3 Days 2 Nights Exploring Hechi, Discovering the Hidden Fairyland of Northwest Guangxi

✨ Hechi, an underrated treasure! October in Hechi offers clear autumn skies and picturesque landscapes. This time, let me show you the stunning ways to enjoy this off-the-beaten-path destination～
Day 1: First Encounter with Hechi, A Landscape Painting
⏰ Morning: Bama Longevity Village
Introduction / Experience: Visit the world’s longevity hometown, feel the life wisdom of centenarians. The village is nestled by mountains and water, with air so fresh it’s intoxicating!
Transportation: Recommended to drive or charter a car, navigate to “Bama Longevity Village Visitor Center.” Electric carts are available within the village.
Opening Hours: Open all day, best to visit between 8:00-10:00 to avoid crowds.
🍽️ Noon: Bama Fragrant Pork Feast
Introduction / Experience: Must-try local specialty Bama fragrant pork! Crispy skin and tender meat, perfect with spicy and sour sauce～ Recommended “Longevity Fragrant Pork Farmhouse.”
Transportation: Walkable within Longevity Village.
Business Hours: 11:00-14:00.
🌆 Afternoon: Baimo Cave
Introduction / Experience: Karst cave wonder, with an abundance of negative oxygen ions inside. It’s said there’s even a “magnetic therapy zone,” magical and healing!
Transportation: About 15 minutes by taxi from Longevity Village.
Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30, the cave is slippery so wear non-slip shoes.
🌙 Evening: Stay at a Riverside Homestay by the Panyang River
Introduction / Experience: Open your window to the river, fall asleep to the sound of flowing water at night. The homestay features Yao ethnic performances～
Transportation: 10 minutes by taxi from Baimo Cave.
Check-in Time: After 14:00, contact the host in advance for pick-up.
Day 2: Secret Adventure, Yao Ethnic Style
⏰ Morning: Fengshan Sanmenhai
Introduction / Experience: Take a boat through the underground river skylight, the water is emerald blue, like stepping into a scene from “The Lost Tomb”!
Transportation: 1 hour drive or carpool, navigate to “Sanmenhai Scenic Area.”
Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30, boat rides require queuing, so arrive early.
🍽️ Noon: Yao Family Bamboo Tray Feast
Introduction / Experience: Colorful glutinous rice, cured meat, wild vegetables spread on bamboo trays, a feast for both eyes and taste buds! Recommended “Yao Village Family.”
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Sanmenhai Scenic Area exit.
Business Hours: 11:30-14:00.
🌆 Afternoon: Donglan Hongshui River First Bend
Introduction / Experience: Climb the viewing platform to overlook the Ω-shaped big bend. At sunset, the river glows red like silk, a photographer’s paradise!
Transportation: 40 minutes drive, mountain roads require careful driving.
Opening Hours: Open all day, best 2 hours before sunset.
🌙 Evening: Donglan County Night Market
Introduction / Experience: Grilled fish, sour soup noodles, five-color glutinous rice… The night market is small but full of lively local atmosphere!
Transportation: On the way back from the First Bend, take a taxi to “Donglan Night Market.”
Business Hours: 18:00-23:00.
Day 3: Pastoral Melody, Farewell Journey
⏰ Morning: Luocheng Cotton Sinkhole
Introduction / Experience: Suspended glass plank road + deep sinkhole secret spot, thrilling and scenic. Not recommended for the faint-hearted, haha!
Transportation: 1.5 hours drive from Donglan, or take a shuttle bus to Luocheng then a motorcycle taxi.
Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00, glass plank road has an extra fee.
🍽️ Noon: Mulao Ethnic Oil Tea Feast
Introduction / Experience: Bitter yet sweet oil tea paired with puffed rice, the highest hospitality of the Mulao people～ The host will teach you how to “make oil tea.”
Transportation: Concentrated farmhouse area outside the sinkhole scenic spot.
Business Hours: 11:00-15:00.
🌆 Afternoon: Before Departure, Visit Yizhou Liu Sanjie’s Hometown
Introduction / Experience: Singing stage, Zhuang brocade archway, immersive experience of mountain song culture. You might even meet a “modern Liu Sanjie”!
Transportation: 1 hour drive from Luocheng.
Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00, show times vary, check in advance.
🌙 Evening: Return from Yizhou Train Station
Tips: Leave time to enjoy a bowl of old friend noodles before leaving, the sour bamboo shoot flavor is authentic!
Practical Tips:
1️⃣ Big temperature difference in October, a light jacket + sunscreen are essential;
2️⃣ Attractions are scattered, renting a car or chartering a vehicle (about 300 RMB/day) is recommended;
3️⃣ Total cost per person around 1,000 RMB, excellent value for money!
❤️ The beauty of Hechi needs to be savored slowly. Save this guide and be ready to go next time～