A 5-Time Visitor's Guide to Chongzuo: Inspired by a Song

🎵 "Sing a mountain song, sing here and echo there, mountain songs are like the spring river, not afraid of shoals, bends, and turns..." Whenever I hear this classic song, "Mountain Songs Are Like Spring River Water," the melodious tune, like the clear streams in the mountains of Chongzuo, carries a primitive simplicity and agility, as if calling me. In February of this year, with a yearning for magnificent landscapes and rich ethnic customs, I traveled to Chongzuo for a wonderful 3-day journey. Come along with me! 🌆 Chongzuo, located in southwestern Guangxi, is a city favored by nature. In February, Chongzuo enjoys a pleasant climate, with warm sunshine and lush greenery. Here, you'll find the renowned Detian Transnational Waterfall, whose majestic momentum is breathtaking; the mysterious Huashan Rock Paintings, whose ancient patterns tell stories of millennia; and unique delicacies such as Bobiji Fan (Bamboo Basket Rice) and Roasted Pig Eyes, each bite imbued with the customs of the Zhuang and other ethnic groups. Nature and culture complement each other, and every corner exudes a unique charm. 🚌 Transportation Guide: ✈️ You can first arrive at Nanning Wuxu International Airport and then transfer to a bus or high-speed train to downtown Chongzuo. Within the city, buses cover some scenic spots. If you want to visit suburban areas like Detian Waterfall and Huashan Rock Paintings, joining a one-day tour group or chartering a car is more convenient, allowing you to admire Chongzuo's unique karst landscape and marvel at nature's wonders 😃. 🎯 Recommended Itinerary: Day1️⃣: Chongzuo City - Stone Forest - Taiping Ancient Town Morning: Arrive in downtown Chongzuo, take a short break, and head to the Stone Forest Scenic Area. Stepping into it is like entering a magical world of stones, with all kinds of strangely shaped stones rising from the ground, some like sharp swords piercing the sky, others like beasts lying quietly in the forest. Walking through them is full of fun, allowing you to experience the wonders of nature. Noon: Enjoy Bobiji Fan in the city. This dish uses a bamboo basket as tableware, filled with glutinous rice, roasted meat, sour bamboo shoots, vegetables, and more. The colorful combination offers a burst of flavors with every bite, showcasing the local ethnic cuisine. Afternoon: Visit Taiping Ancient Town, an antique architectural complex. When the lights come on, the ancient town is illuminated. Stroll through the streets and alleys, admire the exquisite ancient buildings, browse the unique shops, and experience the blend of history and modernity. Day2️⃣: Detian Transnational Waterfall - China-Vietnam Style Street Morning: Head to Detian Transnational Waterfall, enjoying the beautiful scenery of karst landforms and idyllic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, you'll be instantly stunned by the magnificent sight before you. The waterfall is majestic, cascading down three levels, with splashing water and a thunderous roar. Take a bamboo raft to experience the impact of the waterfall up close, and you can clearly see the scenery of Vietnam on the opposite bank, appreciating the unique charm of this transnational waterfall. Noon: Have lunch near the scenic area and try the Zhuang's Roasted Pig Eyes. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, although it may sound challenging, it has a unique flavor when paired with special dipping sauce, making it a top choice for adventurous eaters. Afternoon: Explore the China-Vietnam Style Street, where you'll find many Vietnamese specialties, such as coffee, perfume, and handicrafts. You can also taste Vietnamese cuisine and experience the diverse cultural atmosphere of the border area. Day3️⃣: Huashan Rock Paintings - Zuojiang Leaning Pagoda (Optional) Morning: Visit the Huashan Rock Paintings Scenic Area, taking a boat trip on the Zuojiang River and admiring the karst peaks and forests along the banks. Upon reaching the Huashan Rock Paintings, look up at the mysterious red patterns on the cliffs. These rock paintings, still visible after thousands of years of wind and rain, seem like codes left by ancient people, leaving visitors in awe and immersed in the mysterious atmosphere of ancient culture. Noon: Have a simple meal near the scenic area. If time and energy permit, visit the Zuojiang Leaning Pagoda, one of the eight leaning towers in the world. Admire its unique architectural structure and the wisdom of the ancients, concluding this unforgettable journey. 🌟 Must-See Spots: 📍In front of Detian Transnational Waterfall: Take photos with the majestic waterfall and the China-Vietnam border scenery as the backdrop. Capture the most iconic and magnificent image of Chongzuo, leaving a stunning travel memory. Whether it's sunny or misty, the scenery is unique. 📍Huashan Rock Paintings Viewing Platform: Take photos with the ancient and mysterious rock paintings and the Zuojiang landscape as the backdrop. The atmosphere is perfect, showcasing Chongzuo's historical heritage and natural beauty. 💕 Travel Experience: This three-day trip to Chongzuo was a feast for the eyes and taste buds. The breathtaking Detian Transnational Waterfall and the mysterious Huashan Rock Paintings immersed me in Chongzuo's charm. The abundance of Bobiji Fan and the bustling China-Vietnam Style Street made me fall in love with this city. Chongzuo in February, with its magnificence and mystery, captivated me. I left with a heart full of reluctance, looking forward to returning and continuing my story with it. 🍱 Local Food Recommendations: 🥘Bobiji Fan: Diverse ingredients, colorful, and rich in ethnic flavor. 🐷Roasted Pig Eyes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique taste that challenges your taste buds. 🥣Baitouweng Baba: Soft, glutinous, sweet, and fragrant with a herbal aroma, a unique local snack. 🐟Zuojiang Fish: Tender fish, best steamed to preserve its original flavor. 🥓Ningming Zhuang Zongzi: Large in size, with rich fillings, soft, glutinous, and delicious. Chongzuo's food is as enticing as its scenery. Come and experience it, and you might, like me, fall in love with this city because of a song!