Hefei Attractions
Hefei lies in the center of Anhui province, at the confluence of the Dogfei and Nanfel rivers.
It is six hours by train from Nanjing and eleven from Shanghai. By air it is a two-hour flight from Beijing or Canton and one hour from Shanghai; there are also air links with other major Chinese cities.
The town's history goes back over 2000 years, to the Western Han period (206 BC-AD 8). Even then it was an important trading center for agricultural products, cattle and handicrafts. Hefei was a military base during the time of the Three Kingdoms (220-265) and again under the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279). In 1949 it was made the capital of Anhui province. Since then politics, industry, culture and science have set the tone of the town. The well-known University of Science and Technology is here.
It is six hours by train from Nanjing and eleven from Shanghai. By air it is a two-hour flight from Beijing or Canton and one hour from Shanghai; there are also air links with other major Chinese cities.
The town's history goes back over 2000 years, to the Western Han period (206 BC-AD 8). Even then it was an important trading center for agricultural products, cattle and handicrafts. Hefei was a military base during the time of the Three Kingdoms (220-265) and again under the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279). In 1949 it was made the capital of Anhui province. Since then politics, industry, culture and science have set the tone of the town. The well-known University of Science and Technology is here.
Crossbow Platform
The Platform for Instruction in Crossbow Shooting (Jiaonu Tai), in the east of the town, was erected in the 2nd C on instructions from Cao Cao, the chancellor of the state of Wei, for the purpose of providing instruction in the use of the crossbow. 500 bowmen were trained here to defend the town. On the platform stands a fountain, dating from 269, the balustrade of which is marked by deep furrows where it was used to sharpen arrows.
Park of the Easy Ford
Adjoining the Platform for Instruction in Crossbow Shooting on its northeast side lies the Park of the Easy Ford (Xiaoyaojin), which covers 2ha/5 acres. A lake is surrounded by flower beds and lawns. The park also contains a monumental tomb which once housed the helmet and armor worn by General Zhang Liao of the Wei Empire. It was here that the General put the Wu army to flight in 215.
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Temple of Bao
The Temple of Bao in Hefei is located in Baohe Gongyuan Park and was built in the late 19th C.
Provincial Museum
On display in the Provincial Museum are a large number of exhibits relating to the history of Anhui province.
The most valuable exhibit is a magnificent burial robe, made of little pieces of jade, in which a noblemen from the Han period (206 BC-AD 220) was buried.
The most valuable exhibit is a magnificent burial robe, made of little pieces of jade, in which a noblemen from the Han period (206 BC-AD 220) was buried.
Temple of Clear Instruction
The Temple of Clear Instruction (Mingjiao Si), built in the mid-1800s, replaces an 8th C. Buddhist temple.
