Hefei Chaohu Forest Park: Cycling in Autumn is Great
The Hefei Chaohu Forest Park is great for cycling and getting fresh air in the autumn. There's an island called Mu Shan Island on Chaohu Lake, accessible by speedboat or cruise ship – you can climb to the top of the tower on the island for a bird's-eye view of the lake. In the city, there's Dushu Mountain and Zhiping Mountain. For dining and entertainment, 1912 and Wanda Theme Park and Rainbow Nation Creative City are good choices. It might not be as grand as Fantopia, but my recommendations are more convenient for students (especially for dates!).
For the locals, these might be cliché recommendations, but I'll show you different ways to enjoy them. Let's make a list: some people can choose from Swan Lake, Dushu Mountain, Zhiping Mountain, Kuanghe River, Ring City Park (including Galaxy Park, Black Pool Dam, West Mountain Park). Visit Gonggong Temple, Hefei Industrial University campus, and the Provincial Museum (both old and new are recommended). Also, Dushu Mountain Forest Park and La Mountain are worth a visit, as is Changlin River, Chaohu Lake, Olympic Center, Lakeside Exhibition Center, and MidHotel located in the city.
I highly recommend Swan Lake. The campus of Hefei Industrial University is also a good choice. I took photos myself with my phone, so please don't be too harsh on the 'big shots'. As a student, I frequently visit Swan Lake, and it's a great place to explore without a fixed route. My route is from the east side of Green Oasis, around the lake to the Grand Theatre, then back to circle the other side to the Provincial Radio and Television Station. Swan Lake, Grand Theatre - both are beautiful at night when lit up. The evening at Swan Lake is my favorite, and Dushu Mountain is about eight kilometers away from Swan Lake, making it a good cycling choice. The natural landscapes and urban greenery along the way are well-maintained, with a strong urban atmosphere. I often take photos of clouds at Swan Lake in the summer, and I always struggle to take good photos near the Provincial Radio and Television Station during Qingming Festival. There's a beautiful small bridge by the lake, especially beautiful in the evening with all the connected lampposts.
Swan Lake Park is a good place, with busy basketball and football courts. Camping and picnics are also suitable here. Wanda Square and the Olympic Center are located around the park, making it very convenient. You can meet your classmates from the sports field and go for dinner, milk tea, or a movie – it's a one-stop shop. New Century Center is the largest shopping center opposite Swan Lake, located next to the Provincial Radio and Television Station (sorry, I couldn't find a full panoramic view!), and it's about one kilometer from Wanda Square, reachable by walking along Zhongkai Road near the National Development Bank.
