Anqing Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 安庆市 (ān qìng shì)
Population: 5,284,400
Area: 13,589.99 square kilometers (5,247.12 square miles)
Location: in the southwest of Anhui, eastern China
Administrative Division: 3 districts (Yingjiang, Daguan, Yixiu); 5 counties (Huaining, Zongyang, Taihu, Susong, Wangjiang, Yuexi); 2 county-level cities (Tongcheng, Qianshan)
Area Code: 0556
Zip Code: 246000
GDP (2018): CNY 190 billion (USD 29 billion)

Located in the southwest section of Anhui Province, Anqing neighbors Tongling, Lu’an, Wuhu and Chizhou within the province. It is separated from Jiangxi Province by the Yangtze River and Hubei Province by the Dabie Mountains. Anqing is the birthplace and inheritance of Huangmei Opera, one of the five major Chinese operas. Such operas as Goddess Marriage, Emperor's Female Son-in-law win universal praise. Famous for its towering peaks, secluded caves, wonderful cultural sites and pleasant climate, Tianzhu Mountain is the must-see scenic spot in Anqing. Yingjiang Temple, Sikong Mountain and Xiaogushan (Lesser Solitary Hill) also deserve a visit.

Yingjiang Temple is a well-known temple located on the banks of the Yangtze River. Built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), it was first called Wanfo Temple. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) the name was changed to Yingjiang Temple. The Zhenfeng Pagoda is located in the temple. Standing 73 meters (240 feet) high with seven tiers, it offers visitors a superb view of the city. 

Sikong Mountain has been considered a sacred Buddhist site for many years. It gained recognition in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when the great poet Li Bai stayed here. It is 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of Yuexi county seat, and features nine tourist areas. 

Xiaogushan (Lesser Solitary Hill) is an isolated mountain located adjacent to the Yangtze River in Fuxing Town of Susong County. The mountain looks like an elegant beauty with her hair coiled. It should not be missed for Anqing travel.

1. Anqing Tianzhushan Airport is located about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) north of the city proper. At present, there are flights directly to 15 doemstic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen. The ticket booking office in downtown is located at 175, Linghu Nan Lu, Yingjiang District. 

2. It has two principal bus stations, Anqing Bus Station in 56, Yicheng Lu and Linghu Bus Station in 176, Linghu Nan Lu. Buses to Hefei depart every few minutes. The trip takes approximately three hours.

It lies in the north subtropical humid climatic zone, with distinct monsoon and four seasons. Its annual average temperature ranges from approximately 14.5 to 16.6℃ (58.1-68.9℉). Like many other cities in South China, the weather will be greatly affected by the plum rain season in summer.  

 When to Go: in spring and autumn      History: During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770BC-221BC), it was the seat of the ancient Wan Kingdom from which the abbreviation of Anhui Province, Wan, was derived. It has been a prominent city since the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The old city was first built in 1217 and is about 800 hundred years old.      
 
 Physical Features: The city has medium and low height mountains distributed across the northeast, plains and bottomland in the southeast. Hills and lakes are distributed in the central part of the city.

 Local Highlights: It is regarded as the 'hometown' of Huangmei Opera and Hui Opera. Huangmei Opera is the local opera of Anhui and one of the most popular local operas in China. Hui Opera is an important contributor to the Beijing Opera.
 
 Special Local Products: Mozi crisp cakes, Huyumei Horsebean Spicy catsup, tea, Huaining tribute cakes