I've been to Hezhou and it was worth the suffering, but sisters planning to go should think twice

In April and May, Hezhou enjoys comfortable temperatures🌤️ with abundant rainfall, making it the most beautiful season to see the karst landscape! With spectacular mountains and waters, ancient villages, and mouth-watering cuisine, it's definitely a hidden gem for off-the-beaten-path travelers✨! Save this guide and start your Hezhou journey~ I. Travel Experience Stepping into Hezhou feels like entering a real-life "paradise on earth"🏞️. Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, with thousand-year-old villages in peaceful settings, breathing fresh air, listening to flowing streams, and watching clouds wrapping around mountains - it's truly healing for body and mind. The lively atmosphere and special local foods in the streets and alleys showcase this city's unique charm - once you're here, you won't want to leave! II. Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: First fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, then take an airport shuttle or private car to Hezhou, about 2.5 hours by road. 🚄 By High-Speed Rail: Hezhou Station connects to many cities nationwide. It only takes 2-3 hours from Guangzhou or Shenzhen - convenient and fast🚅. 🚌 Local Transportation: City buses cover major attractions; you can also take taxis🚕 or rent a car🚗 for more freedom to explore hidden scenic spots. III. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Huangyao Ancient Town Morning: After arriving in Hezhou, head straight to Huangyao Ancient Town🏮. Stroll along the bluestone paths, wander through Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, and feel the tranquility and charm of this thousand-year-old town. Noon: Try local specialties like steamed pork ribs with fermented black beans and Huangyao stuffed tofu🍲. Afternoon: Visit attractions like Dragon Bridge and Guo Family Mansion. At dusk, climb to the viewing platform to watch the sunset paint the ancient town red. Evening: Enjoy the night view of the ancient town. The illuminated old houses have a special charm, and you can listen to folk music in the bars🎵. Day 2: Gupo Mountain National Forest Park - Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area Morning: Head to Gupo Mountain for hiking, admire the waterfall clusters and primeval forests🌳, and visit the filming location of "Tea, The Flavor of Homeland." Noon: Enjoy bamboo tube rice and wild vegetables🥬 at local farm restaurants near the scenic area. Afternoon: Rush to Shibashui to see the eight-tiered waterfall and experience the magnificence of "Lingnan's Jiuzhaigou." You can also enjoy the refreshing water walkways💦. Day 3: Yushilin Scenic Area - Ziyun Cave Morning: Explore Yushilin to see the white marble pillars formed over millions of years, which look like a fairyland when glistening in the sunlight✨. Noon: Enjoy Hezhou specialties like Xindu chicken and Zhongshan oil tea🥘. Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Ziyun Cave with its varied stalactite formations that appear colorful under the lights, showcasing nature's incredible craftsmanship. IV. 9 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Huangyao Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old town with many preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, such as Dragon Bridge and Guo Family Mansion. 2. Gupo Mountain National Forest Park: A natural oxygen bar with beautiful waterfalls and forest landscapes🌲. 3. Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area: Eight-tiered waterfall with beautiful mountains and waters, perfect for water activities. 4. Yushilin Scenic Area: Unique white marble forest with spectacular scenery. 5. Ziyun Cave: A fantastic karst cave with diverse stalactite formations. 6. Fuchuan Ancient Ming City: A Ming dynasty ancient city with well-preserved walls and gate towers🏰. 7. Zhongshan Ten-Mile Gallery: Karst landscape views with charming contrasts between farmland and mountains. 8. Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort: Enjoy hot springs and leisurely time♨️. 9. Nanxiang Forest Hot Spring: Natural hot springs, a great place to relax. V. Food Recommendations 1. Huangyao Douchi Rice Noodles: Rich fermented black bean flavor with smooth rice noodles, paired with pickled bamboo shoots and vegetables for an appetizing dish🍜. 2. Stuffed Tofu: Tofu stuffed with meat filling, delicious and flavorful, a Hezhou home-style dish. 3. Xindu Chicken: Yellow skin and white meat, tender and juicy, perfect with sand ginger dipping sauce🐔. 4. Zhongshan Oil Tea: Tea leaves stir-fried and boiled with peanuts, served with fried rice and green onions, great for warming up in cold weather☕️. 5. Beef Intestine Sour Soup: Sour and flavorful beef offal, a must-try street food. 6. Hezhou Rice Dumplings: Soft outer skin with rich fillings, delicious with sauce. VI. Accommodation Recommendations 🏨 In Huangyao Ancient Town: Experience traditional house stays for a slow-paced ancient town lifestyle. Recommended: Huangyao Shihua Yao Family Hotel. 🏨 In Hezhou City: Convenient with complete facilities, such as Vienna International Hotel and Hezhou International Hotel. VII. Travel Tips 1. Hezhou has frequent rain in April and May, so bring an umbrella or raincoat🌧️ and non-slip shoes. 2. Wear comfortable sports shoes when hiking in Gupo Mountain and Shibashui Scenic Areas, and pay attention to safety. 3. Some scenic areas have many mosquitoes, so prepare insect repellent. 4. For authentic local food at reasonable prices, visit small restaurants frequented by locals! Come to Hezhou for a romantic journey of mountains, waters, and delicious food💕!