Introduction
Route G4 (Jinggang'ao Expressway) connects Anyang in Henan to Maanshan in Anhui, a 650 km drive that passes through the North China Plain and the Huaihe River basin. A key milestone is the Fuyang–Huainan section, where the expressway crosses the Huaihe River, a major flood-control river with a history of catastrophic breaches.
This guide covers what you need: how long to drive Anyang to Maanshan (around 7 hours without stops), road quality, fuel costs, and diverse attractions along the way.
| Segment | Distance (km) | Driving Time (h) |
|---|---|---|
| Anyang to Hefei | 450 | 5 |
| Hefei to Maanshan | 200 | 2 |
For finding unique places between cities, consult how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
Weather varies: winters are cold with occasional snow, summers hot and humid with heavy rain. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for driving.
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
The entire route is on G4 and G4211, with tolls averaging 0.4 CNY/km. Fuel prices: 92-octane around 7.5 CNY/liter; a typical car uses 8L/100km, costing about 390 CNY in fuel.
- Service areas every 50 km: most have gas stations, restaurants, and restrooms.
- Road condition: good to excellent; some sections in Anhui have construction zones.
- Electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes are widely available.
Fatigue management: plan rest stops every 2-3 hours. Recommended service areas: Xiaogan (at 150 km), Fengtai (at 300 km), and Feidong (at 450 km).
Safety: speed limit is 120 km/h on most sections; radar detectors are banned, but fixed cameras are common. Use rest areas if drowsy.
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
Road quality: Excellent on G4, with good signage. Some sections in Anhui are newly expanded, but beware of sudden lane merges.
Family suitability: Many service areas have playgrounds, such as the Xihai Service Area (km 220) and the Qimen Service Area (km 480) – clean restrooms and kid-friendly food options.
Pet-friendly: Most service areas allow pets on leash, but not inside restaurants. For overnight stays, few hotels near the route accept pets; plan accordingly.
Fatigue management: The longest stretch without services is 40 km (between Feidong and Wuwei). The Hefei Ring Expressway can be confusing; use GPS.
Active rest: At Dangtu, a rest area near Maanshan, you can walk along the Yangtze riverbank – a good leg-stretcher. For children, the Yangtze River Bridge observation deck at Maanshan is a highlight.
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
You'll see the flat, agricultural North China Plain, with fields of wheat and corn. Near Huainan, the landscape shifts to rolling hills and the Huaihe River's floodplain. In Anhui, the terrain becomes more forested as you approach the Yangtze River.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While not directly on route, a short detour to the ancient city of Shouxian (30 km from Huainan) offers the history of the Chu State. The official site is the Grand Canal, which passes through Huai'an, a 100 km detour north.
Local commerce: In Anyang, try Anyang Jian Mian (noodles). At service areas, sample regional snacks like Fuqie (stuffed pancake) in Anhui.
Hidden off-route spots: The Zhanggongshan Forest Park near Huainan offers a peaceful hike. Near Hefei, the Sanhe Ancient Town, a water town, is a 30 km detour.
Cultural note: The region is known for its tofu and calligraphy, especially in Huainan.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Anyang to Maanshan?
The direct drive is about 650 km, taking approximately 7 hours without stops, depending on traffic and speed.
Is it worth driving from Anyang to Maanshan?
Yes, if you enjoy diverse landscapes, historical sites, and the flexibility to explore off-route gems. The drive is efficient and offers a mix of plains and rivers.
What are the best stops between Anyang and Maanshan?
Consider a detour to Shouxian for its ancient walls, Zhanggongshan Forest Park, and Sanhe Ancient Town. Also, service areas like Xihai and Dangtu offer pleasant breaks.