Bengbu Stunned

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### **Complete Travel Guide to Bengbu | A Dialogue Between Ancient and Modern by the Huai River Pearl**
**City Essence**: Nestled by the Huai River and the first port of the thousand-mile-long Huai, famous as the "Pearl," where the prehistoric Shuangdun culture and the legend of Yu the Great's flood control converge. Modern fame boosted by the web hit "The Long Moon Jinxing."

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**📸 In-Depth Core Attractions Tour**
**1. Zhanggongshan Park — Symbol of the Pearl City**
- **Pearl Maiden Sculpture**: A 7-meter tall white marble statue holding a pearl. Climb the Huai Tower (rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty) for a 360° panoramic view of the Huai River and city skyline.
- **Secret Spot Recommendation**: The southern foothill **Tushan Ancient Trail**, said to be where Yu the Great met the lords, with mountains covered in red leaves in autumn.
- **Night Tour**: Lake laser show (every Friday and Saturday at 19:30) combined with pearl-themed lighting, dreamlike and magical.

**2. Longzihu Scenic Area — A Geographical Wonder**
- **North-South Boundary Marker**: A giant bronze Vermilion Bird sculpture stands under a red and blue arch, marking the geographical dividing line between northern and southern China (N32°15').
- **Immersive Experiences**:
✅ East Bank: **Lakeside Rising Moon Ancient Residential Expo Park** — Huizhou-style architecture relocated here, white walls and black tiles reflecting on the lake.
✅ West Bank: **Cherry Blossom Garden** — Pink flower sea cycling path at the end of March (bike rental at West Lake West Gate).

**3. Cultural Origins Journey**
- **Bengbu City Museum** (free): Must-see **Pottery Figurine with Patterned Face** (7,000 years old Shuangdun culture), unlocking the secrets of Huai River civilization.
- **Old Jinpu Railway Site**: Old train station with French-style clock tower, witnessing the city born from the Republic of China’s railway expansion.

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**🍜 Taste of Bengbu**
**【Breakfast Legends】**
- **Sesame Seed Cake with Fried Pork Tenderloin, the Universe’s Center**:
• **Zhang Ji** (Hongqi 1st Road): Thin crispy sesame cake + freshly fried pork tenderloin, brushed with soul-stirring **sweet chili sauce + garlic juice**
• **Xiaohao Shoe Sole Sesame Cake** (Taiping Street): Shaped like a shoe sole, fragrant with toasted sesame
- **Time-Honored Soup Dumplings**: Xueyuan Snack City (Flower and Bird Market) offers four-color glutinous rice balls + fresh meat soup dumplings

**【Main Course Highlights】**
- **Tuohu Crab Feast** (September-November): Rich roe and full yellow, recommended **steamed with ginger vinegar dip**
- **Acai Old Shop** (Bengshan District): Braised crayfish with hand-pulled noodles, vintage supply and marketing cooperative ambiance
- **Hugou Sesame Cake**: Stuffed with fried dough sticks, sprinkled with pepper salt, charcoal-baked nostalgic taste of northern Huai

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**🚉 Practical Tips**
| **Item** | **Details** |
|----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Transport** | High-speed rail to Bengbu South Station (Shanghai 2h / Hefei 40min); city attractions accessible by bus routes 115/127 |
| **Best Seasons** | **March-May** (cherry blossoms + pleasant temperatures), **September-November** (crab season + autumn colors) |
| **Hidden Activities** | Find filming locations from "The Long Moon Jinxing": Longzihu Arch (birthplace of the Demon God), Zhanggongshan (Beng tribe sacred temple scenes) |
| **Accommodation Suggestions** | Bengshan Wanda business district (near food street) or Longzihu Resort Hotel |

> **Sample Itinerary**:
> **Day 1**: Zhanggongshan Park (morning) → Museum (afternoon) → Longzihu sunset cycling → Acai Old Shop late-night snack
> **Day 2**: Xueyuan breakfast → Lakeside Rising Moon → North-South boundary landmark check-in → Tuohu Crab Restaurant return trip

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