What a great adventure you’re planning! Since your primary focus is on food and cultural experiences, I’d like to recommend the following highlights for an 8-day self-drive trip from Hefei:

Day 1-2: Hangzhou

  • Must-try dishes: Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, Longjing Shrimp
  • Take a stroll around West Lake (西湖), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic symbol of Hangzhou
  • Visit the Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔) for stunning views of the city

Day 3-4: Suzhou

  • Explore the ancient waterways and canals by taking a gondola ride or boat tour
  • Marvel at the beautiful classical gardens, such as Humble Administrator’s Garden (官厅园)
  • Try some local specialties like steamed soup dumplings and Dongshan mushrooms

Day 5-6: Shanghai

  • Discover the city’s vibrant food scene with must-visits like Jia Jia Tang Bao () for xiaolongbao (), Lanzhou Hand-pulled Noodles, or Chengdu Hot Pot
  • Visit iconic landmarks like the Bund (外滨), Oriental Pearl Tower (东方pearl塔) and Museum of Contemporary Art (当代艺术馆)
  • Wander through traditional neighborhoods, such as the French Concession () or Tianzifang ()

Day 7-8: Huangshan

  • Marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of Yellow Mountains (), with iconic granite peaks and pine forests
  • Take a cable car ride to the top for panoramic views and explore the ancient villages, temples, and scenic trails
  • Try some local specialties like smoked pork and pickled vegetables

Tips:

  1. Make sure to plan your meals in advance to accommodate your foodie interests.
  2. Be respectful of cultural heritage sites by following visitor rules and taking pictures discreetly.
  3. Drive safely on China’s roads by paying attention to traffic laws, road conditions, and local customs.

Enjoy your culinary journey and make the most out of this adventure!