Hezhou

One of China's best-preserved ancient towns, Huangyao dates back over 1,000 years to the Song Dynasty, though most surviving buildings are from the Ming and Qing periods. The town is built along the banks of the Yao River, with over 300 well-preserved traditional houses, ancestral halls, temples, and pavilions arranged in a maze of cobblestone lanes.

What sets Huangyao apart from other ancient towns is its authenticity and dramatic setting. Limestone karst peaks surround the town on all sides, creating a natural amphitheater. Ancient banyan trees shade the riverbanks; stone bridges cross crystal-clear streams. Key landmarks include the Dragon Ridge Pavilion, the ancient stage used for traditional opera performances, and the Wu family ancestral hall with its intricate wood carvings.

Huangyao is especially beautiful at dawn and dusk, when soft light illuminates the old architecture and mist drifts among the karst peaks. Staying overnight in one of the restored courtyard guesthouses is highly recommended — after day-trippers leave, the town returns to a timeless quiet. Local specialties include Huangyao fermented tofu, rice wine, and Guangyong rice noodles. The town is 60 kilometers from Hezhou city, about 1.5 hours by car.

Hours: Open 24 hours (ticket booths 7:30–18:00)
Admission: ¥100 (valid 2 days)

Hezhou's premier natural attraction, Gupo Mountain rises 1,731 meters above sea level, covering 5,000 hectares of subtropical forest. The mountain's clean air and biodiversity have earned it a 5A national rating. A network of well-maintained trails winds through bamboo groves, waterfall clusters, and mossy valleys — the hike to the summit takes about 4 hours round-trip.

The park features over 20 major waterfalls, with the Nine-Tier Waterfall being the most impressive. The Fairy Valley section offers a gentler walk alongside a stream through primeval forest, home to macaques and diverse birdlife. An area called "Little Guilin" features miniature karst peaks and a lake that mirrors the famous scenery further north. The park's mascot is a giant salamander, an endangered species found in its streams.

Recent developments include a forest hot spring resort at the mountain's base, combining hiking with relaxation. The park's name means "Grandma Mountain" in local dialect, referring to a legend about an elderly woman who helped villagers. Gupo Mountain is 25 kilometers northeast of Hezhou city, accessible by taxi or shuttle bus from the train station. Spring and autumn offer the best hiking conditions.

Hours: 8:00–17:30
Admission: ¥97

A unique geological formation rare even in karst-rich Guangxi, the Jade Stone Forest features limestone columns that have been mineralized with white calcite and quartz, giving the rocks a jade-like sheen. The result is a surreal landscape of pale, crystalline stone pillars, arches, and pathways — quite different from the gray limestone of typical karst formations.

The stone forest covers about 25 hectares and includes narrow passages between towering pillars, natural stone bridges, and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside. Various formations have been given imaginative names — "Flying Dragon," "Phoenix Spreading Wings," and "Celestial Pillar" among them. A walking circuit takes about 1.5 hours, with steps and occasional steep sections.

The site is located near Gupo Mountain and is often combined with a Gupo day trip. Photography is excellent throughout the day, as the pale stone reflects light beautifully. The formations are estimated to be 200 million years old, formed when ancient seas covered the region. A small geological exhibit near the entrance explains the formation process.

Hours: 8:30–17:30
Admission: ¥55

One of Hezhou's most accessible karst caves, Ziyun Wonderland stretches over 1,000 meters underground with ceilings reaching 40 meters high. The cave was discovered in the 1980s and opened to the public after careful development that preserved its natural formations. Illuminated walkways guide visitors past stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and underground pools of remarkable clarity.

The cave takes its name from the purple-tinted rock formations that catch the light at certain angles, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Key formations include the "Palace of a Thousand Pillars," a chamber where dense stalactites resemble columns in a grand hall, and an underground lake so still it creates perfect reflections. The temperature inside remains a constant 18–20°C year-round — a welcome respite in summer.

Ziyun is just 5 kilometers from Hezhou city center, making it an easy half-day trip. The cave visit takes about 1 hour. Unlike some Chinese show caves, the lighting here is relatively restrained, avoiding the garish colors that plague many installations. The entrance area includes a small park with walking paths. Combine with nearby Shiba Water or Jade Stone Forest for a full day.

Hours: 8:30–17:00
Admission: ¥40

A pristine mountain valley featuring a series of waterfalls and pools connected by walking trails through subtropical forest. The name "Eighteen Waters" refers to the multiple streams and cascades that converge in the valley. The hike passes through a series of natural swimming pools — some deep enough for swimming in summer — connected by rock formations and lush vegetation.

The highlight is a dramatic 30-meter waterfall at the valley's upper section, accessible via a well-maintained boardwalk trail. The total hiking circuit is about 3 kilometers and takes 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace. Along the way, visitors pass through bamboo groves, cross stone bridges, and can cool off in natural pools. The forest canopy provides shade even in midsummer, making this a popular escape from city heat.

The eco-scenic area is 20 kilometers from Hezhou city. The management emphasizes environmental protection — single-use plastics are discouraged, and trail maintenance uses natural materials. Basic refreshments are available near the entrance; bring water for the hike. Summer (June–August) offers the best water flow; winter can be quite dry.

Hours: 8:30–17:00
Admission: ¥45

A vast tea plantation blanketing the hillsides of Zhaoping County,南山 Tea Sea offers a meditative landscape of terraced green rows stretching to the horizon. Zhaoping County is one of China's major tea-producing areas, and this scenic plantation showcases the region's tea heritage at its most photogenic.

Visitors can walk through the plantation on maintained trails, with viewing platforms offering panoramic vistas. The tea sea is particularly beautiful in spring when new buds emerge, and in autumn when morning mist creates layers of white among the green terraces. Tea tasting sessions introduce local varieties, especially Zhaoping green tea, known for its delicate flavor and health benefits. A tea-themed resort on-site offers overnight stays.

Nanshan Tea Sea is 50 kilometers from Hezhou city, in Zhaoping County. Many visitors combine it with Huangyao Ancient Town, which is also in Zhaoping. The site is quieter on weekdays — weekends draw tea enthusiasts and photographers from nearby Guangdong. The plantation walk takes about 2 hours; allow additional time for tea tasting and lunch.

Hours: 8:00–17:30
Admission: ¥60 (tea tasting included)

A 2,000-year-old walled city that served as Hezhou's administrative center from the Han Dynasty through the early 20th century. Unlike many "ancient" Chinese towns that have been rebuilt for tourism, Linhe retains substantial original fabric — sections of city walls, ancient wells, old streets, and several Ming-Qing era buildings survive.

The city's most distinctive feature is its cultural layering: Han Dynasty foundations, Tang Dynasty temples, Song Dynasty wells, Ming Dynasty walls, and Qing Dynasty houses exist side by side. The main entrance gate and portions of the city wall remain standing, offering a tangible connection to two millennia of continuous habitation. Inside, narrow lanes wind past old residences where descendants of the original families still live.

The site receives few foreign visitors, making it an authentic and uncrowded experience. Information panels are in Chinese only. Allow 1–2 hours to explore the main areas. The old city is on the outskirts of modern Hezhou, about 10 kilometers from the city center, accessible by taxi.

Hours: Open 24 hours (some buildings may be locked)
Admission: Free

A less-visited forest park covering over 3,000 hectares, Dagui Mountain preserves subtropical forests with remarkable ancient trees — including vines estimated at over 1,000 years old. The park's signature feature is its network of massive liana vines, some as thick as tree trunks, that create natural bridges and swings between trees.

Three main trails explore different aspects of the park: the Ancient Vine Trail (viewing thousand-year-old vines), the Waterfall Trail (passing several small cascades), and the Peak Trail (ascending to viewpoints over the forest canopy). The park also contains a small population of wild macaques and diverse butterfly species. Bird watching is rewarding — over 100 species have been recorded.

Dagui Mountain is 30 kilometers from Hezhou city, in Babu District. The park is significantly less developed than Gupo Mountain — expect basic facilities and few other visitors. This makes it ideal for travelers seeking solitude. Bring insect repellent and drinking water. The hiking circuit takes about 3 hours. A small camping area near the entrance allows overnight stays.

Hours: 8:00–17:30
Admission: ¥30

A scenic drive through Zhongshan County's karst countryside, where limestone peaks, rice paddies, and traditional villages create a landscape resembling a traditional Chinese ink-wash painting. The route stretches along the He River for approximately 50 kilometers, with multiple viewpoints and photo stops along the way.

Unlike heavily developed scenic areas, the gallery is essentially a public road passing through farmland and villages. The scenery unfolds naturally — farmers tend rice paddies beneath karst peaks, water buffalo wade in streams, and old stone bridges cross the river. The best section is between Gongcheng and Tonggu, where peaks crowd close to the road and the river meanders through open fields.

This is a self-drive or cycling destination — public transit does not serve the route directly. Rent a car in Hezhou and allow a full day, stopping for photos and village exploration. Several farmhouses along the route offer simple meals. The landscape is most photogenic in late afternoon when the low sun creates long shadows across the paddies. Combine with a visit to Zhongshan's old town area.

Hours: Open 24 hours (daylight recommended)
Admission: Free

Hezhou's geothermal resources have been developed into several hot spring resorts, with the most popular being the Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort. Nestled in forested hills near Gupo Mountain, the resort features over 30 outdoor pools at varying temperatures (35–45°C), connected by landscaped walkways through bamboo groves.

The hot springs emerge naturally at temperatures up to 60°C, rich in sulfur, radon, and other minerals. The resort offers both public pools and private bathing rooms. Additional facilities include a forest boardwalk, meditation garden, and accommodation ranging from standard rooms to luxury villas. The Hezhou Hot Spring (贺州温泉) nearer the city center is a simpler, more affordable option.

Best visited after hiking Gupo Mountain — the combination of forest trails and hot spring soaking makes a perfect day. Xixi is about 30 kilometers from the city; Hezhou Hot Spring is just 15 kilometers. Weekends draw visitors from Guangzhou; midweek offers a peaceful experience. Both resorts operate year-round.

Hours: 10:00–23:00 (pools close 22:00)
Admission: Xixi ¥168–268; Hezhou Hot Spring ¥80–120

Created for the 2018 Guangxi Garden Expo, this park showcases landscape design from across Guangxi and neighboring Guangdong Province. The 140-hectare site features themed gardens, a large lake with boat rentals, walking paths, and recreational facilities — a popular weekend destination for Hezhou's growing urban population.

The park's design incorporates elements of Yao ethnic culture, reflecting Hezhou's significant Yao minority population. Traditional Yao architecture appears in several garden sections, along with Zhuang and Hakka cultural elements. The lake area is pleasant for evening strolls; food stalls and a small commercial area provide refreshments.

The park is in Pinggui District, easily accessible from the city center. While not a must-see attraction, it makes a pleasant addition to a Hezhou itinerary, especially for families. Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience. The park connects to the hot spring resort area, making a combined visit convenient.

Hours: 7:00–19:00 (illuminated areas until 21:00)
Admission: Free