The Hidden "Underwater Paradise" in Guangxi! Du'an 25℃ Cool Travel Guide

Tired of crowded popular tourist spots? Why not dive into the karst secret realm of Du'an, Guangxi. Here, over 300 underground river skylights scatter like gems, and the "jelly water" is so clear you can see the underwater forest. From May to October, flowering rivers spread out like a white starry river, making it an excellent choice for summer cooling and niche exploration. This detailed guide will help you unlock this underrated ecological treasure.

Key Highlights: Why must you visit Du'an?

Du'an is known as the "Capital of Underground River Skylights in China," where the unique karst landscape creates a world-class hydrological wonder. The water here features a signature "jelly blue" color, with visibility up to 20 meters, and underwater aquatic plants sway like a secret forest. Even more magical, from May to October during the high-water season, the water-sensitive sea flowers cover the surface of Chengjiang River, and traveling by boat feels like passing through a "water garden." If you're lucky, you might encounter the rare peach blossom jellyfish.

Even better, except for the San Dao Bay Water Park which charges a 30 yuan entrance fee, most skylight spots are free to visit. Parking costs only 10 yuan, and you can even find free parking spaces. You can have a great time for just around 100 yuan per person, making it a "cost-effective king" travel destination.

Must-Visit Attractions: Unlock the skylights and river routes

Core Skylight Area: The top choice for water exploration

- Jiudun Skylight: Known as the "Mount Everest of underwater," its 277-meter depth makes it a top Asian cave diving spot. No deep diving needed; floating on the surface lets you see the changing underwater light and shadows. Early morning backlight photography captures the sparkling water surface intertwined with aquatic plants in a stunning scene. There is a natural platform on the shore for tent camping, where you can fall asleep to the sound of water and gaze at the starry Milky Way at night.
- Tunbang Skylight Cluster: The densest skylight cluster in the world, with several crystal-clear pools along a few kilometers. Rent a paddleboard (25 yuan/hour) to glide through, with icy river water lapping your ankles. When tired, stop by the shore for a bowl of cold jelly noodles. For just a few dozen yuan per person, you can enjoy an entire afternoon. Nearby Jiuling Skylight is quieter, with hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the "Earth’s Eye" skylight.
- Dazhuang Gourd-shaped Skylight: Named for its gourd-like shape, it has stable water levels and gentle currents, perfect for kids to play in the water. The scattered rocks on the shore make it an excellent spot for portrait photography with the skylight in the background.

Special Attractions: Surprises beyond the water

- Gaoling Sea Flower Viewing Base: The core check-in spot from May to October, where white sea flowers cover the river surface. When riding bamboo rafts, paddle gently to avoid disturbing the underwater peach blossom jellyfish. At dusk, the sunset casts golden light on the flower fields, and the shimmering water makes every photo a healing scene.
- Nonggong Aqueduct: An "artificial heavenly river" built in the 1970s, spanning between karst peak forests. Walking on it lets you appreciate the wisdom of the Zhuang ancestors and enjoy the magnificent views where peak forests and river valleys intertwine.
- San Dao Bay International Resort: Ideal for family trips, the 30 yuan ticket includes access to the water park, with rainbow slides, kayaking, and other activities to satisfy children’s play needs. At night, stay in Yao-style wooden houses and join bonfire parties to experience ethnic customs.

Itinerary Planning: How to efficiently explore in 1-2 days?

1-Day Highlights Tour (Water-focused)

Morning: After arriving at Du'an Station by high-speed rail, charter a car to Gaoling Sea Flower Viewing Base (about 1 hour drive), and take a bamboo raft to see sea flowers and peach blossom jellyfish.
Noon: Have Yao ethnic home-style dishes nearby, recommended are sour soup beef offal and five-color glutinous rice.
Afternoon: Head to Tunbang Skylight to rent a paddleboard for water fun, then go to Jiuling Skylight hiking trail for panoramic views.
Evening: Before returning, visit Xiangshuiguan to watch the sunset, where the river glows warmly under the setting sun, ending a refreshing day.

2-Day Deep Tour (Secret Realm + Culture)

Day 1: Disu Shangjiang Pier → Nonggong Aqueduct → Tunbang Skylight → Jiuling Skylight. Camp at Jingsheng Shangling Lovers’ Campsite in the evening to experience starry sky camping.
Day 2: Morning snorkeling exploration at Jiudun Skylight, afternoon visit Longwan Iron Chain Bridge, boat tour on Baiwang Diao River to feel the "water gallery," then return to the county town in the evening.

Food & Accommodation: Locals’ secret list

Must-Try Local Delicacies

- Du'an Roasted Fragrant Pig: Crispy skin like potato chips, tender and juicy meat, a must-have dish at local banquets. The roasted pig stalls on Chengjiang Water Street are the most authentic.
- Sour Soup Lamb Offal: A representative Yao ethnic dish, the sour soup is rich and fermented, the lamb offal is free of any gamey smell, perfect with rice for two big bowls.
- Du'an Rice Noodles: Rich rice aroma, broth made from bone soup, adding a spoonful of local chili bean paste is the locals’ favorite breakfast.
- Oil Tea with Ma Ye Bread: The savory oil tea refreshes and wakes you up, paired with soft and glutinous Ma Ye bread, instantly replenishing energy spent playing in the water.

Accommodation Guide

- County Hotels: Recommended Vienna International Hotel and others, about 150 yuan per person, fully equipped, about 1 hour drive to attractions, convenient for dining and shopping.
- Homestays near Scenic Spots: Meijie Skylight Homestay is a 5-minute walk to the skylight, 120 yuan/night including breakfast; Xiamei Jiushè features retro Chinese style, starting at 300 yuan, suitable for photo lovers.
- Campsites: Jingsheng Shangling Lovers’ Campsite is well-equipped, you can bring your own tent or rent one, and at night listen to insects while watching the Milky Way.

Practical Tips: Avoid pitfalls and important notes

1. Best Time: May to October during the high-water season, with high water levels and clear water, sea flowers bloom, making it the golden period for water activities and sightseeing; avoid the dry season when some skylights have insufficient water.
2. Transportation: After arriving at Du'an Station by high-speed rail, it is recommended to charter or rent a car to reach the attractions, as public transport rarely covers the remote skylight clusters. Self-driving can directly navigate to "Tunbang Skylight," "Jiudun Skylight," and other spots.
3. Safety and Environmental Protection: The skylight water temperature is low; acclimate before playing in the water. Some areas have undercurrents, so always wear a life jacket, and children must be accompanied by parents at all times. Sea flowers and peach blossom jellyfish are very sensitive to water quality; do not throw garbage into the water.
4. Combined Itinerary: You can link nearby Dahua Qibainong Scenic Area to form a 2-3 day karst secret realm tour, experiencing the dual shock of "stone forest in the sky" and "underground skylights."

Du'an is never a noisy tourist hotspot but hides Guangxi’s purest water and most authentic scenery. When your paddleboard cuts through the "jelly water," and sea flowers brush past the boat’s side, you will understand: the real beauty is always found on less crowded paths.