Discover Bengbu

Bengbu combines the vast Longzihu with historic residences, cultural heritage and a story of its own involving crayfish. Travelers looking to bring together waterside nature, cultural discoveries and local specialties will find a range of options here. Which of these you want to shape your stay may also influence your choice of a vacation rental in Bengbu.

Longzihu: Lake and Scenery in Eastern Bengbu

The Longzihu Scenic Area lies in the eastern part of the city and is designated a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction and a national ecological demonstration area; it is also a provincial-level scenic area. Its defining landscape is described as “three mountains surrounding a lake.” Longzihu is about 10 kilometers long and has a water surface of approximately 8.4 square kilometers—both measurements give an idea of the lake’s scale, not of any particular route.

The scenic area has an ecological circular path by the lake that is suitable for cycling. In addition, an 18.5-kilometer cycling route around Longzihu is planned or designated. If you are interested in a ride, you can take these details into account when planning your day without treating the two route descriptions as interchangeable. A pedal boat activity on the eastern shore is also described as a way to experience the lake from the water.

Historic Residences and Living Cultural Heritage

The Lake-Rising Moon Ancient Residences Expo Park lies on the southwest shore of Longzihu. This cultural tourism project brings together scattered historic residences that have been rescued and reconstructed in one location. The park is described as China’s first open-air museum. On its main island, Fengqing Old Street includes almost 200 historic residences in the Huizhou style. This makes it a special focus for anyone interested in traditional architecture and historic residential culture.

The Ancient Residences Expo Park also features a rare historic covered theater, built in 1888. An intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall at the China Bengbu Ancient Residences Expo Park has exhibition, hands-on experience, multimedia and retail areas. It presents 35 intangible cultural heritage projects from Bengshan District, including Yang’s micro-carving, Hulu shadow engraving, Feng-Hua painting and Xinyi Liuhequan. Alongside historic buildings, the park also highlights a range of craft techniques and cultural forms of expression.

Another historic site is Qiyan Temple on Mount Zhuizi in the Longzihu Scenic Area, built as early as the Sui and Tang dynasties. The Tomb of Tang He is on Mount Cao in eastern Bengbu and is a provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit in Anhui. Travelers especially interested in Bengbu’s history and cultural heritage can make these sites a focus of their trip.

Local Cuisine and Discoveries for Different Interests

Crayfish are also part of the city’s story. In 1979, China’s first crayfish food stall opened on the street now known as Majiash Street. By 1998, the street had become Anhui’s largest crayfish distribution and consumption market. The Youth Market on the eastern shore of Longzihu offers Bengbu specialties, including pork shaobing and a fermented rice drink.

For families looking to include a variety of activities in their trip, Xiyou Kingdom amusement park offers a specific point of comparison: it has more than 30 non-motorized attractions and 13 rides or other motorized attractions. Xinfu Tian Agricultural Study Farm, between eastern and western Lushan in Longzihu District, offers learning programs in agriculture, weaving and local crafts. These options provide different focuses, from rides to insights into agricultural and craft activities.

If you are considering Bengbu for Longzihu and its cycling options, these interests can guide your search for a vacation rental, just as a wish to explore historic residences, cultural heritage or local specialties can. The places and activities described offer different thematic highlights; choose Bengbu as your destination based on which ones matter most to your stay.

More Destinations

Other destinations to explore: Juchao, Chizhou, Wuhu, Lu'an, Chuzhou, Suzhou, Fuyang and Bozhou.

For the broader travel overview: Anhui.