Hechi

Sanmenhai is the world's only navigable karst window system — a series of seven natural skylights connected by an underground river. Three of these windows can be explored by boat, passing through dark limestone tunnels before emerging into brilliant turquoise pools illuminated from above. The effect is otherworldly: you feel like you're traveling through a hidden world beneath the mountains.

The underground river, a tributary of the Panyang River, maintains a constant 19°C year-round. The boat journey takes about 60 minutes, passing through three limestone caves with dramatic stalactites and natural light filtering through the windows above. This is the crown jewel of Fengshan World Geopark.

Hours: 8:30–17:00
Admission: Boat ticket ¥98 (includes entrance)

Baimo Cave (also called Baimo Tiankeng) is a massive limestone cavern system in Bama County. Designated a National AAAA scenic area, it features a main chamber 100+ meters high and over 1,000 meters long — one of China's largest underground halls. The cave contains spectacular stalactite formations including columns 70–80 meters tall.

What makes Baimo Cave special is its microclimate. The air inside contains extremely high negative oxygen ions (over 70,000 per cubic centimeter), with strong geomagnetic fields. Many visitors come not just to sightsee but to practice qigong and breathing exercises. Locals call it a "natural sanatorium." The cave maintains a comfortable 18–22°C year-round regardless of outdoor temperatures.

Hours: 8:00–17:30
Admission: ¥85

Crystal Palace is a spectacular karst cave featuring some of China's finest calcite crystal formations. Unlike typical limestone caves with stalactites, this cave is filled with translucent white crystalline deposits that shimmer like ice sculptures under artificial lighting. The effect resembles a fantasy crystal palace frozen in time.

The cave extends over 1,500 meters with chambers reaching 50 meters high. Guides will point out formations resembling Chinese mythological figures and animals. The cave is located in Nashe Township, about 40km from Bama town. Photography enthusiasts should bring tripods for long exposures of the crystalline structures.

Hours: 8:30–17:30
Admission: ¥82
Phone: 0778-6221069

Also known as "Hundred Birds Cave" (百鸟岩), this underground river cave features three natural skylights that create dramatic light effects on the emerald water below. The cave was formed over millions of years by the Panyang River flowing beneath the mountains. Boat tours pass through alternating dark tunnels and sunlit chambers.

The name "Hundred Birds" comes from the thousands of swallows that nest in the cave, emerging at dusk in spectacular swirling flocks. The best time to visit is late afternoon when you can witness this phenomenon. The underground river maintains exceptional water clarity — you can often see fish swimming beneath the boat.

Hours: 8:00–17:00
Admission: ¥70 (boat included)

Bapan Village in Jiazhuang Township is the heart of Bama's longevity phenomenon. Among the village's 515 residents, there are 7 centenarians (as of recent data), one of the highest concentrations in the world. Many visitors come seeking the secret to longevity — clean air, mineral-rich water, magnetic fields, and a simple diet.

The village sits along the Panyang River with dramatic karst peaks as backdrop. You can stay in local homestays, hike to viewpoints, and meet elderly residents who attribute their health to the local environment. The traditional Yao diet includes pumpkin, corn, sweet potato, and hemp seed soup. Many visitors buy Bama's famous "longevity oil" (fire hemp oil) as a souvenir.

Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free

The Panyang River is Bama's lifeline and a major reason for the region's longevity reputation. The 152km river flows through karst valleys with exceptionally clear water rich in minerals. Locals believe the water's molecular structure is smaller and more easily absorbed by the human body, though scientific studies continue.

The scenic stretch near Bama town offers bamboo raft rides through peaceful countryside. You'll pass traditional Yao villages, rice paddies, and limestone peaks reflected in the jade-green water. The river maintains a stable temperature year-round, making it pleasant for swimming in summer. Early morning visits reveal mist rising from the water surface — photographers' favorite conditions.

Hours: Daylight hours
Admission: Free (bamboo raft ¥50–80)

This scenic area in Yizhou District celebrates Liu Sanjie, the legendary Zhuang "Song Fairy" whose story became China's most famous musical film in 1960. The site includes her purported birthplace, traditional Zhuang villages, and boat tours through dramatic karst scenery along the Longjiang and Xiajian Rivers.

Visitors can explore Liu Sanjie's former residence, watch folk singing performances, and sample local Yao cuisine. The rivers here feature "Water Stone Forest" — limestone formations rising directly from the water, creating a unique landscape. Local guides often sing traditional Zhuang folk songs during boat rides. The full scenic route covers 25km of river scenery.

Hours: 9:00–17:00
Admission: ¥60–80 (boat extra)
Location: Fengjing Road, Yizhou District, Hechi

Located in Nandan County, this unique attraction combines karst caves with traditional Chinese baijiu (white liquor) culture. The cave system naturally stores over 60,000 tons of Danquan-brand baijiu in massive clay jars — recognized as the world's largest natural wine cave by Guinness World Records.

The constant 16–20°C temperature and high humidity create ideal aging conditions. Visitors walk through illuminated caverns past endless rows of wine jars, breathing air saturated with alcohol aroma. The tour includes a Danquan distillery museum and tastings. Even non-drinkers find the geological formations impressive — stalactites, underground lakes, and dramatic rock formations.

Hours: 8:30–17:30
Admission: ¥80 (includes tasting)
Location: Minhang North Road, Nandan County

Cotton Tiankeng (棉花天坑) in Luocheng Mulam Autonomous County is one of China's most accessible sinkholes. The karst depression measures 326 meters deep and 305 meters wide — a massive natural amphitheater surrounded by sheer cliffs. A glass-bottomed viewing platform extends over the edge for dramatic photos.

The scenic area includes China's first Mulam ethnic village replica, showcasing this unique minority's traditional architecture and customs. The "Changsheng Cave" nearby features colorful stalactite formations. The 800-meter cliff walkway and suspension bridge offer thrilling views. This AAAA-rated site opened in 2019 and is still relatively undiscovered by international tourists.

Hours: 9:00–17:30
Admission: ¥80–100
Location: Mianhua Village, Siba Town, Luocheng County
Phone: 0778-6066888

Often called "Little Three Gorges" for its resemblance to the famous Yangtze gorges, this scenic area in Jinchengjiang District offers dramatic river scenery through limestone canyons. The area comprises three gorges — Tianmen (Heaven Gate), Shenmen (Spirit Gate), and Longmen (Dragon Gate) — each with distinctive rock formations and cultural legends.

Boat tours navigate through narrow passages between towering cliffs, past waterfalls and traditional villages. The water here is remarkably clear, reflecting the green karst peaks above. The site is nicknamed "First Valley of Zhuang Country" and "First Gorge of South China." Spring and autumn offer the best lighting for photography.

Hours: 8:00–17:00
Admission: ¥50 (boat extra)
Location: Liujia Town, Jinchengjiang District, Hechi

This 1,300 km² geopark in Dahua Yao Autonomous County showcases one of the world's most concentrated collections of karst peak clusters and depressions. The name "Qibainong" means "seven hundred弄" — referring to the hundreds of natural sinkhole depressions (called "nong" in local dialect) that dot the landscape.

The park offers several viewpoints including the famous "Sky Ladder" — a steep path leading to a platform with panoramic views across endless limestone peaks. On clear days, you can see over 500 peaks from a single viewpoint. The area is home to Yao ethnic communities who maintain traditional mountain villages. Driving the winding mountain roads is an adventure itself.

Hours: 8:00–18:00
Admission: ¥80–100
Location: Dahua Yao Autonomous County, Hechi

This dramatic U-shaped bend in the Longjiang River near Jinchengjiang creates one of Guangxi's most photogenic landscapes. The jade-green water curves around a forested limestone peninsula, best viewed from a hilltop platform. Early morning light creates stunning reflections on the calm surface.

The site remains relatively unknown, offering peaceful views without crowds. A short hike leads to the viewing platform. Many travelers combine this with nearby Little Three Gorges. The entrance fee is minimal, making it excellent value. Bring a telephoto lens for the best photos.

Hours: Daylight hours
Admission: ¥10
Location: Jinchengjiang District, Hechi

UNESCO-designated Fengshan Global Geopark protects one of the world's most concentrated karst formations. The park includes Sanmenhai, Wanshougu (Longevity Valley), and Chuanglongyan (Dragon-Piercing Rock). The region features the world's largest cluster of karst windows (natural skylights), underground rivers, and massive sinkholes.

Chuanglongyan is a massive limestone arch that a river flows through — the trail behind the waterfall leads to hidden caves. Wanshougu offers cave exploration with impressive stalactite formations. The geopark museum explains the area's unique geology. Allow at least two days to explore properly.

Hours: Varies by site (8:00–17:30 typical)
Admission: Varies by site (¥50–100 each)
Location: Fengshan County, Hechi