Balihe Scenic Area is located in Yingshang County, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers a total area of 15.8 square kilometers, with a water area of 6 square kilometers, featuring ecological wetland landscapes and water conservancy projects. Balihe Scenic Area consists of four themed zones: "World Scenery", "Splendid China", "Blue Wave Tour Area" and "Birds' Paradise", known as the "Pearl of Northern Anhui".
History and Culture
The Balihe area was historically a flood storage area of the Huai River Basin. After the catastrophic Huai River flood in 1991, the local government decided to transform this low-lying land into a tourist attraction. After more than 20 years of construction and development, it has evolved from an original wasteland into today's national 5A-level scenic area.
The scenic area preserves many historical relics of Huai River control projects, witnessing the arduous course of Huai River management. The transformation of Balihe also reflects the Chinese people's spirit and wisdom of "man can conquer nature" in water control.
Today, Balihe Scenic Area is not only a tourist destination but also a model of ecological management, demonstrating the concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and has become a demonstration project for ecological protection in the Huai River Basin.
Main Attractions
World Scenery Park
The World Scenery Park covers an area of 800 mu (about 53 hectares), featuring miniature landscapes of famous buildings from around the world, including the Arc de Triomphe in France, the Statue of Liberty in the United States, the Egyptian Pyramids and iconic buildings from more than 40 countries, allowing visitors to experience world cultures without leaving China.
Splendid China Park
Splendid China Park covers an area of 600 mu (about 40 hectares), with miniature landscapes of famous scenic spots across China as its theme, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Yellow Crane Tower, as well as characteristic areas such as Jiangnan water towns and Hui-style architecture, showcasing the charm of traditional Chinese culture.
Blue Wave Tour Area
The Blue Wave Tour Area is the core water area of Balihe, covering 3 square kilometers. Visitors can take boat tours to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, view wetland plants such as lotuses and reeds, and experience the artistic conception of "boating on blue waves, people traveling in paintings".
Birds' Paradise
Birds' Paradise covers an area of 500 mu (about 33 hectares) and is one of the largest bird watching areas in East China, inhabited by more than 100 species of rare birds including swans, peacocks, and red-crowned cranes. With its beautiful environment and birds singing among fragrant flowers, it is an ideal place for bird watching and photography.
Cuisine
Yingshang Banmian
Yingshang Banmian is a local specialty noodle dish, featuring wide and chewy noodles served with beef, mutton or chicken soup. The soup is delicious and nutritious, making it a traditional delicacy in the Fuyang area.
Balihe Fish Banquet
The Balihe Fish Banquet uses various fresh fish bred in the scenic area's waters, prepared with multiple cooking methods such as braising, steaming, and stewing soup. The dishes are delicious and a must-try specialty for visitors.
Fuyang Gelatiao
Fuyang Gelatiao is a unique noodle dish, featuring thick and chewy short noodles served with sesame paste, chili oil and other seasonings. It has a distinctive texture and is spicy and delicious, loved by locals and visitors alike.
Ticket Information
The ticket price for Balihe Scenic Area is 100 yuan per person, including access to all four themed zones. The scenic area is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer), with a recommended visiting time of 4-6 hours. Additional fees apply for boat rides and some other activities.
Recommended Tour Route
Recommended tour route: Main entrance → World Scenery Park → Splendid China Park → Blue Wave Tour Area (boat ride) → Birds' Paradise → Exit. This route allows visitors to fully experience Balihe's natural scenery and cultural landscapes. It's recommended to visit the cultural areas in the morning and take a boat tour of the water scenery in the afternoon.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Drive about 60 kilometers from Fuyang city center along Provincial Highway S102 towards Yingshang
- Public bus: Take the Yingshang Balihe shuttle bus from Fuyang Bus Station, about 1 hour
- High-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Fuyang West Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle or taxi for about 40 minutes
Must-See Attractions
- Blue Wave Tour Area - Boat ride to enjoy lake and mountain scenery, experience wetland landscape
- World Scenery Park - Appreciate miniature landscapes of world-famous buildings
- Birds' Paradise - Observe various rare birds and experience natural ecology
Travel Tips
- The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn; sun protection is needed in summer
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as the scenic area is quite large
- Bring a camera as the birds and wetland landscapes are great for photography
- Pay attention to safety when boating and wear life jackets
- Allow sufficient time as the scenic area has rich content
Precautions
- Protect the ecological environment and do not disturb the birds
- Swimming or playing in water is prohibited in non-designated areas
- Maintain environmental hygiene and dispose of waste properly
- Follow staff instructions when boating
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the scenic area