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Dongna Island Bay is located in the Heishui River Basin in Daxin County, Chongzuo, only an hour's drive from Detian Waterfall. Xu Xiake once visited here in 1637 and praised it as "Li River in the north and Zuo River in the south".
Natural wonders: The karst peaks reflect the Black Water River, forming a water maze of "Seven Islands, Seven Bays, and Thousand Reefs". The heart-shaped waterfalls at Longbitan and the micro-stone forest in the water forest maze are a textbook example of geology.
Cultural secrets: The hereditary chieftain's back garden, Anping Shizhou Ruins and Huixianyan bear witness to the millennium-old chieftain system, and the Zhuang Nongdong Festival (a national intangible cultural heritage) is passed down in a living way here.
New Year Nongdong Festival (1st to 7th day of the lunar calendar):
Experience the copper coin dance, playing bamboo reeds, throwing a ball of embroidery from a basket on your back, play chess with the "Code King" to win chieftain tribute rice, and the internet celebrity "Puppy Snake Diandian" with millions of fans will come to support 469.
Flower Season (March-May):
Wear "flower clothes" and ride on a "flower boat", watch the "Xindong Flower God" parade, participate in the "Picking Flowers and Flirting with Grasses" photography competition, and the rapeseed flower sea and Xia Ke Inn Road complement each other into a painting2.
March 3 (late March to early April):
High-pitched poetry and folk songs, Ant-Crutch dance performances, a flower feast and a bamboo pole dance carnival 2.
Summer and autumn (May-October)
The Longbitan Waterfall is majestic, and you can take a boat through the mist and rainbow.
Choose an early morning or evening boat trip to avoid the midday sun
Winter and spring (November to April)
There are few people and the scenery is quiet. The water forest is a magical place with stone forests reflecting like a mirror.
Bring a thin jacket to protect against the cold in the mornings and evenings
1. Longbitan: The poetic beauty of a heart-shaped waterfall.
How to: Climb the viewing platform along the Xiake Inn Trail to capture the magical heart-shaped cascade (a wide-angle lens is required). Experience a foot bath in the pool beneath the waterfall during peak summer water flow.
Extended Secret: Watch for the spectacular "double rainbow" spectacle on a rainy morning. Wear brightly colored clothing for even more stunning photos.
2. Water Forest Mystery: China's "Floating Angkor"
—a geological secret: erosion by the Black Water River has formed a floating micro-stone forest, where bamboo rafts navigate. Stone pillars lurk like giant beasts, and light and shadow penetrate the water like emerald glass.
Photography strategy: Use a low camera position close to the water surface and a small aperture to capture starbursts. Shooting before 10:00 AM when the light is soft is recommended.
3. Pohuang Island: The Secret History of the Tusi and
the Legacy of the Southern Ming Dynasty. Cultural Subplot: Explore the island to trace the remains of Emperor Yongli and Empress Wang. Under the ancient banyan tree at the island's heart, listen to Zhuang elders recount the legend of the Nongdong Banquet, where "one towel can eat all over Daxin." 10.
Interactive Easter Bonus: Book a Tusi Family Dinner (group required: 10 people), featuring five-color glutinous rice and charcoal-grilled black mountain pig. 6.
Dongna Island Bay is renowned for its picturesque karst landscapes and tranquil waters, offering a serene escape amidst nature's beauty. It has become a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience the natural wonders of Guangxi.
Dongna Island Bay is situated in Chongzuo, Guangxi, China. Visitors can reach the area by car or bus from Nanning, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive away. Public transportation options are available from Langdong Bus Station in Nanning.
The scenic area is open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak.
Details about the entrance fee are not specified in the available sources. It is recommended to check with local tour operators or the official scenic area website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. It is recommended to book at least a few days in advance.
A visit to Dongna Island Bay can typically be completed in half a day, allowing ample time to enjoy the boat tour and scenic walks.
Guided tours are available and can be arranged through local tour operators. It is advisable to inquire about language options when booking.
Optimal photography spots include the boat tour routes, scenic walking paths, and elevated areas offering panoramic views of the karst landscapes and tranquil waters.
A typical itinerary includes starting with a boat tour to explore the waters and surrounding landscapes, followed by a leisurely walk along the scenic paths. Visitors may also choose to visit nearby attractions such as the Detian Transnational Waterfall.
Information regarding night visits or special tours is not specified in the available sources. It is recommended to check with local tour operators for any evening activities or events.
Dongna Island Bay is generally less crowded compared to other tourist destinations. Weekdays, especially during the off-peak seasons, tend to be less crowded.
Basic facilities such as rest areas and toilets are available. However, it is advisable to bring sufficient water and snacks, as food options may be limited within the scenic area.
The scenic area is relatively accessible; however, some areas may have uneven terrain. It is recommended to assess the suitability based on individual mobility needs.
It is advisable to carry cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards or mobile payments. However, larger tour operators and accommodations in nearby areas may accept mobile payments.
Dining options within the scenic area may be limited. Visitors can explore nearby towns or cities, such as Nanning, for a wider range of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian and vegan options may be available in nearby towns or cities. It is advisable to inquire at local establishments about specific dietary requirements.
Accommodations are available in nearby towns or cities, such as Nanning. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Souvenir shops may be available in nearby towns or cities. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, textiles, and regional specialties.
After visiting Dongna Island Bay, visitors can continue their journey by car or bus to nearby attractions or return to Nanning for further travel connections.
