Things To Do
in Bozhou

Bozhou (亳州) is a prefecture-level city in northwestern Anhui province known as one of China’s historical centers of traditional Chinese medicine and Han cultural heritage. The city blends an old urban core with agricultural plains, lively medicinal herb markets and several well-preserved historic sites tied to early imperial and Han-era history. Visitors find bustling market streets, low-rise neighborhoods, and accessible day-trip countryside with rice paddies, small rivers and temple sites.

Bozhou is a practical destination for cultural tourism, food-focused visits and people interested in TCM history rather than for large-scale international tourism amenities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the ancient Bozhou Confucius Temple, where you can admire the intricate architecture and learn about Confucian culture. Afterward, stroll through the nearby historic streets, soaking in the traditional atmosphere filled with quaint shops and local vendors. Don’t forget to grab a traditional breakfast of steamed buns and soy milk from a local eatery.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Bozhou Museum to explore exhibits showcasing the city's rich history in calligraphy and culture. Take a leisurely walk along the Huaihe River, enjoying the scenic views and the peaceful environment. You can also stop by the local market for some fresh produce and unique souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant along the river to enjoy a delicious local dinner featuring Bozhou's famous lamb dishes. After your meal, take a peaceful evening stroll along the riverbank, where you can enjoy the illuminated bridges and watch locals engage in evening tai chi. Complete your day with a visit to a teahouse for a traditional tea ceremony.

day 2
Cultural Immersion at Local Markets
morning
:

Begin your day at the bustling Bozhou Morning Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local life. Browse through stalls selling everything from fresh fruits to handmade crafts, and engage with friendly vendors. Don’t miss the chance to sample local snacks like fried dough sticks and sticky rice cakes.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the nearby Traditional Chinese Medicine Market, where you can learn about the local herbal remedies and even pick up some unique ingredients. Spend time chatting with practitioners who can share insights into traditional healing practices. As you explore, be sure to try some herbal teas that are popular among locals.

evening
:

In the evening, find a local restaurant that specializes in the region’s famous hot pot. Enjoy the communal dining experience as you cook fresh ingredients at your table. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the city to soak in the lively night atmosphere, perhaps stopping for a dessert of sweet red bean soup.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
🥟Street snack / small bites$0.50-2
🚌Local bus fare$0.20-0.80
🚕Taxi start (daytime)$1.50-3
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$30-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Strong cultural and historical identity, especially in traditional Chinese medicine
  • Affordable prices and authentic local food
  • Good for short cultural visits and market exploration
  • Pleasant autumn weather ideal for sightseeing
  • Limited international tourism infrastructure and English signage
  • Hot, humid summers with heavy rain
  • Fewer entertainment options and nightlife compared with larger Chinese cities
  • Public transport and direct long-distance connections are less frequent than in major hubs
  • "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "谢谢 (xièxie)" - Thank you
  • "多少钱?(duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
  • "请问厕所在哪里?(qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
  • "我有食物过敏 (wǒ yǒu shíwù guòmǐn)" - I have a food allergy
  • "我需要看医生 (wǒ xūyào kàn yīshēng)" - I need to see a doctor

Places to Visit in Bozhou

Visit one of these nice places.

Traditional Medicinal Herb Market

Colorful sacks, bundles of dried roots and active traders create vivid market photography — best in the morning when vendors set up.

Bozhou Museum and Old City Streets

Architectural details, exhibits and quiet alleyways offer cultural and historical shots; late morning or afternoon light works well on facades.

Riverside Parks and Bridges

Sunrise and sunset reflections, local fishermen and leisure activities along small city rivers capture everyday life.

Village Temples and Countryside

Small temples, farm fields and seasonal landscapes nearby provide rural and documentary-style photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bozhou

Bozhou’s cuisine is rooted in Anhui traditions — hearty, slow-cooked dishes, soups and use of local herbs. Because the city is a major center for traditional Chinese medicine, you’ll find herb-infused soups and snacks alongside comfort food made from seasonal produce and local meats.

Bozhou Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Herbal Chicken Soup

A local staple where chicken is slow-simmered with medicinal herbs — nourishing and commonly found in small restaurants and teahouses near the herb market.

Must-Try!

Stewed Pork with Soy and Herbs

Thick, savory braised pork served with rice. Versions often incorporate regional spices and occasionally medicinal ingredients for aroma.

Local Pancakes and Dumplings

Street-style pancakes (煎饼) and boiled dumplings are common breakfast or snack options available at small shops and stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Traditional Medicinal Herb Market

One of Bozhou’s signature markets where sacks of dried roots, barks and herbs are sold. It’s an atmospheric place to photograph and sample small bites sold by surrounding vendors — try any simple herb-infused soups or snacks sold nearby.

Night Food Stalls

Evening street stalls near central neighborhoods selling skewers, local pancakes and sweets — good for sampling multiple small dishes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bozhou has a temperate, humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers with frequent rain; mild, pleasant springs and autumns; and cool, relatively dry winters. Annual precipitation is concentrated in the summer months; temperature ranges are moderate compared to inland plateau areas.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Polite Greetings

A simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and a smile are appropriate — formal handshakes are less common in casual settings.

Respect for Elders

Show deference to older people (stand when they enter, offer seats) as traditional respect for elders is valued.

Markets and Bargaining

Bargaining is acceptable in street markets but less so in fixed-price shops; keep bargaining friendly and polite.

Temples and Shrines

Dress modestly at religious sites, avoid loud behavior, and follow any photography rules posted at the site.

Safety Guide

Safety

Bozhou is generally safe for travelers — violent crime is uncommon. Standard urban precautions apply: watch belongings in crowded markets and on public transport, be cautious with traffic when crossing streets, and avoid unlicensed taxis. If you plan to try herbal remedies, consult a medical professional if you have health conditions or are on medication; bring travel insurance with medical coverage.

Tipping in Bozhou

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not a strong cultural expectation in Bozhou; you can leave small change for exceptional service, but it is not required in most restaurants or taxis. For tour guides or drivers who go above and beyond, a modest tip is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate local transactions for shops, markets and taxis. Cash (RMB) is still useful for small vendors; many places accept card payments in larger restaurants and hotels, but smaller stalls may not.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring (March–May) brings mild temperatures and blooming fields — good for outdoor walks and visiting herb farms as new growth appears. Occasional rain is likely; bring a light rain jacket.

Summer

Summers (June–August) are hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms; midday heat can be intense — plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.

Autumn

Autumn (September–November) is the most comfortable season with cooler days, clear skies and good visibility—ideal for sightseeing and photography.

Winter

Winters (December–February) are cool to cold with short days; snow is uncommon but possible. Many indoor attractions remain open and hot soups are popular.

Nightlife Guide

Bozhou at Night

Bozhou’s nightlife is low-key compared with China’s large cities — evenings revolve around night markets, tea houses and small bars or KTV (karaoke) venues. Expect lively local eateries open late and pockets of entertainment rather than a wide club scene. Night markets are the best place to sample street snacks and experience local evening culture.

Hiking in Bozhou

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Local Riverside Trails

Easy walking trails along small rivers and canals near the city — good for morning photography and gentle countryside walks.

Countryside Farm Paths

Networks of rural tracks between fields and villages that offer quiet hiking and insight into local agriculture; best visited in spring or autumn.

Temple Hill Walks

Short hikes from small villages up to local temple sites and viewpoints provide cultural interest and panoramic views of the plains.

Airports

How to reach Bozhou by plane.

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE)

Major airport serving Anhui province. By car it is roughly 2.5–4 hours away depending on traffic; regular long-distance bus and train connections link Bozhou with Hefei.

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)

Major airport in neighboring Henan province; accessible by a 3–4 hour drive or train/bus connections. Useful for international and many domestic connections.

Xuzhou Guanyin Airport (XUZ)

A regional airport within a few hours’ drive; can be a practical option depending on flight schedules and onward connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Bozhou and the old city areas are quite walkable with compact neighborhoods, markets and attractions close together. Peripheral districts and rural sites require bikes, taxis or private transport; sidewalks may be uneven in some neighborhoods.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The overwhelming majority of Bozhou’s population is Han Chinese, with local dialects and customs reflecting Anhui cultural traits.

Elderly and rural residents

Many areas have an older demographic profile and agricultural communities, reflecting out-migration of some younger people to larger cities.

Small ethnic minority presence

Minority groups exist in small numbers; most public life and cultural institutions reflect Han-majority traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball courts are common in schools and neighborhoods; the sport has wide amateur popularity across all ages.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is popular recreationally and in community centers.

Football (Soccer)

Local youth and amateur teams play football; fields in suburban areas are used for weekend matches.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in central Bozhou can be congested during morning and evening rush hours, especially near markets and main roads. Public transportation is primarily buses and taxis; app-based ride services and WeChat/Alipay payments are common. Intercity travel is often by bus or rail to larger hubs, so plan longer journeys ahead.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bozhou.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but often limited to simple vegetable dishes, tofu and noodles; specify 素食 (sùshí) and confirm there’s no chicken or pork stock in soups.

Vegan

Vegan choices are more limited; bring a translation card explaining no animal products and ask vendors to avoid lard or meat-based broths.

Gluten-Free

Rice-based dishes are commonly safe, but many sauces contain wheat. Ask about 酱料 (sauces) and prefer plain steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

Allergies

Carry a card in Chinese describing your allergy (nuts, shellfish, etc.) and avoid mixed street foods where cross-contamination is likely.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Bozhou has hospitals and clinics including general hospitals and institutions focused on traditional Chinese medicine, so basic and many specialist services are available locally. For complex or emergency care, larger regional hospitals in Hefei or Zhengzhou offer more advanced facilities; carry travel insurance and any medical records or prescriptions you need.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide