What to Do in Anhui at Night: 6 Real Local Experiences

I still remember the first time I walked a group of foreign travelers through Tunxi Old Street at 9 p.m. — the lanterns had just flickered on, the smell of stinky tofu hung in the air, and one of them said, 'This is NOT what I expected from a Chinese city after dark.' That's the secret about Anhui: once the sun drops, the old towns and modern streets wake up in a completely different way.

Now let me save you the hassle. Daylight tours are plastered across every guidebook, but night activities? Very little good info in English. That's why I put together this list of 6 nights out I personally recommend to my clients — from hitting a local food alley in Hefei to watching a Hui opera. I'll also give you the exact transport, how to pay, and the rookie mistakes to avoid.

1. Stroll Through Tunxi Old Street Under the Lanterns

If there's only one night experience you do in Anhui, make it Tunxi Old Street in Huangshan city. This 1200-meter-long street dates back to the Song Dynasty, and at night it turns into a glowing corridor of wooden shopfronts and red lanterns. Unlike many tourist streets in China that feel fake, Tunxi keeps real local life — you'll see elderly residents sitting on stools playing mahjong, and shopkeepers cooking up fresh specialties.

When to go: Arrive around 5:30pm, just before sunset. You'll avoid the big tour groups (they leave by 6) and you'll catch the magical moment when the lanterns light up one by one. By 7pm it gets lively but not packed, so you can actually enjoy the vibe.

Address: Tunxi Old Street (屯溪老街), Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It's free to enter and open 24 hours, but shops typically stay open until 11pm.

Getting there: From Huangshan North Railway Station (高铁黄山北站), it's about a 30-minute taxi ride (approx. 50 RMB). Or take bus 21 to the "Laojie" stop and walk 5 minutes. In the evening, taxis are easy to find; just show the driver the name in Chinese: 屯溪老街.

What to eat inside: I always point my clients to the stalls selling maoao tofu (毛豆腐) — it's fermented and fried, with a creamy texture you won't find anywhere else. Also try the crispy sesame candy (芝麻糖) and Huangshan braised chicken. For a sit-down meal, head to Laojie Diyi Lou (老街第一楼), right at the entrance, famous for local stews.

Insider Advice: The most photogenic spot is the stone archway at the west gate. Come at 6:30pm when the dusk sky is still deep blue — the combination of lanterns and twilight is unbeatable. Go to the east end first (less people), then work your way west as the street gets more crowded.

Payment & phone: Most small shops accept WeChat Pay or Alipay, but cash is fine for street food. If you're using Google Maps, it might be unreliable — I recommend Apple Maps or AMap (Gaode) in English mode. Save the Chinese address above to show taxi drivers.

2. Eat Like a Local at Hefei's Lilai Night Market

Hefei, the capital, might not sound as romantic as Huangshan, but its night markets are where the real food culture lives. My favorite after-dark meal is at Lilai Street (罍街) — a recently restored pedestrian street that feels like a living museum of Anhui street food. Locals flock here after work, so you'll hear the chatter of families and the sizzle of woks until 2am.

What makes it special: This is not a tourist trap. Prices are fair and the selection is massive — from the famous stinky mandarin fish (臭鳜鱼) to lamb skewers and hot pot. I always tell my clients to grab a plate of spicy crayfish (麻辣小龙虾) in summer — it’s messy but so worth it.

Address: Lilai Street, Baohe District, Hefei (合肥市包河区罍街). It's free to enter; food stalls and restaurants generally open from 5pm to 1am.

Getting there: Take Metro Line 1 (green line) to the Xiyingmen (西迎门) station. Exit D and walk south about 10 minutes until you see the big arch with the name 罍街. If you taxi, the fare from Hefei Railway Station is around 25 RMB.

My can't-miss order: Go to the stall called Zuimei Kekou (最美可口) near the central square. The owner has been frying tofu here for 15 years. Ask for the iron plate tofu — crispy on the outside, silky inside, topped with homemade chili oil. That, plus a cold plum juice, is the perfect night meal.

Pro Tip: Avoid the peak 7–9pm rush if you hate crowds. Actually, I love the buzz, but if you want to sit down at the popular noodle shop, go at 10pm — that's when the locals trickle in after their evening shifts.

Digital quirk: Because this is a newer area, some small vendors may not accept international credit cards — they only take WeChat or Alipay. You can buy a local prepaid card at the information kiosk if your phone payment setup fails. But honestly, if you have Alipay linked to your Visa/Mastercard, you're fine.

3. Watch an Evening Hui Opera Show

For a deeper dive into Anhui's culture, nothing beats a live performance of Hui Opera (徽剧) — an ancient form that influenced Beijing Opera. In Huangshan, the most impressive show I've taken guests to is 'Hui Yun' (徽韵), a large-scale dance and music production that tells the story of Huizhou merchants and their journeys. It's not a traditional opera — think colorful costumes, dramatic lighting, and high-energy acrobatics — but it's a fantastic way to understand the region's history after dark.

Venue: The performance takes place at Xiangming Hotel (香茗酒店), at 5 Jianshe Road, Tunxi District, Huangshan. The theater is adjacent to the hotel.

Tickets & times: Shows usually start at 8:00pm and last about 70 minutes. Prices range from 200 RMB (standard) to 680 RMB (VIP) — I always book through Trip.com or Klook because they handle foreign passport bookings smoothly. You can also ask your hotel concierge to reserve tickets, but be aware the official WeChat mini-program is a pain to navigate in Chinese.

Getting there: From Tunxi Old Street, it's about a 15-minute taxi ride (around 20 RMB). Come 30 minutes early to get your ticket and take photos outside — the hotel itself looks like a traditional Huizhou mansion.

My honest opinion: The show feels slightly touristy at times, but the finale — dozens of performers dressed as Huizhou merchants rowing on a giant blue silk river — gave me chills the first time I saw it. Even clients who don't like theater were impressed.

Important: You must bring your passport for the Foreigner Ticket — they do a quick security check. Also, note that you might need to provide your visa number when booking online. If you're unsure about the process, call the hotel directly and they'll help.

4. Cruise the Yangtze River Night View in Wuhu

Three hours east of Hefei lies Wuhu, a river city that most travelers skip. But its night scene along the Binjiang Park (滨江公园) is one of the most underrated in the province. After sunset, the promenade fills with locals practicing tai chi, dancing to loudspeakers, and children flying glowing kites. It's pure, refreshing local life.

The activity: Take a 40-minute Yangtze River night cruise. The boat departs from the Wuhu Tourist Wharf (芜湖旅游码头) near the park. You'll see the glittering city skyline, including the Zheshan Temple hill and the new Yangtze River Bridge lit up in LED colors.

Cost & schedule: Around 100 RMB per person, cruise times start at 7:30pm with the last one at 9pm. Tickets can be purchased on site or via Klook for English support. I'd suggest booking the 8pm one to catch the best skyline lights.

Getting there: Take High-speed rail from Hefei South Railway Station to Wuhu Railway Station (about 45 minutes, approx. 72 RMB second class). Once in Wuhu, the wharf is a 15-minute taxi ride (around 18 RMB) from the station. Or take public bus 22 to “Binjiang Park” stop.

Insider Advice: The best spot for photos is on the port side (left side) when you board. If you go on a weekend, arrive 20 minutes earlier — the queues get long, especially for the English-speaking ticket counter.

Plan B: If the cruise is cancelled due to high water or heavy rain (uncommon but possible), just wander the park. There's a giant Ferris wheel called the "Yangtze Pearl" that lights up every evening — it's the perfect back-up activity.

5. Sip a Cocktail at Hefei's Rooftop Bars

Nightlife in Hefei doesn't stop at the markets. For a sleek, modern view, I love taking clients to rooftop bars around Sanzai Temple (山顶寺) or the Huning Road area. These places mix chilled vibes with panoramic views of the city lights — ideal after a long day of sightseeing.

My pick: Cloud 9 Lounge on the 33rd floor of the Hefei Jinzhai Road Marriott Hotel (合肥金寨路万豪). It's not cheap — expect 80 RMB for a cocktail — but the floor-to-ceiling windows give you a 360-degree view of Hefei's skyline, and the staff speak English. The signature drink is the Hefei old-fashioned — a sweet twist on the classic.

Alternative: If you prefer something more local, hit Daylight Bar (日光酒吧) near Shushan Lake (蜀山湖). It's tucked away in a courtyard with retro Chinese decor. The craft beer selection is great, and you can mingle with Chinese expats and students.

Getting there: Since neither bar is near a subway station, plan to take a taxi or Didi (China's Uber). Save the Chinese names: 云9酒吧, 日光酒吧. Always carry the address in Chinese to avoid confusion.

Pro Tip: If you're on a budget, buy a can of Tanbing beer (雪花啤酒) from a 7-Eleven and sit on the steps of the Anhui Geography Museum — it's a popular after-dark local hangout, but a bit rough around the edges.

I don't recommend clubbing here because Hefei's nightclubs are young and loud. For a relaxed conversation, choose rooftop or lounge.

6. Ride a Rickshaw Through Huizhou Ancient City

Our last stop is Shexian (歙县) — the ancient Huizhou capital, famous for its well-preserved walls and arches. During the day it's swarming with selfie sticks, but at night it returns to a quiet, somewhat mysterious place. The ideal way to explore is by rickshaw (人力车) — the drivers are often local men who have lived here for decades and know every stone.

Address: Huizhou Ancient City (徽州古城) in Shexian County, Huangshan City. The old town is free to enter after dusk, but some specific sites (like the City God Temple) may require a ticket.

Getting there: From Huangshan North Railway Station, take the “Shexian” bus from the long-distance station (about 40 minutes). Alternatively, combine it with a visit to the nearby Tangmo Village — many day trips end in Shexian for dinner.

Rickshaw tips: Negotiate a price BEFORE getting on. A half-hour loop around the ancient walls usually costs around 60 RMB. I always joke with my clients to make the driver include the many alleyways — that's where the true charm hides. In spring or summer, you'll smell the night jasmine blooming along the river.

Be careful: A few rickshaw drivers might try to take you to their friend's tea shop instead of the historical sites. Politely say you want to see the city wall and the old archway first. A good driver will respect that.

Photography geek alert: The best spot for night photos is the Huizhou Archway (徽州牌坊) on the main street. The white marble stones are floodlit with warm yellow lights, creating a dreamy contrast with the dark sky.

7. Practical Night Tips for First-Timers

Now let me give you the logistics cheat sheet — the stuff that will save you from frustration.

Getting around: Use taxis or Didi. But always show the address in Chinese. Most taxis accept WeChat Pay, Alipay, and some take cash. Keep small bills (20s and 10s) because drivers don't always have change. Metro systems in Hefei and Huangshan are reliable but stop around 10:30–11:00pm, so plan around that.

Navigation: As I mentioned, Google Maps is useless here. Download AMap (高德地图) and switch to English. If you don't have Chinese data, you can download offline maps in the app — but for GPS to work, you need a network connection. Get a local SIM card (China Unicom/China Mobile) at the airport, or use a VPN with international roaming.

Payment: Make sure your Alipay is linked to your international card. You can also add money to Alipay via Red Packet from Chinese friends, but that's complicated. For night markets, cash is your backup. Most bars and restaurants accept cards via POS but often only Chinese bank-issued cards — so Alipay/WeChat is your safest bet.

Safety: Anhui is extremely safe at night. I never worried about my own belongings. Still, keep your phone in a front pocket in busy markets, and don't leave your drink unattended in bars. Pickpocketing is rare, but there's no harm in being careful.

Language barrier: English is not widely spoken, especially in smaller towns like Tunxi. I always recommend having your hotel business card in Chinese to show taxi drivers. Use translation apps like Apple Translate or Baidu Translate for instant text recognition — point it at street signs or menus. Offline mode works well for Chinese.

8. FAQ: Your Anhui Night Questions Answered

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.