Chongzuo Exploration | Unlocking the Dual Charm of Guangxi's "Tang Dynasty Never-Sleeping City"

Who can relate! I heard Bosco Wong just left Taiping Ancient City when I arrived, and I'm slapping my thigh for missing the celebrity encounter 😭 But I accidentally discovered the ancient city's dual charm—an isolated Han-Tang dynasty dream during the day, transforming into a dazzling never-sleeping city at night. This exclusive experience must be shared 👇

🏯【Above the City Gate · A Gaze Across Millennia】

📍 Taiping City Gate Checklist
▪️ Free tower access! The vermilion gate tower paired with gray-blue city bricks gives you instant "The Longest Day in Chang'an" vibes with every shot
▪️ Best photo spot: Stand at the corner of the tower to frame the flying eaves and brackets with distant karst hills in the background—ancient-style photos instantly captured
▪️ Fun fact: This ancient city, built at a cost of 1.8 billion yuan, replicates the Ming-Qing dynasty layout, with city gates faithfully reproducing ancient defensive structures

🌉【Night River Tour · Soothed by Gentle Lights】

🌃 Collect these surprises after sunset:
▪️ The moment the main river corridor bridge lights up (around 7:30pm), lantern strings reflect on the water surface, like entering the bathhouse world of "Spirited Away"
▪️ Recommended route: Walk along the water from "Zhenbian Tower" to "Taiping Pavilion," passing 3 ancient bridges, each with different lighting designs
▪️ Hidden activity: Rent a Hanfu costume (30 yuan/hour within the scenic area) and take reflection photos at "Yingyue Pavilion" for maximum atmosphere!

🚗【Chongzuo Street Wandering Philosophy】

▪️ Driving on the happy planet: City roads are wide with few cars; rent an electric vehicle to zip through old alleys, grab a "Vietnamese coffee" and enjoy the river breeze—super chill
▪️ Unique photo locations:

- "Outside the Ancient City's West Gate": Abandoned railway tracks + bougainvillea walls, capturing industrial and vintage styles colliding
- "Left River Banks": Fishermen returning on bamboo rafts in the evening, capture everyday life moments with a telephoto lens

❤️【Why Love This Place?】

✔️ Anti-rat race travel: No commercial hustle, even the grandma selling sour snacks cuts mangoes at a leisurely pace
✔️ Master of light and shadow: Sunlight streams through carved wooden windows onto bluestone slabs during the day, while dusk gilds the city towers with golden edges
✔️ Food bonus: The "sour bamboo shoots with snails" at "Lishui House" restaurant outside the ancient city is a must-try—the sour and spicy flavors hit your soul!

⚠️【Pitfalls + Practical Tips】

1. Celebrity fans should follow the "Chongzuo Tourism" official account, as star events are usually announced on holidays
2. Summer days are scorching! Suggest entering after 4pm to avoid crowds + enjoy night views in one go
3. When driving, navigate to "Taiping Ancient City Parking Lot"—parking is free but limited; latecomers may need to park near surrounding shops

✨Although I didn't meet Bosco Wong, I discovered something more precious than crowds in the corners of the ancient city—when the lights come on, even the air floats with the magic of "slowing down." If you're tired of crowded tourist hotspots, come here to listen to the wind sweeping over the eaves and watch the lights reflecting on the Left River. Perhaps you'll rediscover the original emotion of travel~
(PS: On my way to Detian Waterfall next, I discovered a gorgeous sunflower field. Anyone want to follow for updates?)