Zhengzhou to Anji Road Trip: Highways, Hills, and Hidden Gems

Leaving Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, you'll immediately join the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, a major east-west artery that cuts through the flat, agricultural heartland of China. The road is wide and well-maintained, but be prepared for dense truck traffic until you pass Kaifeng.

As you approach Anji, the landscape transforms into rolling bamboo-covered hills, a stark green contrast to the dry plains you left behind. Anji County, in Zhejiang province, is the epicenter of China's bamboo industry and home to the famous Anji Bamboo Expo Park.

The total drive is approximately 950 kilometers, taking around nine and a half hours without stops. The fastest route uses the G30 Lianhuo Expressway to Xuzhou, then the G3 Beijing–Taipei Expressway south through Hefei, followed by the S12 Shenjia Expressway into Anji. Tolls are payable by cash or ETC, and expect to pay around 400 RMB total.

Fuel is readily available at all expressway service areas, which are well-spaced every 50 kilometers or so. Prices are standardized nationwide, so there's no advantage to filling off the highway. For electric vehicles, fast chargers are available at most large service areas, but it's wise to plan ahead during peak holiday periods.

• Best stops Zhengzhou to Anji: Tongshan Han Tomb (Xuzhou), Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Nanjing), Anji Bamboo Expo Park (Anji).
• How long to drive Zhengzhou to Anji: 9h30m (non-stop) via G30/G3/S12.
• Is it worth driving Zhengzhou to Anji: Yes, for the scenic transition from plains to bamboo mountains, and the cultural highlights en route.

For more insights on planning stopovers, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities .

The expressways are in excellent condition, but heavy trucks and varying speed limits (100–120 km/h) demand attention. The route is well-lit and signposted in Chinese and English, and service areas offer free parking, clean restrooms, and basic dining. For families, the service areas often have small playgrounds and convenience stores with snacks and baby supplies. Many have family restrooms and breastfeeding rooms.

Pets are generally not allowed inside service area restaurants, but outdoor areas are pet-friendly. When driving, keep pets secured in a crate or harness.

To combat fatigue, plan breaks every two hours. The Xuzhou service area is a good lunch stop, and the Nanjing service area has a Starbucks and a larger food court. Watch for fog in the Tianmu mountain section, especially in winter mornings.

Hidden off-route spots: less than 10 km off the G3 near Chuzhou lies the Langyashan Scenic Area, a quiet forest retreat with historic temples. Also, just north of Anji, the Tianhuangping pumped-storage power station offers a scenic reservoir and views of the valley.

The route crosses the Huai River near Bengbu, marking a distinct change in climate and vegetation. North of the river, the land is dry and dusty; south, you'll enter the lush, water-rich Jiangnan region. The final hour of the drive winds through the Tianmu Mountain range, where bamboo forests blanket the hillsides and mist often lingers in the valleys.

These mountains are famous for their tea, particularly Anji white tea (绿茶安吉白茶), a prized local product. Many roadside stalls sell fresh tea leaves and other bamboo-based goods. A detour to the Mogansan mountain resort, just north of Anji, offers a glimpse of historic Western-style villas built in the 1930s.

The area's climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the bamboo is vibrantly green and the weather is mild.

Local commerce thrives on bamboo and tourism. You'll find countless small shops selling bamboo crafts, from cutting boards to intricate woven baskets. The food is distinctly Zhejiang cuisine, known for its lighter, sweeter flavors compared to the heavier Henan fare.

Things to do between Zhengzhou and Anji: visit the ancient water town of Xitang, explore the Nanjing Museum, or hike the bamboo trails of the Anji Bamboo Expo Park.