Anhui Southern 3-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary (Perfect for May Holiday)

I planned a family-friendly, off-the-beaten-path Anhui Southern route for the May holiday. We drove around for three days, enjoying the scenery, food, and amusement parks. It was so much fun with fewer crowds, smooth roads, and delicious food! I'm sharing the itinerary with you below, including super practical time points. Just copy it! Day 1: Shanghai to Guangde • 5:15 AM: Depart early from Shanghai, heading west along the G50 Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway with the first rays of morning sunlight, starting your Anhui Southern trip. • 8:45 AM: Arrive at Taiji Cave for a visit. The stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave are in various shapes. Illuminated by colorful lights, you'll feel like you're in a magical world, where every stone has its own story. • 11:00 AM: Finish your visit to Taiji Cave and head straight to Xinzhuang Restaurant. Call the restaurant in advance. Luckily, we booked the last private room. We tasted authentic Anhui Southern cuisine. The braised pork pot was the best, the salt and pepper small potatoes were sweet, spicy, and crispy, the soy sauce duck was tender and flavorful, and the water spinach was crisp and refreshing. There wasn't a single dish we didn't like. • 1:00 PM: Depart for Jishan Bamboo Forest Scenic Area. The road is lined with green trees and picturesque scenery. • 2:00 PM: Arrive at Jishan Bamboo Forest Scenic Area and start climbing Jishan Mountain. Stroll along the bamboo forest path, with thick bamboo leaves under your feet and the rustling sound of bamboo leaves in your ears, as if you are in a natural oxygen bar. • 4:30 PM: After descending the mountain, freshen up and head to Matianli Suoshan Bridge. • 5:00 PM: Arrive at Matianli Suoshan Bridge to admire the surrounding lake and mountain scenery and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature. The stream babbles under the bridge, and the distant green mountains form a beautiful landscape painting. There are not many people taking photos in the village. There is a small parking lot, but the water quality of the stream is average. The children didn't go into the water but played on the swing for a while. • 6:00 PM: Head to Lucun Reservoir. The scenery by the reservoir is refreshing. Take photos and watch the sunset. • 6:30 PM: Head to Heyuan Restaurant for dinner. Recommended dishes include farmhouse steamed eggs, braised chicken pot, and sesame balls. • 8:30 PM: Drive to the Carmen Film Hotel. All the equipment is smart in this budget hotel. End the day's trip happily. Day 2: Guangde to Xuancheng • 8:00 AM: After checking out, head to Xiao Lao San Spicy Noodles for breakfast to start a new day of travel. • 8:50 AM: Depart for Nanyi Lake. The scenery along the county road and villages is picturesque, but some small roads are difficult for cars to pass each other. New drivers should pay attention. • 10:00 AM: Arrive at the most beautiful Nanyi Lake and start water activities and camping. Children play by the lake, and laughter echoes on the shore. • 11:30 AM: End the Nanyi Lake activities and head to Xuancheng. • 12:30 PM: Arrive at Huiwan (Datang Local Flavor Restaurant) and taste authentic Xuancheng cuisine. The Shuiyang Three Treasures were actually preserved meat for the first time. The spare ribs with preserved vegetables were very crispy and tender. The signature bighead carp was the best, without any earthy taste and very flavorful. • 1:30 PM: After lunch, drive to Xietiao Tower to experience the charm of ancient architecture. • 1:45 PM: After arriving at Xietiao Tower, climb the tower to overlook the entire city of Xuancheng and feel the unique charm of this city. • 2:15 PM: End your visit to Xietiao Tower, go to the Qiwu Hotel in Xuancheng to park, and take a taxi to the mountainside of Jingting Mountain. • 3:30 PM: The shuttle bus arrives near Taibai Tower, and you start climbing the mountain. Walk slowly along the mountain road, admiring the natural scenery on both sides. • 5:30 PM: Climb to the top of the mountain, overlooking the beautiful scenery below. The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the mountains, which is especially beautiful. • 6:00 PM: Take a taxi halfway up the mountain to Zhang Apo Handmade Sweet Soup Shop to taste sweet sweet soup. The price is very high, and every dessert is delicious. It's just that the sign is not obvious and it is easy to pass by. • 6:30 PM: Walk along the pedestrian street to Guogou Plaza, eating various snacks while walking, and feel the local atmosphere of Xuancheng. • 8:30 PM: After walking for two days, my feet were very sore. I took a taxi to Wanlingfu near the hotel for a foot massage. The group purchase was very affordable, which relieved the fatigue of the day. Day 3: Xuancheng to Anji to Shanghai • 7:30 AM: Wake up and start the last day of amusement park fun. • 7:50 AM: Have breakfast at the hotel to replenish energy. • 8:15 AM: Depart for Anji Joyland Theme Park. • 10:00 AM: Arrive at Anji Joyland Theme Park and start the fun time. There are all kinds of performances and amusement facilities such as bumper cars, water rafting, and roller coasters. The children have fun in the park, and the adults seem to have returned to their childhood. • 9:00 PM: After watching the beautiful molten iron fireworks show, end the three-day trip and return to Shanghai with full of joy. • 12:15 AM: Arrive home safely. This trip to Anhui Southern has everything from landscapes and historical sites to delicious food and culture. The itinerary is not rushed, full of comfort and surprises. Visit Anhui Southern during the May holiday, and it will definitely be worth the trip! There are also the Dragon Boat Festival and summer vacation coming up, so hurry up and go!