2025 Donglan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

With its unique karst landforms, longevity culture, and rich ethnic minority customs, Hechi, Guangxi has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. The following is a detailed travel guide for Hechi in 2025, covering must-see attractions, local delicacies, transportation, accommodations, and itinerary suggestions. --- ## **I. Recommended Must-See Attractions** ### **1. Fengshan Sanmenhai Sky Window Cluster Scenic Area** - **Features:** Located in the core area of the world's karst landforms, take a boat to pass through three sky windows (illuminated sinkholes) and admire the blue-green lake water and spectacular stalactites. - **Travel Tips:** 1–2 days, ticket price approx. CNY 90, open 08:00–17:00. ### **2. Bama Longevity Village (Bapan Village)** - **Features:** The world-renowned hometown of longevity, visit centenarians, experience the culture of longevity, and sample health foods such as Bama fragrant pig and fire hemp soup. - **Travel Tips:** Half a day, no admission fee, experience "geomagnetic therapy" and get water from the Panyang River. ### **3. Baimo Cave** - **Features:** A spectacular limestone cave with extremely high levels of negative oxygen ions, suitable for health and wellness stays, with uniquely shaped stalactites inside the cave. - **Travel Tips:** 1–2 hours, ticket price CNY 85. ### **4. Luocheng Cotton Sinkhole Resort** - **Features:** A 4A-rated scenic spot integrating sinkholes, glass plank roads, and cave exploration. It is especially beautiful when the cotton flower sea blooms in autumn. - **Travel Tips:** 1–2 hours, moderate ticket price. ### **5. Qibainong National Geological Park** - **Features:** Unique peak cluster depression landform, suitable for hiking and photography. - **Travel Tips:** 1–2 hours, more convenient to travel by car. ### **6. Hechi Little Three Gorges** - **Features:** Consisting of Tianmen Gorge, Liangfeng Gorge, and Longmen Gorge, take a boat trip to enjoy the scenery of the gorge, which is comparable to the Li River. - **Travel Tips:** 1–2 hours, ticket price CNY 60. ### **7. Jiudun Sky Window (Duan)** - **Features:** A popular underwater cave diving destination in China, with crystal clear water like "jelly water," where you can experience paddle boarding and diving. - **Travel Tips:** Suitable for summer, free admission. --- ## **II. Recommended Local Delicacies** 1. **Bama Fragrant Pig:** Crispy skin and tender meat, can be roasted or made into bacon. 2. **Fire Hemp Soup:** Bama's "No. 1 Longevity Soup," rich in unsaturated fatty acids. 3. **Hechi Boiled Noodles:** Served in a pork bone broth with pickled bamboo shoots and minced meat, recommended "Grandpa Boiled Noodles" in Jinchengjiang. 4. **Huanjiang Fragrant Beef Jerky:** Firm meat, suitable as a souvenir. 5. **Nandan Bacon:** Traditionally marinated with a rich aroma. --- ## **III. Transportation Guide** - **High-speed Rail:** Approx. 2 hours from Nanning to Hechi, and approx. 1 hour from Guiyang to Hechi. - **Airplane:** Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport has direct flights to Guangzhou, Kunming, and other places. - **Self-driving:** Approx. 3 hours from Nanning to Hechi. There are many mountain roads from Bama to Fengshan, so drive with caution. --- ## **IV. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Bama:** "Health Apartment" in Poyue Village (suitable for long stays), Bama Junlan Resort Hotel (Panyang River view). - **Fengshan:** Sanmenhai "Sky Window Homestay" (sky windows can be seen when you open the window). - **Huanjiang:** Maonan ethnic ancient village homestay (experience ethnic customs). --- ## **V. Classic Itinerary Plan** ### **3-Day Tour (Nature + Wellness)** - **Day 1:** Bama Longevity Village → Baimo Cave → Panyang River Rafting - **Day 2:** Fengshan Sanmenhai → Crystal Palace - **Day 3:** Huanjiang Niujiaozhai Waterfall Group → Sample Maonan cuisine ### **5-Day In-Depth Tour (Adding Cultural Experiences)** - **Day 4:** Donglan Hongshui River First Bay (Red culture + canyon scenery) - **Day 5:** Yizhou Liusanjie's Hometown (Zhuang folk songs + ancient town tour). --- Hechi has both magnificent karst wonders and unique ethnic minority cultures, making it suitable for travelers who love nature, wellness, and in-depth tours. In 2025, why not plan a trip to Hechi and experience the charm of this secret place!

A 6-day tour of Nandan-Baise-Hechi in Guangxi, with a super practical guide, will show you a different side of Guangxi. Save it now! 🌟 Itinerary at a Glance: DAY 1: Baise Uprising Memorial Hall -> Guangdong Guild Hall Explore the red memories, feel the weight of history, and then visit the simple and elegant guild hall buildings. DAY 2: Dongtian Jiuhai Scenic Spot -> Yaowang Tianxia Dive into the ocean of wine culture, then experience the Yao ethnic customs and experience different folkways. DAY 3: Dongtian Shengjing -> Lenin Rock -> Bapan Village Explore the wondrous Dongtian Shengjing, visit the historical Lenin Rock, and finally experience the rural charm of Bapan Village. DAY 4: Longevity Museum -> Bai Mo Dong (Hundred Magic Cave) -> Bama Bainiao Cave (Hundred Birds Cave) -> "Dream of Bama" Large-Scale Live Performance Learn the secrets of longevity, explore the magical Bai Mo Dong, then enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bama Bainiao Cave, and watch a stunning live performance in the evening. DAY 5: Detian Waterfall Scenic Spot -> E Quan (Goose Spring) Marvel at the spectacular transnational waterfall, then head to E Quan to experience tranquility and beauty. DAY 6: Tianzhou Ancient City Stroll through the ancient city, feel the charm of history, and end your pleasant journey. 🏯 Must-See Attractions: 🌟 Detian Waterfall Scenic Spot 🌟🌟 Address: Detian Village, Shulong Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening hours: 07:30-18:30 Suggested visit duration: 3-5 hrs A spectacular waterfall on the China-Vietnam border, where the water flows down like a celestial river, with mist sprinkling like a picturesque scroll. 🌊 E Quan (Goose Spring) 🌊 Address: No. 902 Xicheng East Road, Nian'an Village, Xinjing Town, Jingxi City, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 Suggested visit duration: 2-3 hrs The spring water is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and rivers, full of ancient charm, as if stepping into a landscape painting. 🏞️ Bai Mo Dong (Hundred Magic Cave) 🏞️ Address: Jiazhuan Township, Bama Yao Autonomous County, Hechi City Opening hours: January 1 - August 31, 08:30-17:30 Suggested visit duration: 1-2 hrs The stalactites in the cave are of various shapes and forms, each one exquisite and breathtaking. 🕊️ Bama Bainiao Cave (Hundred Birds Cave) 🕊️ Address: Under Mozhai Mountain, northwest of Lietun, Jiazhuan Township, Bama Yao Autonomous County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening hours: January 1 - August 31, 08:30-17:30 Suggested visit duration: 1 hr Swallows and bats fly within the cave, and the underground river and cave landscapes complement each other, making it feel like being in a watery Reed Flute Cave. 🍷 Dongtian Jiuhai Scenic Spot 🍷 Address: Dongtian Jiuhai Scenic Spot, Minxing North Road, Nandan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening hours: January 29 - December 31, 09:00-16:00 Suggested visit duration: 2-3 hrs This place stores 50,000 tons of original spirit. The combination of cave-stored wine and the karst caves has a unique flavor. **Things to Note**: - Airport Transportation 🚗: Fly to Nanning and transfer to high-speed rail or bus. Self-driving is more convenient, and the scenery along the way is super beautiful! - Must-Try Foods 🍜: Bama fragrant pig, hemp soup, don't miss the five-color glutinous rice and sour bamboo shoots with stir-fried pork. - Local Customs 🎭: Experience the Zhuang ethnic customs, listen to mountain songs and watch performances, and remember to respect local customs. - March Climate 🌦️: The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, remember to bring a jacket, and sunscreen is very important! Nandan, Baise, and Hechi, the scenery and stories along the way are waiting for you to explore and experience a different kind of Guangxi!

Let the world see the Guangxi Hechi Zhuang Ant Festival! ! Attached is the guide! ! Hi, TT friend! This is Guangxi HeChi! Welcome to Hechi, Guangxi, to experience the Zhuang Maguai Festival! - Maguai Festival, also known as Frog Festival🐸, is a day when Zhuang people pray for good weather and good harvests! The days in each village are different, but equally lively. We came to Banlong Village, Changjiang Town, Donglan County. Everyone gathered together in ethnic costumes, catching ants, singing folk songs, having a long table banquet, throwing hydrangeas, playing tops, paddling bamboo rafts, and dancing around bonfires... It was such a ritual that you could have fun all day long! Guangxi's unique folk festival is worth experiencing! ⬇️Attached are the dates of the following events in Donglan County⬇️ 👉February 26, the 29th day of the first lunar month, Nale Village, Aidong Town 👉March 1, the second day of the second lunar month, Bandeng Village, Changle Town 👉March 1, the second day of the second lunar month, Baying Village, Bachou Township - 🚌Transportation to Donglan County 1️⃣Self-driving It is definitely the most convenient, just navigate directly! There is a bronze drum at the entrance of the village to welcome guests, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to find the main venue! 2️⃣Bus 👉From Nanning or Liuzhou, take a bus directly to [Donglan Bus Terminal] at [Nanning Anji Bus Station/Liuzhou South Bus Station] 👉There are no direct buses to other cities🉑Take the high-speed rail to Liuzhou Station ➕Go to the opposite South Bus Station to change buses, or🉑Take the high-speed rail to Hechi West ➕Take a taxi to [Jinchengjiang West Bus Station] - 🚘Transportation to the village 1️⃣Self-driving: There are limited parking spaces in the village, and all of them are parked on the roadside, which tests driving skills 2️⃣Public transportation: 👉Bus: There are signs in the window to the town, such as the Yangtze River...Wave your hand to stop, and ask if you are going to the destination before getting on the bus~ 👉Car rental: Don't consider it, the county does not have this condition, and it is more expensive if there is 👉Chartered car: Haggle the local good luck car to book a day, very convenient! Suitable for those who want to go somewhere else on the same day~ 👉Taxi: If you only go to the village, you can take a taxi~ Make an appointment in advance for the return trip, in case there is no car! - ✅Around Attractions 👉Pohao Cloud Sea Observation Deck: Directly to the highest point, overlooking Pohao Lake, not inferior to Yangshuo �Pohao Lake Wetland Park: take a photo🆓The plank road by the lake, it is very comfortable to walk and absorb oxygen 👉Si Meng Observation Deck: Super 🐮 check-in point, overlooking the pastoral scenery, and the ancient Great Wall, it is really too terrible �Check in Hongshui River ☝🏻 Bay, Jinchengjiang Park super long stairs, Shenxianshan Scenic Area - ✅ Food recommendations: Hechi boiled powder, Hechi barbecue, tofu rounds, duck handles, sour bamboo shoots and duck feet, sour yeba... ✅ Accommodation suggestions: Stay near Donglan Bus Station, convenient transportation ✅ Itinerary: DAY1️⃣The village participates in the Anguai Festival DAY2️⃣Si Meng Observation Deck→Pohao Lake Wetland Park→Pohao Cloud Sea Observation Deck DAY 3️⃣Rongshui River→Jinchengjiang Park→Return -

Winter has successfully arrived in Guangxi in January 2025~ This winter is the perfect time to travel to Guangxi The temperature is 10-20 degrees and the sun shines gently on the earth Let you feel warm and comfortable in the cold season Hechi Zhuang Ant Festival held in the treasure town of Hechi, Guangxi Don't miss this place when you travel to Guangxi📷 🌟Must-check-in Hechi intangible cultural heritage: Hechi Zhuang Ant Festival is a folk intangible cultural heritage and folk custom activity. The Zhuang ethnic group’s Ant Festival is centered around worshiping Ants. It is a folk sacrificial festival held to pray for good weather, good harvests, and a prosperous population. The time of holding the Ant Festival varies from place to place. The main contents include sacrifice, carrying ants around the village to pray for good luck, setting up flags, ant singing, eating ant rice, etc. The Zhuang Ant Festival is mainly popular in Baying Village, Bachou Township, Donglan County in the Hongshui River Basin. The Ant Festival starts on the first day of the first lunar month and lasts for different places, up to one month, and ends on the second day of the second lunar month. ✨Secondly check in: 1️⃣China•Donglanpohao Lake Campground🏕️ (free admission), a newly opened campsite on New Year's Day, January 1, 2025, is built between mountains and waters. It can provide a barbecue area. For accommodation, there are space capsules, tent hotels, and camping ⛺️ barbecue 🍖. Here you can see the scenery of lakes and mountains, and experience various recreational activities. It is not a problem to play for most of the day. 2️⃣ There are two check-in spots at the first bay of Hongshui River. One is a free check-in spot in the pavilion halfway up the mountain, and the other is a paid check-in spot at the top of the mountain. There is a glass plank road that overlooks the U-shaped bend in the entire mountain group. It is very spectacular to take photos and check in⛰️ Please keep this 3-day, 2-night guide to the small town of Donglan County, Hechi~ Available for flights, trains and high-speed rail nationwide - Guangxi Hechi West High-speed Railway/landing in Nanning 🚗Itinerary D1 Arrive at Hechi High-speed Railway Station/Nanning self-drive-Hechi Donglan County (stay in Donglan County) D2 Donglan County - Hechi Zhuang Ant Festival - China • Donglan Pohao Lake Camping Site (stay in Donglan County) D3 The First Bay of Hongshui River - Hechi High-speed Railway Station/Drive back to Nanning 🍜About food: Hechi has a lot of local delicacies and snacks, such as raw rice noodles, sugar-coated rice cakes, crispy fried cakes, and corn flour. As long as you go to an old shop that has been in business for many years, the taste will not be bad. If you can't find it, go to the local farmer's market, where there are also good special snacks and local products that you don't usually see.

| A hidden gem in the mountains. Hechi, a relatively unknown destination, suddenly became popular during this year's National Day holiday. Many businesses were caught off guard, and the supplies they prepared for the holiday were far from enough. There were traffic jams in many places, but the First Bend of the Hongshui River is a truly hidden gem. When we arrived in the afternoon, there were less than ten cars at the viewing platform. We stayed at a B&B at the foot of the mountain in the evening. It was very cost-effective, and there were hardly any tourists. The scenery was magnificent. I especially liked the time before nightfall. It was as if there was a layer of green and soft filter here. The two of us strolled around, and there were only a few villagers walking around. It was like a paradise on earth. 🏠Basic Information 👑Name: First Bend of the Hongshui River 📍Address: Banwen Village, Donglan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 💰Average cost: Free admission, CNY 50/person for a boat tour ⏰Opening hours: Open all day, boat tours from 9:00 to 18:00 🍀Travel photography and exploring niche travel destinations🍀 ❤️Continuously updated, like and follow if you like it❤️

| An empty scenic platform during the National Day holiday? Hechi, Guangxi suddenly became a popular destination this year, and the attractions were packed with people and cars. So, we decided to find some lesser-known attractions and found this scenic platform that you can drive to, but no one visits. It was a pleasant surprise. The natural scenery is beautiful, and it's very comfortable. It's great to escape the crowds. The breeze is so comfortable, and it's a great place to have a picnic and drink tea on a deck chair. 🚗 How to get there: Navigate to "Simeng Tunnel." If you're going from Fengshan County to Donglan County, you don't need to enter the tunnel. About 50 meters before the tunnel, there's an inconspicuous scenic platform sign on the right. Follow the small road up the mountain for about 5–6 minutes. If you're going from Donglan County to Fengshan County, you need to go through the tunnel and then turn left and follow the sign to the small road. 🌈 Recommended activities: 1. Countryside Scenic Platform: The platform has a wide view and overlooks the entire village. It's a great place to drink tea and relax under the shade of the trees. 2. There's a section of wall next to the platform that looks like the Great Wall and has a watchtower. The first floor of the watchtower has arched windows, and the second floor has pointed windows. It's a great place to take silhouette photos. 3. Walk 200 meters from the platform to a white house scenic platform on the top of the mountain. You need to climb dozens of steps to the top. The view from the window is wider than below, and it's a great place to take portraits.

Who ever said Hechi lacks beautiful scenery? Who says Donglan doesn’t have enchanting scenery? The first bend of the Hongshui River allowed me to witness the magnificence of this world~☀️ We completed the challenge of "Eighteen bends in the mountain road ~ 48km*2" and were surrounded by warm colors and cool sunny bay all day long. Countless peaks were staggered near and far, just like a world in a painting. ☀️ Walking in the mountains and admiring the gurgling wild water, I suddenly found a green mountain reflected at the bottom of the water, as if I was in a fairyland. 💨Become an idler in this land of mountains and rivers, crossing the mountains and rivers, the breeze caressing your heart, the cool clear water intoxicating you. 🏞️ We carefully checked the boat schedule before the trip and chose the 13:00 boat. If we missed it, we would have to wait until 14:30, which was a bit long. 🕐 First, take the shuttle bus to the pier, which is about 5 minutes away. The ticket includes a 10 yuan park entrance fee and an 80 yuan boat ticket. Even if you don't choose to take a boat tour, there is still a 500-meter-long plank road for tourists to stroll, but in fact, most people choose to take a boat tour. The entire boat trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. The scenery along the way is breathtaking and the tour guide provides detailed explanations. During the boat trip, we will also arrive at a dreamy place - Menggu Village, where tourists can get off the boat to have a look at its beauty. Although this village is small, there are some delicious foods to taste, but fortunately there is no forced consumption. 😊🚢

Recommended off-the-beaten-path attractions in Guangxi - The First Bend of the Red River Most people know about Guilin in Guangxi, but there are many beautiful mountains, waters, and landscapes in other places. The First Bend of the Red River is located in Donglan County, Hechi, Guangxi, a national AAAA level scenic spot, which is very famous locally. Departing from Donglan County, it can be reached by self-driving for an hour~ It is best to let the old driver drive, because there is a long winding mountain road. If you don't go to the glass plank road, you can overlook the whole view by driving to the viewing platform. The 'U'-shaped river course paired with the continuous green mountains really makes people marvel at the wonders of nature! If you go to the glass plank road, you can book tickets online in advance, which is cheaper. After checking in at the scenic spot, drive down the mountain along the road for a few minutes, and you will arrive at the cruise ship dock. There are boats of different routes, but they only set off when there are enough people. We went on a weekday, there were not many tourists, and we were not able to take a boat tour.

The First Bay of the Hongshui River is located in Banwen Village, Datong Township, Donglan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Hongshui River makes a big turn at a place where it flows through Banwen Village, forming a "U"-shaped canyon, which is the First Bay of the Hongshui River. The river channel is narrow, with towering mountains on both sides that reach the sky, with a height difference of hundreds of meters between the river and the water surface. The canyon is shrouded in clouds and mist, making it a rare landscape for seeking novelty, sightseeing, and exploring the mysteries. A unique landscape feature of the First Bay of Hongshui River is that the rocky shore is extremely steep. Most sections of the Hongshui River have no riverbeds, but instead vertical shore rocks of various shapes and sizes. The shore rocks are shaped like curtains, honeycombs, and thousand-layer pancakes. A rock is a scene. Every rock is a painting. The mountains accompanying the Hongshui River are beautiful and picturesque. Most of the mountains on both sides of the Hongshui River are lifelike and anthropomorphic. If you want to go, you must check the weather. It is best to go on a sunny day so that you can see the