The thousand-year-old Northern Song Dynasty Wanfo Pagoda is hidden in Mengcheng's old town. This 13-story brick pagoda houses 10,000 niches with Buddha statues and is an iconic ancient building in northern Anhui. This 2-person itinerary has a total budget of CNY 4,960. It focuses on praying at the ancient pagoda, Zhuangzi culture, and authentic northern Anhui flavors. The pace is relaxed, and it's perfect for atmospheric photos.
Budget breakdown (total CNY 4,960 for two people)
Round-trip high-speed rail CNY 1,760, 2 nights at a boutique B&B in the city center CNY 980, pagoda climbing experience + cultural and creative products CNY 520, three meals CNY 720, city transportation CNY 200, local specialties and souvenirs CNY 780.
Day 1: First encounter with Wanfo Pagoda, initial experience of old town life
After arriving in Mengcheng, check into a B&B on Baota Road. It's a 5-minute walk directly to Wanfo Pagoda Park. This octagonal 13-story Song Pagoda has withstood a thousand years of wind and rain, with exquisitely detailed brick-carved Buddha statues. Sunset, with its slanting rays on the pagoda, is the best time for photos. You can book to climb the pagoda for a panoramic view of the entire county. The park is surrounded by green trees, with corridors and ancient locust trees complementing the pagoda, making it easy to take ancient-style photos.
In the afternoon, visit the adjacent Confucius Temple, where the antique streets are suitable for Hanfu photos. In the evening, stroll through the old town night market.
For lunch, you must try Mengcheng crispy sesame flatbread with satang soup; the multi-layered pastry is crispy and flaky. For dinner, enjoy local Mengcheng stewed chicken and dry-tossed noodles, rich and flavorful, a staple for locals.
Day 2: Understanding Zhuangzi culture, natural wetland scenery
In the morning, head to Zhuangzi Temple, visit Xiaoyao Hall and Mengdie Tower, and immerse yourself in Zhuangzi's philosophy. The bamboo forest in the park is serene, perfect for a leisurely two-hour stroll. In the afternoon, visit Mengcheng Museum to learn about the prehistoric civilization of Yuchisi and understand Mengcheng's thousand-year history.
In the afternoon, go to Beifeihe Wetland, walk by the water, watch the birds, and let the pristine natural scenery heal and de-stress you. In the evening, return to Wanfo Pagoda to enjoy the night lights.
For lunch, try the special Zhuangzi banquet, with Mengdie shrimp and Xiaoyao goose, which are unique local specialties. For dinner, have fresh stewed chicken, aligning with Bozhou's reputation as a "city of medicine" and its dietary characteristics.
Day 3: Light hike in the suburbs, purchase specialties, and return
In the morning, visit Jiuding Lingshan Temple, where the serene mountain forest is full of Zen charm. In the afternoon, stroll around Mengdie Lake Park for relaxation. Finally, set aside time to visit a specialty store to buy Wuzhou beef jerky, Bo chrysanthemum, and crispy flatbread gift boxes.
Before leaving, try the old street snack: fried steamed buns, to end your trip with an authentic local flavor, then return.
Must-try Mengcheng local delicacies
1. Mengcheng crispy sesame flatbread: An intangible cultural heritage snack, with crispy layers and a savory flavor.
2. Guoyang dry-tossed noodles + satang soup: A classic breakfast combination in northern Anhui.
3. Mengcheng stewed chicken: Firm meat, savory and flavorful.
4. Medicated cuisine, Xiaoyao series dishes: Local specialty banquet dishes.
5. Beef flatbread, oil tea: Popular street snacks.
Travel tips
1. Entry to Wanfo Pagoda is free. It is recommended to book pagoda climbing online in advance. The light is best for photos after 5 PM daily.
2. Choose accommodation in the old town's core area, where Wanfo Pagoda, Confucius Temple, and food streets are all within walking distance.
3. Mosquitoes are common in the wetlands during summer; it is recommended to bring mosquito repellent when visiting the park. Zhuangzi Temple is less crowded in the morning, making it more suitable for a peaceful visit.