Hefei, capital city of Anhui province, is located between the Yangtze River and the Huaihe River, and beside the Chaohu Lake. It is a mid-China city nearest to the coastal cities in eastern China. Hefei is a city with both a long history and youthful vitality. The city of Hefei has a 2,000-year history and is noted as ‘a historic site famous from the Three Kingdoms Period and the birthplace of Lord Bao". It has youthful vitality because it is a newly emerging industrial city. Many famous enterprises, well known both at home and abroad, were developed here.

Hefei is a science and education city. As a key scientific research and education base in China, it boasts many international and nationally famous institutes of higher education and research, including the University of Science and Technology of China and the Hefei Institute of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The intellectual resources of the city are amongst the highest in China and it is honoured as a national model city in terms of scientific and technological progress. It is also a national pilot city for technical innovation and a national pilot city for IT-related manufacturing industry.

To the east of Hefei is the vast expanse of the blue waters of Chaohu Lake. To the west lie the high-rise peaks of Dabieshan Mountain, to the north flows the Huaihe River and to the south flows the Yangtze River. In the urban area, well-watered parks are arranged around the city centre. The city has been designated a national garden and a national hygienic city. It is also a quality tourist city, and has a reputation for its excellence in the comprehensive management of its urban environment and its support for military and governmental comprehensive management of public security.

Bao Gong Temple

It is located on the Fragrant Flower Mound in Baohe Park. Built for the first time in 1066 AD, the temple is the primal model in memory of Bao Zheng both at home and abroad. The existing Bao Gong Temple was reconstructed with the money donated by Li Hong Zhang, the governor-general of Zhili (now Hebei) in the 8th year (1882 AD) of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. In 1961, it was proclaimed to be a key cultural relic site under the protection of Anhui Provincial Government.　

Li Hongzhang's Former Residence

Li Hongzhang, who styled himself Shao Quan, was born in Hefei in 1823. His highest official title was governor-general of Zhili (now Hebei province) and Northern Minister concurrently. He held key posts for forty years, traveling far and wide across East Asia and West Europe. He was in charge of both the domestic affairs and foreign affairs of the Qing Dynasty. He founded the Huai Army and initiated the Westernization Movement. He was referred to as “the first man to advocate the open-door policy in China.” His former residence is located on the Huaihe Road (the mid-section) of Hefei. The entire building looks magnificent with carved beams and rafters. It is the largest existing and best preserved former residence of a VIP in Hefei. It is a key cultural relic site under the protection of Anhui provincial government.　

Mingjiao Temple

Located above the Jiaonu Rostrum, it is a key temple in China. Founded in the Southern Dynasties (420-589 AD), it is composed of three parts---the Buddhas，Halls, the library of the sutras, and the western chamber garden. There are more than 30 statues of Buddhas. The Grand Hall has upturned eaves and aeolian bells. On the roof of the hall there is a giant gourd-shaped tip made of tin, shining and pointing to the sky.