Fairyland Sanmenhai: A Mountain and Water Paradise Like Stepping into a Miyazaki Animation

👍️ Why We Recommend It Sanmenhai is located in the core area of the world's typical karst landforms and is recognized by the International Union of Speleology as the world's only water-accessible tiankeng (giant sinkhole) scenic area. It features seven skylights arranged in the pattern of the Big Dipper constellation. Water, caves, and sky blend seamlessly together. Cruising through this landscape feels like entering a fantastical underground world, leaving visitors in awe of nature's magnificent craftsmanship. 📍 Detailed Address Poxin Village, Sanmenhai Town, Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 🆓 Ticket Prices No entrance fee for the scenic area. Boat tour tickets are generally 98 yuan for adults, and 49 yuan for students, seniors, children, etc. with valid ID. 📅 Travel Guide - Boat Tour: This is the main way to explore Sanmenhai. Board a small boat and follow the boatman's paddle rhythm as you slowly enter the karst cave. Along the way, you can admire various stalactites that resemble fantastic murals under the lights. Sunlight streaming through the skylights creates golden light pillars, with sparkling water reflections creating a dreamlike atmosphere. - Hiking: Start from the trail entrance with the ancient banyan tree as your starting point. Pass through various photo spots including pavilions, and enjoy overlooking views of the skylights. The entire trail is about 3.5km and requires moderate physical fitness. - Must-See Spots: Among the three accessible skylights, the third one is the most magical. It maintains a year-round temperature of 22°C, cool in summer and warm in winter. The rocks at the entrance appear like giant jade when illuminated by sunlight. If you're lucky, you might spot groups of wild monkeys. 🍜 Food Guide - Hechi Rice Noodles: Available at food stalls near the scenic area or restaurants in town. Features delicious broth and smooth rice noodles, with meat, eggs, vegetables, and other ingredients added according to personal taste. - Bama Oil Fish: A local specialty fish with delicious meat and rich nutrition, usually prepared by frying to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior. - Five-Colored Glutinous Rice: Glutinous rice dyed with natural plant pigments into five colors. Visually appealing with a soft texture and natural plant fragrance. 🏨 Accommodation Guide - Sanmenhai Area Homestays: Such as Sanmenhai Eco Resort Hotel, offering beautiful surroundings and convenient access to the scenic area. - Fengshan County Hotels: More options available, such as Phoenix International Hotel and Vienna Hotel (Fengshan Branch), with better accommodation conditions and well-established surrounding dining and shopping facilities. 💗 Other Tips - Try to visit on clear days when the lake surface appears beautifully blue under the sunlight, creating better photo opportunities. - Follow the instructions of boatmen and guides when on the boat. Avoid standing up in narrow areas and low caves to prevent injuries. - The scenic area has many mosquitoes, especially near the river and forests, so remember to bring insect repellent.