Wuzhou

In Wuzhou, Cantonese is commonly heard on the streets, while century-old arcaded buildings and the meeting of three rivers give the city its distinctive character. With low prices and a relaxed pace of life, it makes a good weekend getaway. This two-day, one-night itinerary explores the city mainly on foot.

• China Arcade City: This area has China's largest continuous collection of Southeast Asian-style arcaded buildings, with more than 560 historic structures. It is a good place to explore the old town and take vintage-style photos. Admission is free, and the lights come on in the evening for nighttime views. Republican-era outfits or light-colored clothing work well for photos.

• Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area: Admission is free. You can take a sightseeing shuttle to Yunfeng Pavilion at the summit for 360-degree views of the city and the confluence of three rivers. Halfway up the mountain, Si'en Temple offers another photogenic setting with its red walls and traditional temple buildings.

• Dragon Mother Temple: This major place of worship in the Lingnan region is dedicated to the Dragon Mother and houses a 38-meter-tall bronze statue. Admission costs 28 yuan. Head up to the viewing platform for a close view of the Xijiang River.

• Wuzhou Museum: This nationally rated Grade II museum holds a large collection of locally excavated artifacts, offering an introduction to the history of the ancient kingdom of Cangwu. Admission is free, with no reservation required. It is closed on Mondays. The top floor offers broad views of the river.
• Former British Consulate: Known as the “Little Yellow Building,” this historic European-style building has pale yellow walls and a quiet setting among trees. Around 4 p.m. is a good time to observe and photograph the light and shadows on the building. Admission is free, and it is closed on Mondays.

• Yuanjiang Chunfan (Spring Waters of the Yuanjiang): This is a good spot to watch the river at sunset. The green Guijiang River meets the muddy Xunjiang River here, creating the sharply contrasting colors known as the “Mandarin Duck River.” At dusk, the setting sun adds an orange glow to the water.

A Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary with Convenient Stops

• Day 1: Arcades and an Old Town Stroll
  • Morning: Have breakfast at Bingquan Soy Milk Shop (Baiyun Mountain main branch), trying its thick “Dizhu” soy milk with fried dough sticks. After breakfast, walk or cycle to Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, then take the sightseeing shuttle uphill for views over Wuzhou.
  • Lunch: After coming down the mountain, eat near Arcade City. Choose a long-established restaurant to try paper-wrapped chicken and fish with scallion oil.

• Afternoon: Explore China Arcade City on foot. Beyond the main street, venture into Weixin Lane and Jinlong Alley to see the lanes and old buildings and take vintage-style photos. Then head to Zhushan Scenic Area to visit White Crane Tower and the Former British Consulate.

• Early evening: Wait for sunset at the Yuanjiang Chunfan viewing platform and watch the river gradually turn orange in the evening light.
  • Evening: Continue exploring Arcade City after the lights come on, then head to a night market to try sour and spicy beef intestines and Xingxing river snails. Finish with a bowl of guilinggao, a turtle-shell herbal jelly, for a change of flavor.

• Day 2: Dragon Mother Traditions and River Scenery
  • Morning: Start at the Dragon Mother Temple to pray for blessings and learn about Dragon Mother beliefs and customs in the Xijiang River basin. Then visit Wuzhou Museum to see its artifacts and learn about Wuzhou's development as a trading port over the past century.
  • Lunch: Choose Wuzhou rice noodles or claypot rice in the city center for a taste of everyday local food.

• Afternoon: If time allows, visit Sizhou Island to enjoy the river breeze and sunset. Alternatively, use this time to buy souvenirs such as Liubao tea and ready-to-eat guilinggao. After sightseeing, take a high-speed train home.

Local Food Guide

• Heritage Paper-Wrapped Chicken: This signature Wuzhou dish, recognized as intangible cultural heritage, is made by wrapping chicken in yukou paper and deep-frying it, sealing the juices and savory sauce inside. The finished chicken has crisp skin and tender meat. For a taste at a long-established restaurant, try Yueyou Restaurant or Yuebei Restaurant.

• Bingquan Soy Milk: Known locally as “Dizhu” soy milk, this drink is thick enough to leave traces on the side of the cup and has a rich soybean flavor. Pairing it with fried dough sticks or soft tofu pudding is a common and popular local breakfast choice.

• Freshly Made Guilinggao: A nationally recognized geographical indication product, this turtle-shell herbal jelly has a distinct herbal aroma, a slightly bitter taste and a sweet aftertaste. Add honey or coconut milk to soften the flavor. Places to try it include Shuangqian Guilinggao and Wufutang.

• Sour and Spicy Beef Intestines: This street snack features skewers of assorted beef offal soaked in a sour and spicy sauce. A filling serving generally costs between 10 and 20 yuan per person.

• Wuzhou Rice Noodles: These thin, flat rice noodles readily absorb broth. They can be served with beef brisket stewed until tender, or in a clear broth, and are a common breakfast choice at street-side eateries.

Accommodation and Transport

• Accommodation: Consider a chain hotel or guesthouse near Arcade City in Wanxiu District, at around 150–250 yuan per person per night. Attractions and restaurants are clustered nearby, making this a convenient base for exploring on foot. If you prefer a quieter, more comfortable setting, consider a riverside hotel in Hexi.
• High-speed rail: Direct high-speed trains to Wuzhou South Station are available from most cities. A taxi from the station to the old town takes about 20 minutes.
• Getting around: The urban area is fairly compact, with the main sights close together. Shared electric scooters cost around 3–5 yuan per hour and are useful for getting around the streets and lanes. Short taxi rides generally cost less than 10 yuan.

Before You Go: Practical Tips

• Monday closures: Wuzhou Museum and the Former British Consulate are both closed on Mondays, so check your itinerary dates in advance.
• Sun and mosquito protection: Guangxi and Guangdong have a humid climate, with strong daytime UV exposure. Bring a sun umbrella and mosquito repellent. Keep an extra layer handy for evening walks along the river.
• When to eat paper-wrapped chicken: The chicken is deep-fried in its paper wrapping and can develop an unpleasant smell as it cools, so eat it hot. Lunch is a good time to order it.
• Choosing guilinggao: Freshly made guilinggao served in shops is more worth trying than packaged ready-to-eat versions. A slightly bitter taste is normal; add honey or coconut milk to soften it.
• Pacing your visit: Wuzhou is best explored at a leisurely walking pace, so avoid packing in too many sights. Wear comfortable shoes and leave time to wander the old streets and drink tea for a better feel for local life.