The Secret Realm of Northwest Guangxi, Hiding Scenery More Stunning Than Guilin’s

In northwest Guangxi, there is a fairyland forgotten by time—Hechi. It lacks the hustle and bustle of Guilin but privately holds the ultimate aesthetics of karst landscapes, the mystery of the world’s longevity hometown, and the rich Yao ethnic culture. Follow this guide to explore Hechi’s hidden corners and unlock unknown travel experiences.

Must-Visit Attractions: A Dual Feast of Nature and Culture

Sanmenhai Scenic Area—A Magical Journey to the “Window to the Earth’s Core”

Take a boat ride under three huge skylights, where the emerald lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if entering a dreamlike time tunnel. During the rainy season (May to August), the lake is deep blue, and on sunny days, you can see the magical “Blue Hole” phenomenon. Besides boating, you can hike up to overlook the entire sinkhole and marvel at nature’s craftsmanship.

Hechi Little Three Gorges—A Poetic Landscape of Green Water and Red Mountains

Cruise through Tianmen Gorge, Liangfeng Gorge, and Longmen Gorge, where sheer cliffs are chiseled like axes, stalactites hang upside down, and water and sky blend into one, resembling an unfolding landscape painting. The riverside hiking trails are also a highlight; strolling along them lets you closely appreciate the gentle curves of karst scenery. At the viewing platform beneath the Muluojia Goddess Peak, you’ll find an excellent spot to capture “China’s landscape masterpiece” photos.

Baimo Cave—The Underground Karst Wonder of the Longevity Hometown

Baimo Cave is one of Bama’s iconic longevity landmarks. Inside, stalagmites, stone curtains, and stone flowers form a variety of shapes, resembling a mysterious “Dragon Palace Wonderland.” The area has high geomagnetic levels, said to have some magnetic therapy effects, attracting many elderly visitors for health retreats. Additionally, the underground river, sinkholes, and stalactite clusters intertwine, making it a “Karst Geology Museum.”

Bama Longevity Village—The Mysterious Code of the “World’s Longevity Hometown”

Visiting Bama Longevity Village feels like entering a paradise. Surrounded by lotus ponds and terraced fields, the environment is beautiful, the air fresh, and the negative ion content very high. You can visit centenarian families to explore the secrets of longevity or stroll through the countryside to experience a leisurely rural life. You can also participate in Yao ethnic folk activities like singing and dancing and the Biji feast, feeling the simplicity and charm of longevity culture.

Yaowang Tianxia—The Thousand-Household Yao Village of the White Trousers Yao

Yaowang Tianxia is the settlement of the White Trousers Yao. The architecture is distinctive, with ox-head-shaped roofs and mushroom-shaped granaries, reflecting the White Trousers Yao’s worship of oxen. In the village, you can enjoy intangible cultural heritage displays such as flower bamboo hat weaving and Nuo mask culture, experiencing the mystery of a “living fossil of human civilization.” At night, the brightly lit Yao village looks like a fairy tale world, perfect for night photography.

Itinerary: A 4-Day In-Depth Tour of Highlights

Day 1: Hechi Little Three Gorges → Longevity Village → Baimo Cave

Arrive in Hechi in the morning and take a boat tour of the Little Three Gorges to admire the gorge’s stunning scenery. At noon, head to Longevity Village to taste farmhouse dishes and stroll around the lotus ponds. In the afternoon, explore Baimo Cave to discover the stalactite wonders and experience the magnetic therapy area. Stay overnight at a guesthouse near Longevity Village and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Day 2: Sanmenhai → Yaowang Tianxia

In the morning, go to Sanmenhai to explore the skylights by boat and hike up for panoramic views. At noon, enjoy specialty rice noodles in Fengshan County. In the afternoon, visit Yaowang Tianxia to tour the Yao village and experience Yao culture. Stay overnight at a hotel in the Yaowang Tianxia scenic area and enjoy the night view of the Yao village.

Day 3: Mulun Nature Reserve → Nandan White Trousers Yao Ecological Museum

Hike in the Mulun National Nature Reserve in the morning to explore the karst forest secret realm and encounter rare flora and fauna. At noon, taste local delicacies like cured meat and bamboo shoots in Nandan County. In the afternoon, visit the Nandan White Trousers Yao Ecological Museum to learn deeply about the White Trousers Yao ethnic culture. Return to Hechi city in the evening.

Day 4: Bai Niao Rock → Return Trip

In the morning, head to Bai Niao Rock for a boat cave exploration and enjoy the light and shadow wonders inside the cave. At noon, savor specialty dishes such as stir-fried cured meat with green peppers in Bama County. In the afternoon, depart according to your schedule or enjoy free activities.

Food Recommendations

Hechi’s cuisine is rich and diverse, featuring tender Bama fragrant pork with thin skin, soft and sweet Yizhou zongzi (rice dumplings), sour and appetizing sour porridge fish, and spicy and refreshing Du’an fresh rice noodles. Additionally, Yao-style roasted pig’s feet, Jinchengjiang duck, and Donglan black rice zongzi are also distinctive and worth trying. You can also experience Bama’s “Biji Feast,” where dishes are served on banana leaves, savoring the unique Yao flavor.

Accommodation Guide

Longevity Village’s characteristic guesthouses are mostly built with wood and mud, incorporating Yao elements and offering longevity health meals, costing about 200 RMB per night per person, suitable for family trips and health enthusiasts. Yaowang Tianxia Resort Hotel is located within the Yao village, blending architectural style with Yao decorations, and offers Yao singing and dancing performances at night, costing about 300 RMB per night per person including breakfast. Comfortable hotels in Hechi city center are convenient for travel, near dining streets, costing about 200 RMB per night per person, suitable for business trips or transit rest.

Travel Tips

Hechi’s attractions are relatively scattered, so self-driving or chartering a car is a convenient way to get around. If using public transport, take the high-speed train to Hechi Station first, then rent a car or take a shuttle bus to the attractions. Spring (March to May) is when lotus flowers bloom and the countryside is lush; autumn (September to November) has pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and cave exploration. When visiting cave attractions like Sanmenhai and Baimo Cave, wear non-slip shoes and bring water and snacks. For souvenirs, it’s better to buy at specialty supermarkets to avoid overpriced items in scenic spots.