Hefei is the capital of Anhui province and sits north of Chao Lake, on the low saddle between the Huai and Yangtze river systems. It has grown from an administrative and market town into a large industrial and research city, and its universities and research institutes give parts of town a distinctly student feel.
For a visitor, the useful way to think about Hefei is by district. The areas that come up in the sources are Luyang District, which holds the historic centre and the main railway station; Shushan District, along the Changjiang Middle Road artery; Baohe District in the south; and the New Municipal and Cultural District around Qianshan Road. This guide covers which of these to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation each one tends to offer.
Best areas to stay in Hefei
1. Luyang District
Luyang is the central district, and it is where you find the city's main commercial area, the Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street, and Hefei Railway Station. It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and within easy reach of the station, and it also works for budget travellers, since the pedestrian street area has the cheaper end of the city's accommodation.
Because it is the centre, this is the most practical base if your plans involve moving around the city or arriving and leaving by train. Expect the usual mix of mid-range and budget places rather than resort-style properties.
2. Shushan District
Shushan lies along Changjiang Middle Road, one of Hefei's main arterial roads, and is a business-oriented part of town. It suits travellers who are in the city for work or who prefer a quieter, more spread-out base with straightforward road connections.
Accommodation here leans towards business hotels rather than tourist-oriented guesthouses. If you stay in Shushan, plan on using the main road to get to the central sights rather than walking to them.
3. Baohe District
Baohe is in the southern part of Hefei, near commercial developments, and it is where you find larger, newer properties. It suits visitors who want a modern hotel and do not mind being away from the historic centre, and it can work well for families or anyone who prefers a quieter setting.
The trade-off is distance: you will rely on taxis or public transport to reach the central districts. In exchange, the southern side of the city is where much of the recent commercial building has happened.
4. New Municipal and Cultural District
This district, around Qianshan Road, is where serviced apartments are concentrated. It suits longer stays, families, and anyone who wants a kitchen and living space rather than a standard hotel room.
It is a newer part of the city, so it is less about walking to historic sights and more about having a comfortable base with space to settle in. Serviced apartments here range from studios to multi-bedroom units.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: The cheapest option in the sources is a budget hotel near Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street in Luyang District, in the central commercial area. This is the level to look at if you want to walk to the centre and keep costs down.
- Mid-range: Mid-range hotels appear in the central commercial area and along Changjiang Middle Road, and serviced apartments in the New Municipal and Cultural District also sit at this level, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units with living and dining space.
- Splurge: The higher end is represented by international-brand hotels, including properties near Hefei Railway Station in Luyang District, along Changjiang Middle Road in Shushan District, and in the southern part of the city in Baohe District. These are business-oriented and priced accordingly.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Luyang District. It puts you in the central commercial area near Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street, close to Hefei Railway Station, and within reach of the city centre. It also gives you the widest choice across budget and mid-range price levels, which makes it the easiest area to adjust to once you start comparing actual rooms.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is closest to Hefei Railway Station?
Luyang District. International-brand hotels there are described as near Hefei Railway Station, and one is a short distance from both the city centre and the station.
Where can I stay if I want a serviced apartment rather than a hotel room?
The New Municipal and Cultural District, around Qianshan Road, is where serviced apartments are found. They range from studios to three-bedroom units with home entertainment systems and dining and living areas.
Which area is best for a business trip?
Shushan District, along Changjiang Middle Road, is business-oriented, and the larger international-brand hotels elsewhere in the city are also aimed at business travellers.
Is it worth staying in the southern part of the city?
Baohe District in the south has larger, newer hotels near commercial developments. It suits travellers who prefer a modern property and do not mind travelling to the central districts.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.