The Longzihu Scenic Area lies in eastern Bengbu. Longzihu is about 10 kilometers long and has a water surface of approximately 8.4 square kilometers. Its distinctive landscape is known as “three mountains around a lake.” The scenic area is a nationally designated AAAA-rated tourist attraction, a national ecological demonstration area, and a provincial-level scenic area. Bengbu therefore offers a clearly defined landscape alongside its historic buildings.
Longzihu: Scenery, Temples, and Cycling
The Qiyan Temple stands on Mount Zhuizi within the Longzihu Scenic Area. It was built as early as the Sui and Tang dynasties. Visitors interested in historic sites will find a tangible connection here to the area's long history. An ecological loop trail by the lake is available for cycling. In addition, an 18.5-kilometer cycling route around the lake is planned as part of an integrated leisure and tourism system. The two routes differ in status: the loop trail is suitable for cycling, while the longer route is still in the planning stage. Check current conditions before making firm plans to ride the full 18.5 kilometers.
A pedal-boat project on the eastern shore of Longzihu is one of the designated activities. Check whether it is operating at the time of your visit. This gives you different ways to experience the lake: cycling on land and a named activity on the water, whose availability you should confirm in advance.
Historic Residences and Cultural Heritage
The Lake-Rising Moon Ancient Residences Expo Park is located on the southwestern shore of Longzihu in Bengbu. As part of this cultural tourism project, scattered old residences that had been preserved were rescued and reconstructed at a single site. Fengqing Old Street, on the park's main island, features nearly 200 old residences in the Huizhou style. Their number gives the street its distinctive scale: the focus is on an entire group of historic houses, not just one building. The park is described as China's first open-air museum.
The park also includes a rare historic covered theater built in 1888. Another historic site is the Tomb of Tang He on Mount Cao, east of Bengbu. It is a provincial-level protected cultural heritage site in Anhui. The two sites offer different themes for a trip: reconstructed residential architecture and theater history at one, and a protected cultural heritage site at the other.
Intangible Cultural Heritage and Learning Activities
At the China Bengbu Ancient Residences Expo Park, the intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall has display, hands-on experience, multimedia, and sales areas. It presents 35 projects from Bengbu's Bengshan District, including Yang's miniature carving, gourd shadow engraving, Feng Hua painting, and Xinyi Liuhequan. Specific exhibits may change; check the hall's current displays when planning your visit.
The China Bengbu Ancient Residences Expo Park is also the permanent venue for the annual meeting of the Taihu World Cultural Forum. Beyond the exhibitions, the Xinfu Tian Agricultural Study Farm in Longzihu District offers learning programs in agriculture, weaving, and local crafts. The farm is located between eastern and western Lushan. These topics broaden the options to include agriculture and crafts, rather than focusing the visit exclusively on architecture.
Crayfish and Other Experiences
Two dates help put Bengbu's crayfish history in context: 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 consumer market. On the eastern shore of Longzihu, the Youth Market offers local Bengbu specialties, including pork shaobing and a fermented rice drink. Check opening hours before planning a market visit.
For other interests, Xiyou Kingdom Amusement Park has more than 30 non-powered attractions and 13 rides or other powered attractions. As these numbers may change, check the current selection before your visit. You can choose from a range of themes for your Bengbu trip: lake and scenery, historic residences, intangible cultural heritage, local specialties, or an amusement park.
Discover more destinations: Chizhou, Huangshan, Chuzhou, Anqing, Tongling, Fuyang, Juchao, Hefei.
Return to the main travel overview: Anhui.
