Hefei is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
You should plan to spend around $77 (¥558) per day on your vacation in Hefei. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
A one week trip to Hefei for two people costs, on average, $1,071 (¥7,812). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
A one week trip to Hefei usually costs around $536 (¥3,906) for one person and $1,071 (¥7,812) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Hefei on average costs around $1,071 (¥7,812) for one person and $2,143 (¥15,624) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Hefei will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Hefei on average costs around $2,296 (¥16,740) for one person and $4,591 (¥33,480) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Hefei is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Hefei can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $34 (¥244) per day, mid-range travelers spend $77 (¥558) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $147 (¥1,064) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Hefei.
Within Asia, Hefei is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Sandakan or Zhangjiajie.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hefei Expensive?
The average Hefei trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hefei travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hefei cost?
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy |
$12
(¥90) |
$28
(¥205) |
$54
(¥392) |
| Local Transportation1 |
$7
(¥54) |
$17
(¥122) |
$31
(¥228) |
| Food2 |
$15
(¥113) |
$35
(¥258) |
$68
(¥494) |
| Entertainment1 |
$8
(¥59) |
$19
(¥135) |
$35
(¥258) |
| Alcohol2 |
$2-7
(¥18-53) |
$6-17
(¥41-122) |
$11-32
(¥78-233) |
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Hefei. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $34 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Hefei, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $77 per person, per day.
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $147 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget.
The cost of hotels in Hefei can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $. Budget hotels range from $ to $, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hefei for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $56 (¥410). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $28 (¥205) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hefei? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $17 (¥122) per person, per day, on local transportation in Hefei. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hefei is significantly more than public transportation.
Around the city you'll find green, blue or orange metered taxis. These are fairly reliable, but be ready to possibly pick up another passenger on your route. This is not an acceptable practice, but many drivers will try to do it with foreigners in the car. Don't let them.
If taxis are scarce, you can hop onto the back of a motorbike. There are plenty available and are usually found on the corner of busy intersections. These aren't technically legal, but often overlooked. They also aren't metered, so be sure to negotiate your price before your trip starts.
Tuk-tuks are no longer allowed in the city center, but you might find them further outside the city. Avoid using them within the city.
Public buses are the dominant mode of transportation in the city. All bus routes, schedules and announcements are in Mandarin and there are different fares for air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses. While there is no English, Google Maps is a reliable way to search for the right bus routes. At peak hours, the buses are typically crammed so plan accordingly.
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Hefei can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hefei is $35 (¥258) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hefei is around $36 (¥258) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $68. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hefei are as follows:
This region is known for one of the Eight Great Cuisines of China, Anhui. There are plenty of delicious dishes to try while visiting Hefei. One is the xiao longxia crayfish. They are boiled and usually eaten with vinegary dipping sauces. They're typically eaten outside with a beer during the warmer months.
You also have to be sure to have a meal at Tongqing Lou. This restaurant chain is renowned in Hefei. They are big, standalone buildings with outstanding service. Typically there are no English menus or English speaking staff, but don't let a language barrier keep you from this experience.
The East Seafood Restaurant is one of the longest running and best-known restaurants in the city, and at least one meal should come from the Luzhou TaiTai chain.
For more of a southern China taste, head to South Beauty. Here you'll find very different dishes than in the rest of Hefei. Wear your nicer outfit, as this establishment is a bit more sophisticated than other chains in the city.
And if you're craving more Beijing or Sichuan style dishes, make a reservation at Quanjude. Established in 2013, this famous, well-known chain is sure to provide you with a roast duck dish the likes of which you've never had before.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hefei typically cost an average of $19 (¥135) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
While there may not be magnificent draws to this city, Hefei is sprinkled with many parks and gardens. Lord Bao Park is dedicated to Bao Gong - a legendary Chinese judge in the Song dynasty who represents justice and anti-corruption. In the park you'll find Gong's tomb, a memorial temple and the Qingfeng Ge tower. Climb to the top of the tower for a view across the park and the whole city.
Other parks to visit include Xiaoyaojin Park, Xinghua Park, Yaohai Park, the Hefei Botanical Gardens and the Three Kingdoms Ruins Park. The Three Kingdoms Ruins Park is located in the Luyang district just north of the botanical gardens. It's a beautiful spot in the spring with pavilions meant to take in the scenery.
The Dashu Mountain is one of the few well-known sightseeing spots in Hefei. The walk up to the top of the mountain takes about 30 minutes, but the view is a stunning sight of the entire city of Hefei. IF the weather is nice, prepare yourself for a crowd.
One unique experience is the Anhui Hall of Fame. Here you can wander the halls containing 50 wax figurines of the most prominent people in Anhui's history.
One activity to try if you're looking to find some sophisticated culture on your trip is an evening at the Snow Villa opera hall. This traditional hall and restaurant provides nightly performances and Hui cuisine.
During the day, though, most visitors like a nice stroll around Temple Market. Check out the local crafts and be ready to bargain. Then, in the evening, head to Hupo Shanzhuang for a little street food and nightlife. Sit outside for people watching and xiao longxia - the small crayfish of Hefei.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $11 (¥81) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hefei per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Hefei, China
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
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