Hechi

Hechi in Guangxi is known for its karst landscapes, clear waters beneath natural cave openings, and villages associated with longevity. Tourism development is relatively limited and visitor numbers are low, making it a good place for a slower trip focused on nature and village life.

• Sanmenhai, Fengshan: This area has a rare cluster of water-filled sinkholes. Boat trips take you through waters connecting underground rivers and caves. Daylight streams through openings in the cave roofs, turning the water shades of emerald green to Tiffany blue.

• Baimo Cave, Bama: Temperatures inside the cave remain fairly stable, and the air has a high concentration of negative oxygen ions. Along the route, you can see stalactites in a variety of shapes. The cave's magnetic therapy area is also popular with wellness visitors.

• Jiudun Skylights, Du'an: Known as “China's Underwater Everest,” this site has exceptionally clear water with a luminous, jelly-like appearance. From May to October, you can use a transparent paddleboard to glide across the surface and get a close look at the waters beneath these natural openings.

• Bama Longevity Village: Focus your visit on the traditional hamlet of Bapan and the banks of the Panyang River. Walk through the village to learn about the local culture of longevity, with a chance of meeting some of its centenarians.

• Mianhua Sinkhole, Luocheng: This enormous natural sinkhole is 326 meters deep. Visiting involves descending a cliffside walkway with around a thousand steps. A bookstore set into the cliffs has a location and atmosphere reminiscent of a scripture library in a Chinese martial arts story.

• Hechi Little Three Gorges: The boat route links Tianmen Gorge, Liangfeng Gorge, and Longmen Gorge, offering views of the canyons and green waters along the way. No mountain climbing is required, making it an option for trips with older family members.

3-Day, 2-Night Highlights Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Hechi, using Jinchengjiang District or Du'an as your initial base → Head to Jiudun Skylights in Du'an for paddleboarding and other water activities → Visit Nongxiang Sinkhole toward evening to see beams of light passing through the rock walls → Stay overnight in Du'an county town and try jam-glazed barbecue.
• Day 2: Travel from Du'an to Sanmenhai in Fengshan and take a boat through the underground river and its natural skylights → In the afternoon, visit the Hongshui River First Bend viewing platform to see the river's U-shaped turn → Continue to Bama toward evening and stay at a guesthouse in Poyue Village.

• Day 3: Visit Baimo Cave in Bama early in the morning to experience its air and surroundings → Take an afternoon walk through Bapan, the Longevity Village → If time allows, take a boat trip through Bainiao Cave before your return journey.

5-Day In-Depth Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Jinchengjiang and take a boat trip through the Little Three Gorges. Head to the Longjiang River First Bend for sunset, then explore Baima Pedestrian Street after dark and try the night-market snacks.
• Day 2: Travel to Nandan to explore the underground maze at Dongtian Shengjing, then visit Geyasi Valley to learn about Yao culture. Stay overnight in Nandan.
• Day 3: Travel from Nandan to Du'an and visit Jiudun Skylights and Tunbang Skylights to enjoy their clear waters. Stay overnight in Du'an.
• Day 4: Travel from Du'an to Bama. Visit Baimo Cave and Longevity Village, and walk along the Panyang River. Stay overnight in Bama.
• Day 5: Visit Sanmenhai in Fengshan in the morning. In the afternoon, choose either Crystal Palace Cave or Shegeng Through Cave as a stop along the way, then finish your trip.

Local Food Specialties

Hechi's food combines ingredients from the surrounding countryside with the flavors of its ethnic communities, and prices are generally affordable.

• Bama Fragrant Pork: Roasting gives this pork crisp skin and tender meat, with fat that tastes less greasy. Besides eating it freshly roasted, you can buy cured sausages to take home.

• Hemp Seed Soup: Made by simmering hemp seeds, this is a common local soup in Longevity Village. Its mild flavor suits visitors who prefer lighter food.

• Yizhou Jam-Glazed Barbecue: Meat skewers are brushed with a special fruit jam as they cook, giving them a sweet-and-tart flavor and a crisp, charred texture. The jam helps balance the richness of the meat. This is a popular local late-night snack.

• Hechi Rice Noodle Soup: Made with a marrow-bone broth and toppings such as pickled bamboo shoots, fried egg, and fish mint, this is an everyday local meal, usually costing 8–15 yuan.

• Five-Color Sticky Rice: Naturally colored with plants, this bright, soft, chewy, and sweet sticky rice is a distinctive Zhuang snack.

Transport and Accommodation

• Transport options: Hechi's attractions are spread out, and its mountain roads have many bends. Driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver makes it easier to travel between them. Take a high-speed train to Hechi West Station, then rent a car or hire a car with a driver. If flying, you can arrive at Nanning Wuxu Airport, then continue to Hechi by high-speed train or coach.
• Where to stay:
  • Bama: Hotels in the county town and guesthouses in Poyue Village both make suitable bases. Expect to pay around 200–400 yuan per night. Both are convenient for a slower-paced wellness trip.
  • Fengshan: Stay near the Sanmenhai scenic area or in the center of the county town for an easy start to morning sightseeing. Local prices are also affordable.
  • Jinchengjiang / Yizhou: Good options for an overnight stop between destinations, with a wide choice of hotels, convenient dining, and reasonable prices.
  • Nandan: Consider staying in Geyasi Valley if you want to experience Yao culture. For easier transport connections, choose a chain hotel in the county town.

Travel Tips

• Clothing and footwear: Steps and stone paths are common at karst attractions, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Cave interiors are around 18°C; bring a light jacket.
• Water activities: When paddleboarding or entering the water at Du'an's skylights, always wear a life jacket. Check the current first, and do not enter the water without assessing conditions.
• Driving on mountain roads: Mountain roads can be steep and winding. Keep your speed down, drive carefully on stretches beside mountain slopes, and wear your seat belt throughout the journey. Less experienced drivers may prefer to hire a car with a driver.
• Spending: Some farmhouse restaurants at scenic spots do not list prices on their menus, so ask the price of each dish before ordering. Be cautious about buying health supplements sold by roadside vendors in Longevity Village.
• When to visit: March–May and September–November are cooler, with relatively little rain, making them good times to enjoy the scenery. June–August is suitable for escaping the heat and enjoying water activities, but landslides occasionally occur in the mountains during the rainy season. Check the weather forecast before setting out.