and most tourist spots.

If traveling to rural or mountainous regions, such as Maren Qifeng Scenic Area, signal strength may weaken. Download maps or guides beforehand.

Language Apps

- Most locals speak Mandarin, and English is not widely spoken. Translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco can be helpful. - Ride-hailing apps like Didi are useful for booking taxis or navigating the city.

Postal Services

- Wuhu’s main post office is located at No. 88 Jinghu Road. It offers standard and express mail services.

Postcards and stamps are available at some tourist attractions, such as Guangji Temple.

Stay safe

Wuhu is generally a safe city, but following basic precautions will enhance your travel experience.

Traffic

Traffic can be chaotic, especially in busy areas like Wanda Plaza or Jinghu District. Use zebra crossings and follow traffic lights when crossing roads. - Be aware of electric scooters, which may not always follow traffic regulations.

Health

Avoid drinking tap water; stick to bottled water, which is widely available. Summers in Wuhu can be extremely hot and humid. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Pharmacies like Tongrentang and Yifeng Pharmacy are available for over-the-counter medications. For emergencies, visit Wuhu People's Hospital or Anhui Provincial Hospital Wuhu Branch.

Scams and Theft

- Scams are rare, but stay cautious of street vendors offering deals that seem too good to be true.

- Keep valuables secure in crowded areas, such as markets or train stations.

Natural Hazards

- During the rainy season (June–August), hiking trails at locations like Mount Zhe can be slippery.

- Flooding along the Yangtze River may occur during heavy rains. Check weather updates before planning river activities.

Emergency Numbers

- Police: 110

Fire: 119

Ambulance: 120

Tourist Assistance: 12301 (for travel-related help in English)

General Advice

- Avoid discussing politically sensitive topics, as misunderstandings may arise.

Keep your passport, visa, and other important documents secure. Carry copies instead of originals when exploring the city.

Go next

• Nanjing: 90 km east, Nanjing is a historic city with attractions like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Nanjing Museum.
• Hefei: 150 km northwest, Hefei is the capital of Anhui Province, known for its museums and scenic parks.