Bama Travelogue

We drove from Baise to Bama Longevity Village, taking the Shankun Expressway and then the G243 national highway, about 80 kilometers on the expressway plus 16 kilometers on the national highway. Upon arriving at Bama Longevity Village, we saw small buildings nestled against the mountains and by the water, suspension bridges with people crossing leisurely, green fields with people walking through, and a constant flow of cars with nowhere to park. On the cliffs to the left and right behind the village, there are hundred-meter-tall characters painted in red. On the left, there is a regular script character for 'longevity', and on the right, a mixed character with 'longevity' within 'fortune'. As the sun sets in the west and the sky grows dark, we seek accommodation in the village, but all the inns are fully booked and reservations are made in advance, with both short-term and long-term residents. The charm of Bama Longevity Village is indeed irresistible, attracting both those who wish to extend their lives and curious tourists in droves. We managed to book a hotel in Poyue Village, Jiazhuang Township, 4 kilometers away. At night, the Panyang River lies quietly in front of Poyue Village, with the water surface reflecting the twinkling lights from both banks, serene and leisurely. Nearby is the Hundred Demons Cave scenic area, which might be worth a visit during the day. The next morning, we drove back to Longevity Village to enjoy the morning light and experience the local customs. The streets are lined with food stalls and shops, bustling with residents and tourists. At several roasting stalls, suckling pigs are slowly rotated over the fire by the stall owners, filling the air with a delicious aroma. In the small square on the street corner, villagers set up many similar frying stalls, selling glutinous rice cakes, which can be purchased with a hot drink for breakfast, satisfying hunger and also showing support and appreciation for the stall owners. Outside the streets, people choose scenic spots by the water, on the bridges, and along the paths in the fields to take photos, chat, and enjoy the fresh morning air. There are some public facilities in the green fields, originally intended for the convenience of residents and tourists, but the poor maintenance gives an incongruous impression, especially a public toilet, where excrement is scattered all around, making it impossible to step in. The scenery is so beautiful, the population so large, the commercialization so intense, and the maintenance so poor, is Bama Longevity Village still that tranquil haven of youth and vitality?