The Secret Realm of the World Yao Capital, an Untouched Ecotourism Sanctuary

Travel guide to Jinxiu Dayao Mountain in Guangxi, covering transportation, attractions, cuisine, and practical tips to help you explore this hidden gem where nature and culture intertwine:

1. Overview of Jinxiu Dayao Mountain

Jinxiu Dayao Mountain, located in central Guangxi, is the core area of the Yao ethnic group in China and is known as the "World Yao Capital." It features primeval forests, waterfall clusters, unique peaks and stones, and rich Yao culture, making it an excellent destination for ecological tourism and cultural exploration.

2. Best Time to Visit

· Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant climate, blooming mountain flowers, misty clouds, ideal for hiking and photography.
· Summer (June-August): Waterfalls are abundant, a great place to escape the heat, but watch out for rain.
· Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, a chance to experience Yao New Year customs.

3. Transportation Guide

1. External Transportation:
· High-speed train/plane: Arrive at Liuzhou or Guilin, then transfer by car to Jinxiu (about 2 hours from Liuzhou to Jinxiu, about 3 hours from Guilin to Jinxiu).
· Self-driving: Depart from Guilin or Liuzhou, take the Shankun Expressway then national roads; mountain roads require careful driving.
2. Internal Transportation:
· There are buses from the county town to main attractions, but it is recommended to charter a car or rent one (about 200-300 RMB per day) for easier access to mountainous areas.

4. Must-Visit Attractions

1. Shengtang Mountain

· Features: The main peak of Dayao Mountain, 1979 meters high, famous for rhododendron seas, sea of clouds sunrises, and stone forest wonders.
· Tips: Hiking to the summit takes 5-6 hours; start early to catch the sunrise; those with less stamina can take the shuttle bus halfway up.

2. Lotus Mountain

· Features: A blend of Danxia landforms and primeval forest, shaped like a blooming lotus, with thrilling cliffside plank walks.
· Tips: The park offers Yao ethnic folk performances, including long drum dances and Yao wedding customs.

3. Yinsan Forest Park

· Features: Home to the "living fossil" plant, the silver fir, with an abundance of negative oxygen ions, perfect for forest bathing.
· Tips: Walk along the creek trails, occasionally spotting wild macaques; do not feed them.

4. Guzhan Yao Village

· Features: A century-old Yao village built on the mountainside, experience Yao door-blocking wine, bonfire parties, and learn Yao brocade embroidery.
· Tips: Stay in Yao homestays, enjoy the Yao King feast, and listen to Yao historical legends.

5. Qingshan Waterfall Cluster

· Features: Multiple-tiered waterfalls in a row, roaring water sounds, perfect for cooling off by stepping in the water during summer.
· Tips: Wear non-slip shoes; waterfalls are more spectacular after rain but paths can be slippery.

5. Yao Culture Experience

· Folk Festivals: The "Panwang Festival" on the 16th day of the 10th lunar month features ancestor worship and grand singing and dancing; the "Clothes Drying Festival" on the 6th day of the 6th lunar month showcases Yao families drying colorful costumes.
· Handicrafts: Try making Yao medicinal bath bags and batik fabric in Yao workshops.
· Yao Medicinal Bath: A must-try, bathing in water boiled with natural herbs to relieve fatigue (arranged by homestays or hot spring hotels).

6. Food Recommendations

1. Yao Bamboo Winnowing Basket Feast: Served in bamboo baskets with Yao cured meat, five-colored glutinous rice, wild vegetables, and more, hearty and generous.
2. Yao Oil Tea: Tea brewed with ginger and garlic, warming and refreshing, served with fried rice.
3. Mountain Delicacies and Wild Game: Bamboo shoot stew with native chicken, wild shiitake mushrooms, grilled river fish.
4. Yao Brewed Liquor: Sweet glutinous rice wine and sweet potato wine, rich in flavor.

7. Accommodation Options

· County Hotels: Well-equipped, recommended are Jinxiu Hotel and Yao Style Hotel.
· Mountain Homestays: At the foot of Shengtang Mountain or in Guzhan Yao Village, open the window to a sea of clouds (book in advance).
· Camping: Camping allowed in designated areas of Yinsan Park, stargazing at night (registration required).

8. Practical Tips

1. Gear: Non-slip hiking shoes, raincoat, jacket (temperature varies greatly in mountains), mosquito repellent.
2. Environmental Protection: Do not pick plants or disturb wildlife; carry out your trash.
3. Respect Customs: Do not take close-up photos of people in Yao villages without permission; follow hosts' guidance during activities.
4. Suggested Itinerary: 3-4 days for an in-depth trip combining natural scenery and cultural experiences.
5. Tickets: Shengtang Mountain ticket 80 RMB, Lotus Mountain 60 RMB, combo tickets offer better deals (subject to actual park policies).

9. Sample Itinerary

· Day 1: Arrive in Jinxiu → Visit Lotus Mountain → Watch Yao performances → Stay in the county town.
· Day 2: Hike Shengtang Mountain → View sea of clouds from the summit → Return for Yao medicinal bath.
· Day 3: Experience handicrafts in Guzhan Yao Village → Light hike in Yinsan Forest Park → Return.

Jinxiu Dayao Mountain is like a secret book yet to be fully read, waiting for you to measure it with your footsteps and feel it with your heart. Wishing you a journey full of wonderful memories! 🌿✨