Live Your Best Lives
Yongfu County, under the jurisdiction of Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is located in northeastern Guangxi and southwest of Guilin. It is home to 16 ethnic groups, including Zhuang, Han, Yao, Miao, Jing, and Hui. Yongfu County boasts a mountainous and hilly landscape, a typical karst topography. Mountains exceeding 1,100 meters are distributed in the western, northwestern, and southeastern parts of the county. The southwestern region, at elevations of 300 to 500 meters, is dotted with peak forests, interspersed with river valley plains and mountain flatlands. The northeastern region comprises alluvial plains below 200 meters.
Yongfu County has a rich cultural heritage, dating back to ancient times, and is known for its agricultural importance in the Guangxi region. It is also notable for its historical temples and connection to the Zhuang ethnic minority.
Yongfu is located about 50 km north of Guilin in Guangxi. It can be accessed by bus or taxi from Guilin. There is no metro, but the area is walkable once within the county.
Yongfu County is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather.
There are no general entrance fees for visiting Yongfu County, but some attractions, like temples and boat rides, may charge a small fee. Tickets are usually purchased on-site or through local travel agents.
Booking in advance is not required for general sightseeing. However, for tours or boat rides, it’s recommended to book at least a day or two in advance during peak seasons.
A day is sufficient to explore the main highlights of Yongfu County. For a more relaxed visit, two days are recommended, especially if you want to explore the rural areas and take part in activities like boat rides.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be arranged if requested in advance.
The best photography spots include the view of the Li River from the nearby hills, the traditional villages, and the ancient temples. Sunrise and sunset are ideal for capturing the landscape.
Start by visiting the temples in the morning, followed by a walk through the local villages. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Li River, and end the day with a hike to one of the nearby hills for panoramic views.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available in Yongfu County, though some local festivals may offer special evening events.
Yongfu is generally not crowded, with weekdays and the off-season (winter months) being the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as public toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available at major tourist sites. Shops selling local handicrafts and snacks can be found in the town center.
Yongfu’s town center and key attractions are accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. However, some rural areas and temple sites may have uneven terrain that could be challenging.
Cash is commonly accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in most shops and restaurants.
There are local restaurants serving traditional Guangxi cuisine, including rice noodles, dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables. For light snacks, cafes in the town center offer coffee and pastries.
Vegetarian dishes are commonly available in local restaurants. However, halal options are limited in Yongfu, and larger cities like Guilin offer more variety.
There are budget hotels and guesthouses in Yongfu County. For more luxury accommodations, consider staying in Guilin, which is just a short drive away.
Nearby attractions include the famous Longji Rice Terraces and the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin. Both are easily accessible for a day trip.
Souvenir shops in Yongfu sell local crafts, including woven textiles, pottery, and traditional bamboo products. These make for great keepsakes from the region.
After visiting Yongfu, taxis or buses to Guilin are the best transportation options. From there, you can take a train or bus to other destinations in Guangxi or beyond.