Hefei---The Hometown of Lord Bao and Northern Gateway to the Huangshan Mountain
Hefei is the capital of Anhui Province and hometown of the famous honest and upright official in Chinese history---Bao Zheng, featuring a landscape of half mountain and half lake. Founded as a county seat in the Qin Dynasty, Hefei has a history of more than 2,200 years. The city boasts many places of historical interest and scenic spots。
1、
Sanhe-an ancient town in a region of rivers & lakes
Sanhe (Three Rivers) town is located on the Hefei-Huangshan-Jiuhuashan golden tourist route, 40km from the city proper of Hefei. The town has a history of more than 2,500 years. It attracts tourists because of its “eight ancient relics” (ancient rivers, ancient bridges, ancient villages surrounded by water, ancient streets, ancient teahouses, ancient civilian houses, ancient stages attached to temples, ancient battlefields).
2、
Li Hongzhang，s Former Residence
Li Hongzhang was born in Hefei in 1823. His highest official title was governor-general of Zhili (now Hebei province) and Northern Minister concurrently. He held key posts for forty years, traveling far and wide across East Asia and West Europe. The entire building looks magnificent with carved beams and rafters. It is the largest existing and best preserved former residence of a VIP in Hefei.
3、
The Cultural Tourism Zone of Bao Zheng
Known as Lord Bao, Bao Zheng was a famous corruption -free official in the Northern Song Dynasty. He was born in Hefei in 999 AD, and died in 1062 AD. Hefei Bao Gong Park lies in the southeastern part of the old town “The landscape along the Baohe River” ranks at the top of “the ten scenic sights in Hefei.”
4、
A Holy land of Buddhists——Mt.Jiuhua
Mt. Jiuhua, one of the four famous sacred mountains for Buddhist in China, is only 220 kilometers south of Hefei, the capital of Anhui province. Formerly named Jiuzi, Mt. Jiuhua is known as a Land of Buddhism and lotus flowers in history.
Anhui cuisine
Anhui cuisine (Hui Cai for short), one of the eight most famous cuisines in China, features the local culinary arts of Huizhou. It comprises the specialties of South Anhui, Yanjiang and Huai Bei. The highly distinctive characteristic of Anhui cuisine lies not only in the elaborate choices of cooking materials but also in the strict control of cooking process.
1、 Stewed soft shell turtle with ham
One whole soft shell turtle, pork, ham, bamboo shoots, a clove of garlic, shallot, ginger, soy sauce, salt, rice wine, black pepper, lard are all stewed together in a pot on charcoal fire. The dish is not greasy and can lead diners to endless aftertastes.
2、Steamed stone frog
Inhabited in caves, stone frog is a special product in Huangshan Mountain. It weights 250 grams or so, whose belly is white and back black with stripe. Stone frog is rich in protein, calcium and so on. It has the functions of clearing heat, improving vision and nutrition. It is one of the best exotic dishes from mountains.
3. Bamboo shoots cooked with sausage and dried mushroom
It is one traditional flavor in Huizhou mountainous area. Cooked with sausage and dried mushrooms, the bamboo shoots are more fragrant. It is delicious, and noted for its good color, juicy meat and thick soup.
4. Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch
Li Hongzhang hotchpotch is a popular dish named after one of Anhui's famous personages. Li Hongzhang was a top official of the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). When he was in office, he paid a visit to the US and hosted a banquet for all his American friends. As the specially prepared dishes continued to flow, the chefs, with limited resources, began to fret. Upon Li Hongzhang's order, the remaining kitchen ingredients were thrown together into an impromptu stew, containing sea cucumber, squid, tofu, ham, mushroom, chicken meat and other less identifiable food materials! Thus appetites were quenched and a dish was created.
