Sanmenhai: A Hidden Gem of Water and Light
by Vivii_
May 7, 2025
I took my kids to Chongzuo this summer vacation, and it was totally worth it! This small city is packed with surprises—stunning landscapes and plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a hidden gem for summer family trips!
🌤️ Weather & Temperature
In summer, Chongzuo's temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C, with occasional thunderstorms, so remember to bring rain gear. Though it can get warm, the breeze among the mountains and rivers makes it quite pleasant—just don’t forget sunscreen!
🗺️ Itinerary
**Day 1**: Arrive in Nanning → Head to the White-headed Langur Nature Reserve (spot rare white-headed langurs, join a guided hike with researchers, collect a "Little Monkey Detective Handbook," and earn commemorative stamps for finding monkey groups—collect 3 to exchange for a plush keychain).
**Day 2**: Detian Waterfall (take a bamboo raft to see the spectacular transnational waterfall up close, and don’t miss the "China-Vietnam Border Marker No. 53"—after 10 AM, you might catch a rainbow!) → Ming Shi Countryside (cycle through rice fields and karst peaks, complete fun tasks like "Find the Rice Flowers" and "Take a Photo with a Scarecrow," and earn a "Countryside Little Warrior Certificate").
**Day 3**: Jingxi Goose Spring (arrive before 5 PM to photograph the ancient bridge’s reflection, feed the fish, and watch the lively koi swarm) → Evening barbecue at Dongfeng Street (try grilled pig eyes or pork throat, paired with local mango smoothies to cool the spice).
**Day 4**: Fengshan Three Gates Sea (take a sightseeing boat through three karst cave "skylights," then try the cliff swing—open to kids over 1.4m tall).
**Day 5**: Sleep in and head home.
🍜 Food Recommendations
- **Roast Duck Noodles**: Hand-roasted duck slices with silky rice noodles and special sauce—crispy skin, tender meat, and broth-soaked noodles for ultimate satisfaction.
- **Longzhou Chicken Noodles**: Free-range chicken in clear, sweet broth, served with pickled bamboo shoots, greens, chili, and a squeeze of lime for freshness.
- **Zhuang Ethnic Tray Feast**: A sampler of Zhuang specialties like five-color sticky rice, beef with fragrant leaves, and Ming Shi pearl duck—a must-try!
🏠 Accommodation Tips
- **Ming Shi Mountain Villa**: Great value, with balconies overlooking rice fields.
- **Changliu Mountain Retreat**: Private hot spring villas, ideal for group stays.
- **Wyndham Baise**: A 5-star hotel where executive rooms include bedtime sweet soup.
- **Wanda Jin Hua**: Family rooms with kids’ tents, perfect for little ones.
🎫 Ticket Info
- White-headed Langur Reserve: ~¥200/person (includes expert guide).
- Detian Waterfall: ~¥150/person (includes bamboo raft).
- Ming Shi Countryside: ~¥120/person (includes cycling).
- Jingxi Goose Spring: ~¥30/person.
- Three Gates Sea: ~¥120/person (includes boat ride).
📸 Photography Tips
- **Ming Shi Countryside**: Capture misty mornings (6:30–8:00 AM)—dress kids in light blue or beige, with straw hats or umbrellas as props.
- **Detian Waterfall**: Shoot mid-morning (10:00–11:00 AM) from the mid-level viewing path for rainbows against the falls.
- **Jingxi Goose Spring**: At sunset (~6:00 PM), snap kids feeding fish by the bridge for dynamic reflections.
⚠️ Notes
- Follow safety instructions on Detian’s bamboo rafts.
- Mountain areas have mosquitoes—pack repellent.
- Drive cautiously on winding roads.
- Check height/age limits for cave activities.
Chongzuo is a place where both adults and kids can have a blast—pack your bags for an unforgettable family adventure!
Post by AmeliaMcAllister92 | Aug 1, 2025













