Wuhu On a Budget
The city of Wuhu is located in the southeast of the Anhui province of China. It lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River, and about 74 miles from the capital city of Hefei. It is made of floodplains, terraces and low hills, and its plentiful water supply makes it the perfect spot for fish and rice production.The area has a subtropical climate with a humid monsoon season. When planning your trip, remember that the rainy season is from spring to early winter with the heaviest rainfall from mid-June to early July. So the best trips will be in autumn when it is nice and cool, and the chrysanthemums are in bloom.
Sights
Wuhu's major tourist desitnation is Zheshan Park. This amusement park is full of things to do for visitors of all ages. Spend the day enjoying the zoo, children's playground, garden, watchtower and pavilion. Take a moment to visit the Guang Ji Temple. This centuries old temple was constructed during the Sung Dynasty, and is a famous Buddhist site in the Anhui Province. It is a clean spot for spiritual reflection and the best place to enjoy a big whiff of that incense smell. Here you will encounter a group of practicing monks and breathtaking shrines.You can also spend a few hours climbing the Tianmenshan Mountain. At the top you will find spectacular views, gardens and temples for inner reflection. Another peaceful way to pass the time is at the Jinghu Park just near the Jiuzi Square. This is a lovely area with a beautiful lake and trees to relax and step away from the hustle and bustle of modern living.
Mirror Lake is another spot to seek out for a bit of a break from the over commercialized China. The calm waters of the lake are accented by the willow trees and ancient architecture that stand around the perimeter. Right next to the Mirror Lake, set between here and the Walking Street is Jiu Zi Square. This is the patriotic center of the city filled with statues including the 20 meter high bronze pillar adorned with Chinese phoenixes.
If you miss a bit of the bustle, though, head over to the center of Wuhu - Zhong Shan Road Shopping Street, or the Walking Street. This pedestrian paradise is full of modern businesses and nightclubs. Perfect for the modern traveler.
For a sight made by Mother Nature herself, head over to Ma Ren Mountain. The jagged yellow rocks soar over the trees at this beautiful glimpse into rural China.
Neighborhoods
The city is officially divided into four districts: Jinghu, Yijang, Jiujiang and Sanshan.Food and Dining
In Wuhu you will find an interesting variety of cuisine. - most notably the Yanjiang dishes. The menu for this type of food specializes in fresh water fish and poultry with special techniques for chopping, shaping and coloring. You will find that many dishes are enhanced by sweetening or smoking.There is also a big Sichuan influence in Wuhu cuisine. So be prepared for very, very hot dishes. This style of cooking relies on chillies to the point where some foods are literally drowning in them.
One local specialty you will not want to miss is the Hotpot. This ultra communal experience begins with a boiling pot of spicy broth at your table. You then select a few small dishes from the menu which are brought out to you for you to cook in the broth.
If you are seeking this experience, like many visitors you will find your way to the Phoenix Delicacy Street located in downtown Wuhu. Even if you are not in search of a Hotpot, you will find a smorgasbord of restaurant options to choose from - pubs, cafes, teahouses and more.
Transportation
To get to Wuhu there is a bullet train that leaves the capital city of Hefei fairly frequently. The ride is approximately two hours. You can also catch a train from Shanghai, and that train takes approximately three hours.There are several bus lines that run through Wuhu. Remember there are air conditioned and non-air conditioned buses, and each of them has a different fare. You can also find taxis on every street corner.
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