
Bama Longevity Village, also known as Bapan Village in Ping'an Village, Jiazhuan Township, is a magical and beautiful place nestled in the mountainous region of northern Guangxi. Known for its longevity, it is renowned as the " World Longevity Village . " Nestled against lush green mountains, with the Panyang River flowing through the village, the village is accessible via a path across a stone arch bridge. The scenery is breathtaking, and the local air and water are said to have longevity-promoting properties.
The biggest attraction of the longevity village is the centenarians. Every centenarian has a small sign at the door with their age and date of birth written on it. Nowadays, these centenarians sit in their homes and there are often tourists lining up to visit them.
Visitors to the Longevity Village primarily visit the village's centenarians, seeking to share their blessings and learn about health tips. According to local custom, they offer red envelopes to the elderly, have them touch their heads to confer longevity, pose for photos with them, and chat with them, listening to their secrets to longevity.
Suitable for all seasons
Tour duration: 2-3 hours
free
All day
Bama Longevity Village is famous for its high population of centenarians, making it one of the top destinations to study longevity. The village has become a symbol of health and wellness, with its clean air, natural environment, and lifestyle practices being attributed to its residents' long lives.
Bama Longevity Village is located in Hechi, Guangxi, China. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from Hechi city. There are no metro stations directly connecting to the village, so a private car or bus is recommended.
The village is open year-round, with the best time to visit being in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best.
The entrance fee to the Longevity Museum is approximately 50 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local travel agencies. Some online platforms also offer advance ticket bookings.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays) to avoid long waiting times. You can book tickets a few days in advance.
A half-day to one day is sufficient to explore the main attractions in Bama Longevity Village, including the museum, the village itself, and some scenic spots. If you want to hike and visit hot springs, a full day may be required.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tours may offer limited English-speaking guides. It’s recommended to check in advance if you require an English-speaking guide.
The best viewpoints are located around the hiking trails and near the hot springs. The surrounding mountains and lush greenery provide perfect backdrops for photographs, especially during sunrise and sunset.
There are no specific night tours or light shows in Bama Longevity Village. Most visitors explore during the day to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility.
The village can get crowded during national holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year) and summer weekends. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays outside of peak holiday periods, especially in the off-season (November to March).
The village has basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and small shops selling local products. There are also rest areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The village has some accessible paths, but due to the terrain, it might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors to navigate some parts, especially the hiking trails. It's best to check in advance for specific accessibility needs.
Cash is widely accepted, but many shops and facilities in the area also accept mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Credit cards are not commonly accepted in rural areas.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in local restaurants that cater to traditional Chinese dietary preferences. Halal food may be harder to find, but some restaurants in larger towns nearby may offer options.
There are several guesthouses and hotels in Hechi city, about an hour’s drive from the village. Some visitors also stay in nearby towns for more budget-friendly options.
There are small souvenir shops near the village selling local handicrafts, tea, and longevity-related products, such as health supplements and medicinal herbs.
After visiting Bama, you can take a taxi or bus back to Hechi city, from where you can travel to other attractions in Guangxi or take a long-distance bus or train to other parts of China.