Guangxi Hidden Scenic Waterways and Mountains

Southwest Guangxi Karst Secret Journey: Complete Guide to Bama, Jingxi, and Chongzuo’s Six Scenic Spots --- Trip Highlights · Karst Landform Collection: From underground river skylights to canyon waterfalls, experience Earth's geological wonders spanning millions of years · Cross-border Folk Experience: Waterfalls on the China-Vietnam border intertwined with Zhuang ethnic pastoral poetry · Health and Adventure Combined: The longevity secret of Bama meets the thrilling Tongling underground exploration --- Trip Overview (Recommended 4-5 days) Route Logic: Starting from Hechi Bama, head southwest through Jingxi to Chongzuo, following the geographical direction to avoid detours. --- Daily Detailed Guide 📍 Day 1: Bama Underground River Exploration Morning: Hundred Birds Rock (Water Wave Skylight) · Highlights: Boat through the underground river, natural skylights on the cave ceiling appear like alternating bright moons, creating magical light and shadow effects · Tips: ① Visit during the high water season (May to October) for sufficient water levels and smoother boating; ② Cave temperature is constant at 18°C, bring a light jacket · Duration: About 1.5 hours Afternoon: Sanmenhai · Highlights: The world’s only karst skylight group navigable by boat, a magical experience of passing through three cave openings to see the sky · Key Point: Climb the viewing platform to overlook seven skylights linked like sapphires (best photo spot halfway up the mountain) · Transport: About 30 minutes by car from Hundred Birds Rock to Sanmenhai, car rental around 80 RMB · Accommodation: Recommended to stay in Bama County town, guesthouses near Shouxing Avenue are preferred, try the hemp soup --- 📍 Day 2: Jingxi Mountains, Waters, and Culture Day Morning: Drive to Old Zhou Ancient Town (Bama → Old Zhou about 2.5 hours) · En route Highlight: Stop at Ming River Viewing Platform to photograph the S-shaped river (free attraction) Noon: Old Zhou Ancient Town · Core Experiences: ① Handmade embroidered ball workshop experience (about 30 RMB/person); ② Photograph the reflection of Wenchang Pavilion (best at dawn or dusk) · Food: Horse meat rice noodles and colorful glutinous rice in Old Zhou Old Street · Tips: The ancient town is small, 2 hours is enough for touring Afternoon: Tongling Grand Canyon · Stunning Spot: 188-meter waterfall plunging into the underground river, passing ancient cliff coffin burial sites · Must-do: ① Full hike requires walking up and down stairs (about 2.5 hours); ② Wear non-slip shoes, heavy mist near the waterfall area · Hidden Experience: Visit Nianba Gorge exit before dusk to occasionally see firefly forests (summer only) · Accommodation: Recommended to stay in Jingxi city, hotels near Phoenix Mountain are preferred --- 📍 Day 3: Cross-border Waterfall Spectacle Morning: Jingxi → Detian Waterfall (1.5-hour drive, bring ID for border check) · Detian Transnational Waterfall Highlights: ① Enter the park before 9:00 AM to avoid tour groups and catch the upstream Vietnam water release at its peak ② Must-try: Bamboo raft close-up waterfall viewing (30 RMB/person, briefly “crossing border” at the midline) ③ New Experience: Magic carpet + slide combo to ascend (75 RMB), overlooking the China-Vietnam boundary markers ④ Best Photo Spot: Viewing platform near Boundary Marker No. 53, capturing both China and Vietnam waterfalls in one frame Afternoon: Mingshi Countryside · Cycling Route: Visitor center → Zhuang ancient village → bamboo raft drifting point (about 8 km total) · Exclusive Photo Spot: Longtoushan viewing platform for sunset shots (navigate to “Longpanshan,” requires a 20-minute uphill hike) · Accommodation: Strongly recommend staying at Mingshi Countryside guesthouse, “Mingshi Nali” is recommended, starry sky rooms offer views of the Milky Way --- 📍 Day 4: Countryside Morning Light and Return · Early Morning Experience: Free bicycle riding from the guesthouse, cycling through rice fields in the morning mist · Secret Discovery: Ride 3 km downstream along Mingshi River to find wild egret habitats · Return Suggestions: ① Self-driving can return to Nanning via Hena Expressway (scenic karst peak forests along the way); ② Without a car, book a shared ride from guesthouse to Chongzuo South Station (about 60 RMB/person) --- Transportation Tips 1. Best travel method: Rent a car in Nanning (SUV recommended, some county roads have uphill sections) 2. Segment car rental options: · Bama section: Taxi from county town to attractions, one-way about 40-60 RMB · Jingxi-Chongzuo section: Car rental about 500 RMB/day (negotiable) 3. Public transport alternatives: ```text Bama Bus Station → Jingxi (2 buses daily, 4 hours) Jingxi Bus Station → Detian (transfer at Leiping Town, about 3 hours) ``` Food Map · Bama: Longevity hemp chicken, fragrant pork belly · Jingxi: Secret longevity snails, rolled rice noodles · Daxin: Fake lou stuffed meat, sesame duck Notes 1. Confirm Detian Waterfall opening status (water volume may be low in dry winter season) 2. Drones are prohibited in border areas, military facilities are forbidden to photograph 3. Mobile signal is weak inside Tongling Canyon, travel with companions recommended 4. Bring cash! Some mountain stalls only accept cash payments