Hefei, as with most other provincial capitals, is full of karaoke bars, billiards halls, and slightly cheesy discos. There is also an ice skating rink near the city center, that is popular with the locals.

There is one form of entertainment that is well worth checking out however, the 200-year-old Lu Opera (Luju), that originated in Anhui, along with the more famous Beijing Opera (Jingju). The Lu Opera was developed from the popular folk songs that used to pass by word of mouth around this region, and nowadays, despite slight changes in the style and art of the performances, this opera form can still be seen. The best place to appreciate this artform in at the Hefei Lu Opera Troupe Theater at 537 Meiling dadao. For information on schedules and more, it is probably best to call CITS (Tel: 0551-2651522). For those who have not experienced Chinese opera before, it may be worthwhile taking some form of ear protection/headphones, for when it all gets too much.