Sanhe Ancient Town is located in Feixi County, Hefei City, Anhui Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering a total area of 2.9 square kilometers. Situated at the confluence of the Fengle River, Hangbu River, and Xiaonan River, the ancient town has a history of over 2,500 years and is a typical Jianghuai water town. The scenic area preserves more than 300 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, 12 ancient streets and alleys, and over 10 ancient bridges, completely retaining the ancient town's characteristic "small bridges, flowing water, and households" scenery.
History and Culture
Sanhe Ancient Town was first built during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Named after its location at the confluence of three rivers, it has long been an important water and land port and commercial center in the Jianghuai region. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Sanhe Ancient Town reached its peak, becoming an important gateway to Luzhou Prefecture (present-day Hefei), attracting numerous merchants and experiencing cultural prosperity.
The ancient town has produced many famous historical figures. Taiping Rebellion general Chen Yucheng defeated Qing troops here in a battle historically known as the "Great Victory at Sanhe". The town preserves historical relics such as the Taiping Army Headquarters site and Yang Zhenning's former residence, witnessing the town's glorious history.
The architecture of Sanhe Ancient Town combines Hui-style and Jianghuai folk house characteristics, featuring blue bricks, small tiles, horse-head walls, corridors, and lattice windows, forming a unique architectural style. The town's street layout and water network are well preserved, serving as an important example for studying ancient Chinese urban planning.
Main Attractions
Gunan Street
Gunan Street is the main street of Sanhe Ancient Town, stretching 1,200 meters with flagstone pavement and lined with shops on both sides. It preserves a large number of commercial and residential buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Historical buildings such as Liu Tongxing Longzhuang and Dong Yinchui Memorial Hall on the street showcase the town's commercial prosperity.
Taiping Army Headquarters Site
The Taiping Army Headquarters site is a Qing Dynasty architectural complex. In 1858, Taiping Rebellion general Chen Yucheng established his headquarters here, directing the Great Victory at Sanhe. The complex includes meeting halls, barracks, and other structures, now serving as the Sanhe Battle Memorial Hall, displaying the Taiping Army's combat history in Sanhe.
Yang Zhenning's Former Residence
Yang Zhenning's Former Residence is the ancestral home of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Chen Ning Yang, built in the late Qing Dynasty as a typical Jianghuai folk house. The residence displays Yang's family history and growth experiences, serving as an important site to understand the early life of this scientific giant.
Sanxian Bridge
Sanxian Bridge was first built in the Song Dynasty, spanning the Xiaonan River. Named after its connection of the former Hefei, Shucheng, and Lujiang counties, the bridge is 38 meters long and 7 meters wide, featuring three stone arches with pavilions on top, making it one of the town's landmark structures.
Wangyue Pavilion
Wangyue Pavilion is located in the center of the ancient town. First built in the Ming Dynasty, this seven-story pavilion-style structure stands 37 meters tall and is the highest point in the town. From the pavilion, visitors can overlook the panoramic view of Sanhe Ancient Town and the distant scenery of Chaohu Lake, making it the best spot to appreciate the town.
Cuisine
Sanhe Rice Dumplings
Sanhe Rice Dumplings are a local specialty snack made with rice flour skins wrapped around fillings such as pork and dried shrimp, then steamed. With thin skins and ample fillings, they have a soft and glutinous texture, making them a must-try local delicacy for visitors.
Sanhe Crispy Duck
Sanhe Crispy Duck is made from locally raised ducks through multiple processes including marinating and deep-frying. Crispy outside and tender inside with fragrant aroma and soft bones, it is a traditional famous dish of the ancient town.
Sanhe Tea Dried Tofu
Sanhe Tea Dried Tofu is a local specialty soybean product made from high-quality soybeans through multiple traditional processes. With delicate texture and rich bean flavor, it can be eaten as a snack or used in dishes.
Ticket Information
Sanhe Ancient Town Scenic Area implements a general admission system with ticket prices at 80 yuan per person, including all attractions. The scenic area is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30, with a recommended visiting time of 3-4 hours. Additional fees apply for some exhibitions and boat rides.
Recommended Tour Route
Recommended tour route: Main entrance → Gunan Street → Taiping Army Headquarters Site → Yang Zhenning's Former Residence → Sanxian Bridge → Wangyue Pavilion → Xiaonan River Boat Ride → Exit. This route provides a comprehensive experience of Sanhe Ancient Town's history, culture, and water town charm. It's recommended to visit cultural sites in the morning and take a boat tour of the water town scenery in the afternoon.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Drive about 40 kilometers south from Hefei city center along Hetong Road
- Public bus: Take the Sanhe Ancient Town shuttle bus from Hefei South Gate Transfer Center, about 1 hour
- Subway: Take Subway Line 3 to the terminal station, then transfer to Sanhe Ancient Town shuttle bus (about 30 minutes)
Must-See Attractions
- Gunan Street - Main street of the ancient town, well-preserved Ming-Qing commercial street
- Taiping Army Headquarters Site - Historical witness to the Battle of Sanhe
- Wangyue Pavilion - Highest point of the ancient town, best spot for panoramic views
Travel Tips
- The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn; sun protection is needed in summer
- Wear comfortable flat shoes as the ancient town's flagstone paths are uneven
- Bring a camera as the water town scenery is great for photography
- Pay attention to safety when boating and wear life jackets
- Allow time to sample local specialty snacks
Precautions
- Protect ancient buildings - do not touch carvings and murals
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the scenic area
- Maintain environmental hygiene and dispose of waste properly
- Follow staff instructions when boating
- Respect local customs and avoid loud noises