Chaohu Travel Guide

Population: 4,530,600

Area: 9,423 square kilometers (3,638 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 1 district (Juchao); 4 counties (Lujiang, Wuwei, Hanshan, Hexian)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0565-2324646
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0565-2316038

Location: Situated in central Anhui Province, Chaohu City borders the Yangtze River on the south with one of the five largest freshwater lakes, Chaohu Lake on its north. It neighbors cities including Hefei and Nanjing and is separated from Wuhu by Yangtze River.

History: The history of Chaohu area as a county can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC). In the following years, this land of fish and rice left behind a number of historical sites ranging from the Paleolithic Age to old battlefield and ancient buildings. After the establishment of the PRC, Chaohu Special Administrative Area was established in 1949 and the Chaohu City was established in 1982.

Physical Features: The terrain of the city is higher in the north and lower in the south. Hills and plains constitute the major part of the land. It has a vast water area of 1,267 square kilometers (489 square miles). Chaohu is considered to have the most fertile land in Anhui.

Climatic Features: Enjoying a subtropical humid monsoon climate with annual average temperature of 16C (61F). The rainfall varies greatly in different season and places. Generally, June to July is its plum rain period. The coldest and hottest days appear in January and July.

When to Go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to Chaohu. Every year in April, the city will hold peony viewing festival.

Special Local Products: tea, red melon seed, 'three treasures of Chaohu' (whitebait, white shrimp and crab)

Scenic Spots:
Chao Lake: Old name for Jiao Lake, the Chao Lake gained its present name for the shape like a bird's nest. It is a national scenic spot listed as on of the most famous freshwater lakes in China with rivers, lakes, hot springs and mountains as its greatest sceneries. It is always the first choice for visitors to Chaohu City. The Mushan Island in the lake is also an attractive spot worth visiting.
Other Scenic Spots: Yinping Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Bantang Hotspring

Tourist Tips:
1. Visitors can get to Hefei and Wuhu along the expressway with about half an hour and they can find the buses in the bus station in Changjiang Road (East), Juchao District. In addition, trains from Huaibei to Huangshan make stops in Chaohu, and it will take six hours from Chaohu to Huangshan.

2. Chaohu is only 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Hefei Luogang Airport and 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Nanjing (Lukou) International Airport. Well developed expressways make the transport from Chaohu to the airports much convenient.