Steeped in over 3,000 years of history, Bozhou is a vibrant cultural hub. It is globally recognized as the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Capital of the world and is the birthplace of legendary historical figures like the Han Dynasty strategist Cao Cao (曹操) and the "divine physician" Hua Tuo (華佗).
Whether you are a history buff, a culinary explorer, or someone interested in holistic wellness, this comprehensive Bozhou Travel Guide covers everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable journey.
1. Where is Bozhou?
Bozhou is a prefecture-level city located in the northwest of Anhui Province, China.
Positioned at the intersection of Anhui, Henan, Shandong, and Jiangsu provinces, Bozhou occupies a strategic location on the vast North China Plain. Its unique geography—flanked by the Guo River (涡河)—has made it a critical trading hub and military outpost since ancient times.
2. How to Get to Bozhou (Transportation Guide)
Bozhou is highly accessible thanks to China's world-class high-speed rail network.
By High-Speed Train (Recommended)
The Bozhou South Railway Station (亳州南站) is the city's main high-speed rail hub. It connects Bozhou directly to major metropolitan areas:
From Shanghai:
Direct high-speed trains take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. From Beijing:
Direct trains take about 4 to 5 hours. From Hefei (Anhui's Capital): High-speed trains get you to Bozhou in just 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Air
While Bozhou Airport (JOX) handles domestic regional flights, international travelers and long-distance flyers often land at Fuyang Xiguan Airport (FUG) (about 1 hour away by car) or Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE), and then take a high-speed train directly to Bozhou.
3. The World's Largest Medicine Market
You cannot talk about Bozhou without mentioning its massive traditional medicine industry. Bozhou ranks as the undisputed leader among China's "Four Great Medicine Capitals."
Kangmei Traditional Chinese Medicine City (康美亳州中藥城)
This is the beating heart of the global TCM trade. Covering a massive area equivalent to dozens of football fields, this modern, multi-story trading center hosts over 10,000 merchants daily.
1) The Local Specialties: "The Four Famous Medicines of Bozhou"
These are the local agricultural staples. Because they are grown in the nutrient-rich soil of the North China Plain surrounding Bozhou, their quality here is the best in China.
Bozhou White Peony Root (白芍 - Baishao):
What it is: The root of the beautiful herbaceous peonies you see blooming in spring.
Benefits: Highly praised in TCM for nourishing the blood, regulating menstruation, easing pain/cramps, and protecting the liver.
Bozhou Chrysanthemum (亳菊 - Boju):
What it is: A premium, locally harvested medicinal chrysanthemum flower.
Benefits: Excellent for brewing herbal tea. It is traditionally used to clear heat from the body, soothe tired eyes (especially for those who look at screens all day), and help detoxify the liver.
Bozhou Mulberry Bark (桑白皮 - Sangbaipi):
What it is: The dried root bark of the mulberry tree.
Benefits: Used primarily in TCM formulas to clear lung heat, ease coughing, and reduce fluid retention.
Bozhou Lovage Root / Levisticum (阿胶/川芎 variations):
What it is: Local aromatic roots used heavily in traditional therapeutic soups.
2) Best "Easy-to-Use" Wellness Items for Travelers
If you aren't looking to blend complex medicinal formulas but want high-quality wellness products for daily life, look for these popular items:
Premium Herbal Teas :
Aside from Boju (chrysanthemum), look for high-grade Goji Berries (枸杞 - Gouqizi) which are plump and sweet, Dried Honeysuckle (金银花) for cooling summer teas, and Rosebuds (玫瑰花) for improving circulation and mood.
Bozhou Herbal Foot Bath Packs (足浴药包):
Bozhou merchants create excellent, pre-packaged blends of crushed local herbs (like mugwort, safflower, and ginger) specifically for foot soaking. They are lightweight, highly affordable, and perfect for relieving fatigue after a long day of traveling.
Local Honey infused with Herbs (药蜜):
Because of the massive flower fields, Bozhou produces fantastic raw honey, often infused with jujube (red date) nectar or wild herbs, which makes for a great, healthy souvenir.
4. Best time for visiting Bozhou
1) The Blooming of the White Peony (白芍花 - Baishao)
Bozhou is famous for cultivating Baishao (White Peony Root), which is highly valued in TCM.
The Spectacle: In late April, thousands of acres of peony fields bloom simultaneously, creating a breathtaking, endless sea of pink and white flowers.
The Experience: Local and international travelers flock to the fields outside the city to walk among the blossoms, take photos, and experience the sweet, subtle fragrance of medicinal herbs in the spring breeze.
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| More than 200 square kilometers of peonies in Bozhou (Source : CGTN) |
2) The International TCM Expo (September 9th)
Every year on September 9th, Bozhou hosts the massive International Traditional Chinese Medicine Expo
Why Visit: This is the most important date on Bozhou’s calendar. The entire city fills with global buyers, TCM experts, and merchants. The trading floors at the Kangmei Chinese Medicine City reach a fever pitch, and special exhibitions show off cutting-edge health products, rare herbs, and historical artifacts.
The Atmosphere: It is an incredible, bustling display of global commerce rooted in ancient traditions.
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| 2025 TCM Expo & 41st National TCM Trade Fair (Source : Xinhua) |
5. Don't miss Gujinggong Baijiu (古井贡酒)
Bozhou is also the birthplace of Gujinggong Jiu (古井贡酒), one of the "Eight Great National Liqueurs" of China.
The name literally translates to "Old Well Tribute Liquor," referencing a historic well from the Southern and Northern Dynasties whose sweet spring water was used to brew spirits fit for emperors.
The Famous "Gu 20" (古20 - Gujinggong Nianfen Yuanjiang)
For spirits enthusiasts, the Gujinggong Year Puree "Gu 20" (年份原浆 古20) represents the pinnacle of premium Anhui Baijiu. Known for its elegant, strong-aroma (浓香型) profile, it features complex notes of grains, subterranean aging, and a remarkably smooth, sweet finish.
The hometown of Gujinggong Baijiu, Gujingzhen (Gujing Town), is so heavily focused on liquor culture that the entire town can be considered a giant baijiu brewing complex. Since it is a bit far from the city center, here are the core attractions you definitely shouldn't miss when you visit:
1) Gujing Wine Culture Museum (古井酒文化博物馆)
This is the heart of any trip to Gujingzhen. It is the first museum built in China's baijiu industry and is a designated National 4A-level tourist attraction.
What to See: The history of brewing, from Cao Cao presenting wine to the emperor during the Three Kingdoms period through the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present day, is vividly recreated with wax figures and artifacts.
Experience: You can admire the traditional brewing architecture of successive Chinese dynasties like the Han, Tang, and Song. Inside the museum, you can also taste and purchase authentic Gujinggong liquor.
2) Gujinggong Modern Brewing Factory and Underground Cellars (年份原浆 酿造車間)
Parts of the massive factory facilities where Gujinggong's premium "Year Puree" (Nianfen Yuanjiang) series is actually made are open to tourists.
What to See: You can fully experience the unique, rich aroma of qu (fermentation starter) as the liquor ferments in giant pits (Jiaochi). The older the fermentation pit, the better the baijiu it produces, and this area features designated clusters of ancient pits dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Underground Cellars: The endless rows of giant clay pots in the underground cellars are one of the most overwhelming sights in Gujingzhen.
3) Gujingzhen Traditional Baijiu Street and Local Distilleries
Beyond the official Gujing Group corporate factory, the entire street of Gujingzhen feels like a baijiu theme park.
What to See: The streets are lined with small, traditional distilleries (Jiufang) that brew and sell liquor in a cottage-industry style.
Features: Just walking down the street, you can smell the subtle aroma of baijiu. Aside from mass-produced products, it's fun to see and cheaply taste various proofs of raw liquor (Yuanjiang Jiu) sold straight from the clay pots.
6. Historic Landmarks and Legends in Bozhou
Bozhou also boasts a wealth of historic treasures that rival China's major tourist capitals, but without the overwhelming crowds.
1) Cao Cao Underground Military Canal (曹操地下运兵道)
Often dubbed the "Underground Great Wall," this is an incredible, 8,000-meter-long subterranean military tunnel system built by the legendary Three Kingdoms strategist Cao Cao.
Why Visit: Visitors can walk through the remarkably preserved brick-lined tunnels and see ancient traps, ventilation systems, and command posts built to move troops secretly beneath the city.
2) The Flower Theater / Huaxilou (花戏楼)
Built during the Qing Dynasty by Shanxi and Shaanxi merchant guilds, this architectural masterpiece served as a stage for Chinese opera.
The Highlight:
It is world-renowned for its three incredibly detailed art styles: intricate wood carvings, stone bas-reliefs, and stunning three-dimensional brick carvings depicting scenes from classic Chinese folklore.
3) Huahuan (华祖庵) - Hua Tuo's Memorial Temple
Dedicated to Hua Tuo, the Han Dynasty medical pioneer who invented the world’s first anesthetic (Mafeisan). The peaceful courtyard features exhibitions of ancient medical tools, a botanical medicinal garden, and statues demonstrating Wuqinxi (Five Animal Play), the earliest form of medical Qigong.
7. Where to Eat: Best Local Restaurants & Must-Try Dishes
Bozhou's food culture is deeply intertwined with its medicinal heritage and northern Anhui's hearty culinary traditions.
Must-Try Local Specialties
Beef Mo (牛肉馍, Niuroumo): Bozhou's ultimate street food. It is a giant, round, crispy pie stuffed with seasoned minced beef and glass noodles, pan-fried on a massive flat-top grill until golden-brown and flaky.
Bozhou Medicinal Banquet (药膳, Yaoshan): A dining experience where herbs like ginseng, angelica, and wolfberries are stewed with chicken, lamb, or fish to create delicious, health-boosting dishes.
8. Where to Stay: Recommended Hotels in Bozhou
Bozhou offers exceptional hospitality options, combining western comfort with deep-rooted Chinese themes.
| Hotel Name | Star Rating | Highlights | Best For |
| Wanda Realm Bozhou (亳州富力万达嘉华酒店) | 5-Star | Luxurious rooms, top-tier indoor pool, excellent buffet, next to Wanda Plaza. | Luxury travelers & Business |
| Bozhou Gujing Gongjiu Year Puree Theme Hotel | 4-Star | Beautiful baijiu-themed decor, elegant traditional styling, highly rated service. | Culture & Spirits enthusiasts |
| Hampton by Hilton Bozhou Culture Park | 4-Star | Modern, extremely clean, complimentary western/local breakfast, great location. | Comfort & Mid-range budget |
| JI Hotel (Bozhou Gaoxin Wanda Plaza) | 3.5-Star | Clean, minimalist design, highly efficient, very affordable. | Solo travelers & Budget business |
Discover Bozhou Today!
From wandering through aromatic medicine markets to exploring the military genius of Cao Cao underground, and sipping ancient imperial baijiu, Bozhou is a destination that engages all five senses.
