Anqing City

A Yangtze riverside city that is home to Huangmei opera and a National Famous Historical and Cultural City, with Zhenfeng Pagoda and Yingjiang Temple overlooking the river; the Tongcheng School of literature and the Hui opera troupes that gave rise to Peking opera both originated here.

Anqing lies in southwestern Anhui on the north bank of the Yangtze River. Historically known as Shuzhou and Yicheng, and abbreviated as "Yi", it is a National Famous Historical and Cultural City. From the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty until 1938, Anqing was the provincial capital of Anhui for most of that time — the "An" in "Anhui" comes from Anqing. It is one of the birthplaces of Huangmei opera; most of the "Hui troupes" that preceded Peking opera came from Shipai in Huaining; and writers of the Tongcheng School, as well as figures such as Chen Duxiu, Zhao Puchu, Deng Jiaxian and the poet Haizi, all came from Anqing. This destination centers on the city of Anqing; Tongcheng and Mount Tianzhu (Qianshan) are listed as separate destinations.

Where to go: the core of the old town is on the Yangtze riverfront, with Zhenfeng Pagoda and Yingjiang Temple, the Shitaishi Mansion, the Ying Wang Palace, the Catholic church, Daopashi and the Renmin Road pedestrian street all within walking distance; in the evening you can catch a show at the Huangmei Opera Hall. To the north, Linghu Park, and on the outskirts the Chen Duxiu Cemetery, Dalong Mountain and Jushi Mountain make good half-day trips. Farther afield, visit Shipai Ancient Town in Huaining to trace the origins of the Hui troupes, see Xiaogu Shan, a lone peak on the Yangtze, in Susong, or cross the river in winter to watch hooded cranes at Shengjin Lake.

Seasons: March–May and September–November have the most comfortable weather; summer is hot and humid, with high Yangtze water levels during the flood season from June to August; winter is damp and cold, but it's the season for birdwatching at Shengjin Lake and skiing at Jushi Mountain. Getting there: high-speed trains from Anqing Station run to Hefei, Nanjing, Wuhan and Jiujiang, and Anqing Tianzhushan Airport is about 10 km north of the city; sights in the city are close together, so walking plus taxis will do. Suggested 2 days: one for the old town and the Yangtze, one for the Chen Duxiu Cemetery, Linghu and Huangmei opera. Must-eats: Jiangmao dumplings, Mozi pastries, braised pork with sweet-potato starch balls, Huyumei broad bean paste and Huaining tribute cakes.

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