Rarely do I use the word "awe-inspiring" to describe a place...

Sanmenhai Travel Guide Location: Paoli Township, Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Highlights: World-class karst skylight cluster, underground river caves, turquoise glass-like waters Why Visit Sanmenhai? China's only "skylight cluster" wonder—seven interconnected transparent sinkholes. Boat through underground rivers for a "journey to the center of the earth" experience. Turquoise waters rivaling Jiuzhaigou—mineral-rich Tiffany-blue lakes with crystal-clear visibility. Off-the-beaten-path—fewer crowds than Guilin, more pristine than Yangshuo, with minimal commercialization. Best Time to Visit May-October: Comfortable water temperature for swimming; sunlight makes the water colors most magical (water levels slightly higher during rainy season). November-April: Clearer, brighter waters but cooler, with very few tourists. Avoid heavy rain season (July-August, occasional floods may temporarily close the park). Must-Do Experiences 1. Underground River Skylight Boat Tour (Must-do!) Route: Small boat ride through three transparent skylights ("Gate of Life," "Moon Gate," "Heaven's Gate"), ~1.5 hours total. Highlights: Sunlight piercing the water creates "God rays" under the skylights. Touch the icy underground river water and observe stalactite reflections. Ticket: ¥98/person (includes boat + guide). 2. Hiking to Viewpoints Cloud Sea Viewing Platform: 10-minute climb for panoramic skylight views (free). Earth's Core Tunnel: Short cave exploration, headlamp required (¥30/person). 3. Nearby Attractions Crystal Palace (30km away): UNESCO Global Geopark with snow-white stalactite halls (¥90 ticket). Bainiao Yan (Bird Rock): Boat through caves to see swallow flocks (similar to Sanmenhai but smaller). Transport Guide Getting There: Self-drive (recommended): Nanning → Sanmenhai (4h) via Lanhai Highway + winding mountain roads. Guilin → Sanmenhai (5h) through stunning karst landscapes. Public Transport: 1. Take a bus from Nanning/Guilin to Fengshan County (4-5h), then hire a car to Sanmenhai (40min, ~¥100/car). Internal Transport: Only walking or boating within the park; 10-minute boardwalk from parking lot to dock. Accommodation Near Sanmenhai: Farmstays (¥100-200): Try "Skylight Homestay" with mountain views. Fengshan County (more comfort): Fengshan International Hotel (¥300+), ideal for higher standards. Food Guide Hemp Seed Chicken Soup: Local longevity ingredient, light and nourishing (must-try!). Oil Tea Fish: Wild river fish cooked with Yao ethnic tea broth. Five-Colored Sticky Rice: Naturally dyed, seasonal festival food. Note: No restaurants in the park—pack snacks or eat at farmstays. Important Tips 1. Safety: Wear life jackets on boats; keep hands away from deep water. 2. Attire: Non-slip shoes (wet boardwalks), sun protection (large temperature shifts in/out of caves). 3. Photography: Best light before 10am; use wide-angle for skylights. 4. Eco-rules: No sunscreen while swimming (harms water quality). Itinerary Suggestions [Day Trip] AM: Skylight boat tour → Hiking viewpoint → Farmstay lunch PM: Earth's Core Tunnel OR drive to Crystal Palace (choose one). [2-Day In-Depth] Day1: Sanmenhai boat + caving → Stay in Fengshan Day2: Crystal Palace + return trip