A 3-Day, 2-Night Travel Guide to Hezhou, Guangxi, the Capital of Longevity
Preface
The world is vast, and there are countless beautiful places, but how many can one visit in a lifetime? The white, flowing waterfalls, still vibrant in autumn, and the sweet mountain waters, perhaps hold one of the secrets to Hezhou's longevity.
Hezhoucheck the details
Hezhou, located in eastern Guangxi, is the closest city to Guilin, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. It serves as a "crossroads between three provinces," a vital link between the southwest and Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and serves as a frontier and window for Guangxi's opening up to them. Hezhou boasts beautiful mountains and rivers, a diverse ethnic population, and a rich history. Hezhou boasts tranquil rural scenery, vast primeval forests, and nature reserves that are both natural zoos and botanical gardens. Hot springs, waterfalls, and stunning scenery abound. Huangyao Ancient Town, a blend of karst caves, rural scenery, and Ming and Qing dynasty history and culture, boasts cultural attractions such as the Civilization Pavilion and the thousand-year-old banyan tree. Hejie Ancient Town, towering over the river, boasts ancient pagodas, the picturesque Fushan Mountain, the Stone City, and Hakka walled houses. Hezhou is also a multi-ethnic region, with the Tuyao people being particularly unique and charming. Ethnic festivals and celebrations, such as the Fushan Song Festival, the Fireworks and Fireworks Festival, and the Fuyang Street Lantern Festival, reflect Hezhou's local customs, rich history, and splendid culture.
Recommended month: All seasons
6336 recommendations, 4641 visits
Beautiful mountains and clear waters - Guposhan
Guposhan Mountain is located at the junction of Hunan, Guangxi, and Guangdong provinces. Its highest peak, Tiantangding, stands at 1,844 meters, making it the highest peak in eastern Guangxi. It is also known as a major oxygen bar in South China.
Guposhan's main attractions include Xiangu Waterfall, Xiangu Temple, Jiufuxiang Winery, Fang Family Tea Garden, Jinxiu Village, Bapin Monkey Park, and Xiucai Waterfall, all accessible via the scenic area's sightseeing buses. Guposhan also offers a motorized campground, cabin experiences, and fun bonfire barbecues—all not to be missed.
Hiking enthusiasts must come here. The hiking route here takes 4 to 6 hours round trip. You can also camp at the top of the mountain and wait for the clouds to rise and the sunset. (In spring, there is a beautiful view of rhododendrons in full bloom.)
Tips:
Transportation: Take the Guposhan Express from the entrance of Guangji Maternity Hospital in the city.
The departure times are 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 15:30
Ticket price: 97 yuan (including sightseeing bus)
Tour tips: If you only have one day, the route is to start from the innermost Xiangu Waterfall, and then take a sightseeing bus to explore the area ~ Xiangu Waterfall - Jiufuxiang Winery - Fangjia Tea Garden - Jinxiu Village - Jiupin Monkey Park - Xiucai Waterfall. If you want to explore Guposhan more carefully, you can choose to stay at the Forest Hotel, which allows you to enter the park twice after checking in!
Xiangu Waterfall
Guposhan boasts numerous waterfalls, but Xiangu Waterfall is the most spectacular. Hidden deep in the mountains, nestled among a variety of exotic trees, it's a breathtaking sight. Standing quietly by the pool, the refreshing scent of water washes over you. The water here is drinkable, boasting a rich, sweet flavor. The white jade bridge at the entrance is said to have been formed from the jade bracelet that Aman gave to Miaohong.
Jiufuxiang Winery
Crossing the Xiangu Grassland leads to this small village. Don't underestimate this place; it's Guposhan's premier winemaking destination! Guposhan's spring water is sweet, providing excellent raw materials for the growth of fine wines. Six varieties of wine are produced here, all available for tasting. This village was also the filming location for the Hong Kong drama "Wine is the Sweetness of Hometown"!
There is a small bridge with flowing water and a waterwheel at the entrance, giving a sense of tranquility and peace.
Don’t rush to visit when you enter, first experience the delicious wine of Guposhan Special Liquor!
The six types of liquor are glutinous rice wine (9%), green plum wine (18%), golden cherry wine (28%), ancient quniang (38%), half-day chun (50%), and dragon head wine (60%). Glutinous rice wine is relatively light and sweet, and is the most delicious, with virtually no alcoholic flavor, making it particularly suitable for women. Green plum wine has a slight alcoholic flavor, with a sweet and sour taste. Golden cherry wine is a medicinal wine that is mildly nourishing, but it's a popular choice, so it's not recommended for excessive consumption. The other three are all high-proof liquors.
We continued to visit other facilities of the winery and saw that the maple leaves had turned red. It turned out to be a beautiful autumn day.
Wine barrels of all sizes carry the history of winemaking here.
The gurgling sound of the spring water indicates the wine's richness. The sweet spring water flows directly into the rice washing jar, which is also one of the secrets of the wine's richness.
Fang Family Tea Garden
I'm used to seeing all kinds of tea plantations, but I inexplicably fell in love with myself at first sight. Whether it was the layered texture of the tea plantation, the layout of the cottages, or the path leading up the steps, everything captivated me. The Hong Kong drama "Tea is the Strongest in Hometown" was filmed here.
The emerald green tea leaves are a gift from nature. Every moment is a beautiful scene.
The small house is, of course, everyone's base for tea tasting. While the tea garden may not be large, the excellent air and spring water create a perfect growing environment. Four excellent tea varieties are abundantly produced here: high mountain green tea, large-leaf oolong tea, sweet vine tea, and chrysanthemum tea. The large-leaf oolong is surprisingly delicious and sweet. Sweet vine tea is also good for laryngitis, and the tea leaves can be chewed directly.
Jinxiu Village
According to legend, this is the village where Miaohong lived. It has a strong classical flavor, especially the stream, which is extremely green and clear, like the color of a gem.
The old houses in Jinxiu Village are exquisitely built.
A winding river, turquoise water, and happy fish.
Xiucai Waterfall
Jiupin Monkey Park and Xiucai Waterfall are connected, making it seem as if the monkeys are guarding the waterfall. The monkeys here are quite clever, so don't try to tease them with food, or they might snatch your bag and turn it upside down.
Xiucai Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Guposhan (the highest waterfall is deep in the mountains near the winery). It is indeed magnificent! Unfortunately, it was too dark when we arrived, so we couldn't reproduce the true colors.
The World of Black and White - Jade Forest
When talking about stone forests, people will definitely think of the karst stone forests, such as the Yunnan Stone Forest. However, this stone forest is special.
Nestled between mountains surrounded by karst landforms, lies a forest of white marble. The stones themselves are composed entirely of pure white marble. Although the passage of time has eroded the mosses that cling to the rocks to black, hydrochloric acid treatment has partially restored their original color. This is what creates the present-day jade forest: a blend of black and white, a visually stunning spectacle!
Tips:
Transportation: Take the bus from the entrance of Guangji Maternity Hospital in the city to Xinlu and get off at Yushilin. The bus runs every hour.
Ticket price: 75 yuan
As soon as you enter the door, the towering jade forest stone pillars come into view.
The weathered stone forest still has stones of various shapes. As long as you have a rich imagination, this is an interesting place!
This is the most typical black and white world. It may be all white, it may be all black, or more likely it is a combination of black and white. There are infinite possibilities.
The black stone forest slightly reveals its pure white body, giving the feeling of entering another world.
The stairs going up along the stone seem to be suspended in the air. The mystery of walking through the stone forest can only be understood by those who have been there.
It had just rained lightly, and the mountains were still shrouded in clouds and mist. Standing on the stone pillar, you can look out at an unknown vista.
Hezhou Ethnic Culture Museum
A museum that tells the story of local culture is actually located in a school?! This is true, and it is also the only state-owned university museum in the country!
There are 8 exhibition areas in the exhibition hall, including life culture, contract documents, coins, lamps, wood carving crafts, rice cake culture, stone carving, and family tree.
Tips:
Transportation: Hezhou University West Campus, accessible by bus No. 7 or No. 11
Tips for visiting: It is recommended not to think of the museum as too boring. In addition to the parts that interest you, you can appreciate many things as a kind of beauty, and you can immerse yourself in the experience, which may bring you a new level of understanding.
Ethnic exhibits are always the most captivating attraction. Colorful textiles, distinctive musical instruments, opera culture, clothing, and accessories all reflect the lives of the people of Lingnan. Furthermore, Lingnan is home to more than just ethnic minorities; there are also Hakka people and many other ethnic groups, each with its own distinct regional characteristics, contributing to the region's cultural diversity.
This drum-like object was later seen being used by local people for dancing in Huangyao Ancient Town.
Puppet show.
Yao clothing, Hezhou is also a gathering place for various Yao ethnic groups.
Miao clothing, the Miao people are mainly characterized by Miao silver headdresses and necklaces! Exquisite and beautiful!
Hezhou is rich in rivers, and many people used to make a living from fishing, so fishermen's supplies are also one of the main exhibits.
Fenggu Cart, a tool that is still in use today.
They are all coins unearthed locally in Hezhou.
This is the Ba culture, a tool for pressing patterns on foods such as glutinous rice cakes. The creativity of combining food culture with art has existed since ancient times!
Pottery is still very interesting, especially this kind of carved jar with such vivid and lifelike appearance.
This is a portrait of a person from a wealthy family. The gold on his clothes is really inlaid with gold powder!
The carved wooden chair was also a fine piece of furniture that only some wealthy families in ancient times could afford, but when placed like this, it seemed to have an indescribable sense of heaviness. The chair itself was made of solid wood and was very heavy.
A thousand years just for an encounter—Huangyao Ancient Town
It is no exaggeration to describe Huangyao as the most beautiful ancient town.
Stroll along the mossy stone streets, inhaling the aroma of fermented black beans. Huangyao, nestled amidst towering karst peaks, feels like a hidden gem nestled within. This is a place you need to savor slowly!
Tips:
Transportation: Direct buses are available from Guilin, Hezhou, Hezhou Railway Station and other places.
Tickets: Huangyao Ancient Town and Linhe Changge are both priced at 100 yuan each, and a package ticket costs 120 yuan.
Tips: We recommend spending two days here, with at least one night here. The ancient town offers unique charm both during the day and at night, making both worth exploring. Be sure to watch the evening performance of "Linhe Changge," which blends history with local folk customs, making the entire show truly captivating. During the day, the Huangyao thousand-year-old banyan tree, also known as the Dragon Claw Banyan, is stunning for its resemblance to a dragon's claw!
Entering the gate of the ancient town is like entering a city.
The most distinctive black bean sauce in the ancient town is so delicious, the aroma fills the air, and the price is very reasonable. Uncles and aunties will enthusiastically pull you to try it.
The delicacies I remember from my childhood can now only be found here.
The life of the locals is really leisurely. Come and play a game of mahjong.
Sitting at the entrance of the alley, chatting about Zhang's daughter-in-law, Wang's grandson, and chatting about your own family matters, time should be so leisurely.
No matter how you walk into a small shop full of flowers, you will find another kind of literature and art.
People in the ancient town don’t like to be disturbed by others and generally refuse to be photographed. Just quietly take pictures of their hardworking figures.
The largest pond in the town is also one of the most beautiful viewing spots, with the ancient town and peaks all within sight.
Go down the stream, shuttle through the peaks and forests, and take a close look at the appearance of Huangyao.
The panoramic view of Huangyao and the beautiful scenery of the ancient town surrounded by peaks and forests are unforgettable in this life.
Huangyao at night is decorated with red lanterns and has a different flavor.
Linhe Long Song
The evening performance in Huangyao not only has a plot interpretation, the actors’ performances are vivid and their expressions are on point, but also combines the local folk customs, song and dance performances of Huangyao, which makes the show very enjoyable.
Tips:
Performance time: 20:00-21:00
Occasionally, the time may be adjusted or additional performances may be added according to holidays. Please remember to pay attention to the latest developments in the scenic area.
Meet the most beautiful fairyland—Ziyun Fairyland
Having walked through countless Kanas caves, I originally thought that I would be numb to the sight of "caves", but in the golden autumn, I encountered the most beautiful cave. Perhaps it is still unknown, but it has deeply touched my desire and lingering for it.
The exquisite and graceful Ziyun Fairyland has been compared to the Queen Mother's Jade Pool by many, and this is no exaggeration. The perfect combination of the two, not only the appearance of the pillars and stalagmites themselves, but also the lighting and color, creates such a beautiful cave. Don't miss this quiet beauty.
Tips:
Transportation: 4 kilometers southwest of Hezhou, it is recommended to take a taxi
Ticket price: 46 yuan
Play TIPS: It is recommended to reserve 2 hours to enjoy it slowly.
The long and short stalactites, the oppressive feeling falling from the sky, this vigorous momentum, is slightly cute under the illumination of the lights.
The density of stalactites and the physical sensation from top to bottom.
Look up at the sky and feel as if thousands of swords are rushing towards you.
The contrast between blue and green is like a collision of forces in hell.
A clear pool, faintly emitting purple smoke, seems like the entrance to a fairyland.
There are colorful stalactites above and majestic waterfalls below. It is also the first cave wonder you will see. It is so beautiful!
The treasure of the cave, the colorful stalactite flowers blooming like Nyingchi, are so beautiful under the light that they captivate everyone.
【Itinerary】
Recommended duration of play: three days
Day 1: Arrive at Guposhan, Hezhou, and experience the fun of the mountains and forests. Stay at Guposhan Forest Hotel
Day 2: Jade Forest, Hezhou Ethnic Culture Museum, Huangyao Ancient Town, Linhe Changge, Accommodation: Jiuhushan Hotel
Day 3: Huangyao Flower Sea, Ziyun Wonderland, high-speed rail to Guangzhou, fly back to Shanghai
【About transportation】
High-speed rail: You can take the high-speed rail directly to Hezhou from Guilin and Guangzhou, and the journey takes more than an hour. Taking the high-speed rail is the most convenient and fastest way.
Car: Of course, you can also take a car or drive to Hezhou. Starting from Guilin and Guangzhou, it takes 3-4 hours by car.
Airplane: Friends from other places can first fly to Guilin or Guangzhou, and then take the high-speed rail to Hezhou.
【About Food】
The first recommendation must be the winnowing basket banquet in Huangyao Ancient Town! Four kinds of meat and eight kinds of stuffed food make up a beautiful scene on the dining table.
Hezhou's most distinctive dish, stuffed vegetables and soy products are steamed and stuffed with meat. Stuffed tofu is the most famous local dish. Local vegetables are grown in soil rich in selenium, a natural antioxidant, making this dish a key to longevity.
Paired with a glass of locally brewed glutinous rice wine, a full meal is just so satisfying.
Don’t miss the rice noodle rolls that can be found everywhere in Huangyao Ancient Town at night. Paired with the local special fermented black bean chili sauce, it’s so delicious that you can’t stop eating it after one bite.
If you're in the city, why not go to the Hezhou Folk Food Culture Museum? Here you can taste the local Hezhou cuisine and also some local specialties.
Glutinous rice and taro paste, it may not be called this, but there is sweet taro paste inside the glutinous rice, which is especially delicious~
Mixed beef, it was the first time I ate beef that was sweet, spicy and salty, it had a magical taste and felt good!
Lotus leaf wrapped meat, the fragrance of the lotus leaf is cooked into the meat
The pig's feet are especially delicious, and the sauce tastes great!
【Living in Hezhou】
We stayed in Hezhou for a total of 2 nights, one night in Guposhan and one night in Huangyao Ancient Town.
Guposhan Forest Hotel
Features: Located right at the entrance of Guposhan Scenic Area, guests can enjoy a two-day park entrance. The farmhouse cuisine is delicious, and the vegetables are particularly tasty. I highly recommend trying them! For a unique experience, we recommend staying in the two-bedroom cabin at the motor camp, just like we did. The facilities are simple, but very unique. If you want a quiet night in the mountains, this is a must-see!
Huangyao Jiuhushan Hotel
Features: Located at the entrance of Huangyao Scenic Area, it is a four-star hotel. The hotel is very grand, with good facilities and a great price.
There is a local specialty winnowing basket banquet, which you must try! You must stay in Huangyao for one night. There is a Linhe long song performance in the ancient town at night, which is particularly great!
Conclusion
Hezhou, the capital of longevity, is like a secluded place isolated from the world. Here you can breathe in the oxygen, enjoy the mountains and rivers, stay in a cabin in the woods, and feel relaxed and comfortable.
