HONG KONG, 2 October 2026: HK Express, the low-cost carrier subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, will introduce direct flights between Hong Kong (HKG) and Hefei (HFE), the capital of China’s Anhui province, commencing 3 December.
The new route connects Hong Kong directly to Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE), with four weekly flights scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The A320neo assigned to the route has a flight time of two hours and 30 minutes.
In a press statement, the airline said the new service will significantly improve travel convenience between Hong Kong and Anhui Province without requiring connections or high-speed rail transfers from nearby hubs like Nanjing or Shanghai.
Round-trip “Ultra Lite” fares on the route will start at HKD77, while round-trip “Lite” fares start at HKD99, including one Small Personal Item and one cabin Baggage
The booking period for the introductory fares remains open until 4 October 2026, with travel allowed from 3 December 2026 to 27 March 2027 on the official HK Express website or the HK Express mobile app.
Flight schedule
UO270 departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 1135 and arrives in Hefei (HFE) at 1405.
UO271 departs Hefei (HFE) at 1500 and arrives in Hong Kong (HKG) at 1735.
Visa requirements
Unilateral Visa-Free Policy: Citizens holding ordinary passports from an expanding list of countries (including many European nations and Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea) can enter Mainland China visa-free for up to 15 or 30 days for tourism or transit.
Visa-Free (240-Hour / 144-Hour): Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE) participates in China’s extended Visa-Free Transit Scheme for passport holders of around 54 eligible countries.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (September – November): The best season to visit. Temperatures are mild (18°C – 25°C), weather is dry, and park foliage is colourful.
Winter (December – February): Chilly with occasional light snow (temperatures hovering around 0°C to 8°C). Keep warm layers ready if travelling on the December flight route.
Spring (March – May): Mild and pleasant, with blooming gardens around the Hefei Botanical Garden.
Attractions & Highlights
Sanhe Ancient Town: A 2,500-year-old water town about an hour south of central Hefei, known for its classic Hui-style architecture, narrow stone alleys, ancient bridges, and local snacks.
Bao Zheng Memorial / Lord Bao Park: Dedicated to Bao Zheng (Judge Bao), the famous Northern Song dynasty official known for his incorruptibility and justice. The tranquil park features his temple, tomb, and the Clear Breeze Tower.
Anhui Museum: Excellent for history buffs, showcasing thousands of Anhui cultural relics, bronze items, and historical Hui architecture displays.
Chaohu Lake & Swan Lake: Chaohu Lake is one of China’s five largest freshwater lakes. For modern leisure, Swan Lake in the New District offers illuminated cityscapes and parks.
Gateway to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Hefei serves as a convenient transit point for exploring broader Anhui Province, with frequent high-speed trains running directly to Huangshan in under two hours.
(Source: HK Express)
