Chongzuo's Natural Beauty: Heishui River Wetland, a Harmonious Symphony of Ecology and Humanity

### Chongzuo Travel Guide: Exploring the Hidden Landscape on the China-Vietnam Border Chongzuo, a small border town located in southwestern Guangxi, is known as a "hidden landscape beyond Guilin." It boasts magnificent karst landforms, unique Zhuang culture, and the charm of the China-Vietnam border. Whether it's the majestic Detian Transnational Waterfall or the poetic dwelling of Mingshi Pastoral, Chongzuo allows you to escape the hustle and bustle and return to nature. --- ### 📅 Best Time to Travel - **May-October**: Abundant waterfall flow, Detian Waterfall is most spectacular. - **September-November**: Golden rice paddies, Mingshi Pastoral is picturesque. - **Winter (December-February)**: Mild climate, suitable for leisure travel. --- ### 📍 Must-See Attractions 1. Detian Transnational Waterfall (Asia's largest transnational waterfall) - **Features**: Straddling China and Vietnam, it resembles a cascading galaxy during the rainy season and is elegantly beautiful in the dry season. - **Things to do**: - Take a bamboo raft to experience the splashing water up close (¥30/person). - Ascend the "China-Vietnam Cross-border Street" viewing platform for a panoramic view. - Experience the "Magic Carpet + Slide" overlooking the waterfall (package ¥228). - **Best viewing time**: June-October (high water season), 12:00-14:00 (peak water flow). 2. Mingshi Pastoral (Filming location of *The Journey of Flower*) - **Features**: Karst peaks reflected in the clear water, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. - **Things to do**: - Cycle through the rice paddies (bicycle ¥10/hour, electric bike ¥15/hour). - Take a bamboo raft and listen to Zhuang folk songs. - Climb Longtoushan (Dragon Head Mountain) to watch the sunset in the evening. - **Tickets**: Free, bamboo raft ¥110 (including boat ticket). 3. Huashan Rock Paintings (World Cultural Heritage Site) - **Features**: Murals by the Luoyue people from over 2,000 years ago, mysterious and awe-inspiring. - **Things to do**: Take a boat tour on the Zuojiang River to view the rock paintings (tickets ¥90 including boat ticket). 4. Gulongshan Grand Canyon (A paradise for adventure lovers) - **Features**: Amazon-style drifting through caves, waterfalls, and virgin forests. - **Things to do**: - Classic drifting (¥190/person, with boatman). - Hiking + cave exploration (¥115/person). 5. Friendship Pass (One of China's nine famous passes) - **Features**: A historical pass on the China-Vietnam border, witnessing thousands of years of border trade culture. - **Things to do**: Climb the gate tower for a distant view of Vietnam, and visit the border trade market for Vietnamese specialties. --- ### 🚗 Transportation Guide - **Main Transportation**: - ✈️ Fly to Nanning Wuxu International Airport → 🚄 High-speed rail to Chongzuo South Railway Station (approx. 1 hr). - 🚗 Drive from Nanning → Chongzuo (approx. 2 hrs). - **Local Transportation**: - Self-drive/chartered car is most convenient (attractions are scattered). - Scenic Express Bus: Nanning → Detian Waterfall (¥90/person). --- ### 🍜 Food Recommendations - **Zhuang Cuisine**: Lemon Duck, Five-Color Sticky Rice, Lemongrass Grilled Meat. - **Vietnamese Snacks**: Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Drip Coffee (available near Detian Waterfall). - **Featured Restaurants**: - Awei Rice Noodle Shop in Chongzuo city (cheap and delicious). - Heji Country Restaurant in Mingshi Pastoral (recommended by locals). --- ### 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations - **Near Detian Waterfall**: Choose a scenic homestay for easy early morning waterfall viewing. - **Mingshi Pastoral**: Stay in a Zhuang-style resort with rice paddy views. - **Chongzuo City**: Jiangzhou District, near Taiping Ancient City, convenient for night tours. --- ### 📌 Travel Tips 1. **Sun protection and mosquito repellent**: Chongzuo has strong UV rays and many mosquitoes, so bring mosquito repellent. 2. **Bring your ID card for border areas**: Border checks may be required near Detian Waterfall. 3. **Avoid illegal taxis**: Transportation between attractions is inconvenient, book a regular car in advance. 4. **Best photo spots**: Light-colored clothing is recommended for photos in Mingshi Pastoral. --- ### 🗺️ Recommended Itineraries [2-Day Tour] - **D1**: Nanning → Chongzuo → Mingshi Pastoral (cycling + bamboo raft) → Stay in Mingshi. - **D2**: Detian Waterfall (bamboo raft + viewing platform) → Return. [3-Day Tour] - **D1**: Nanning → Huashan Rock Paintings → Taiping Ancient City (night view). - **D2**: Detian Waterfall → Mingshi Pastoral. - **D3**: Gulongshan Grand Canyon drifting → Return. --- The beauty of Chongzuo lies in the blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage, and even more so in its tranquility, untouched by excessive commercialization. Take this guide and embark on your journey to this hidden borderland paradise! 🌿