2025 Hezhou Travel Guide

Hezhou Travel Guide: Discover the Hidden Gem of Lingnan, Unlocking the Ultimate Experience of Landscapes and Hot Springs Hezhou, this treasure town tucked away in the northeastern corner of Guangxi, is an underestimated "Hometown of Longevity" and a poetic land where landscapes and culture intertwine. Here, you'll find ancient Ming and Qing dynasty towns, mysterious karst caves, misty natural hot springs, and breathtakingly pristine landscapes. Whether you're seeking historical exploration or relaxation, Hezhou has it all. ⛱️ Must-Visit Attractions: 1. **Huangyao Ancient Town – A Timeless Retreat in an Ink-Wash Painting** - **Highlights**: - **Dailong Bridge**: Stroll in the morning with babbling streams under the bridge, cobblestone paths extending on both sides, and occasional encounters with laundry-washing elders, as if stepping back into the Ming and Qing dynasties. - **Dragon Claw Banyan**: A century-old banyan tree with intricate roots resembling dragon claws, a iconic photo spot. - **Ancient Opera Stage**: Dress in Hanfu, enjoy tea-picking opera performances, where every gesture exudes Jiangnan charm. - **Night Tour**: Take a painted boat for a night cruise on Yao River, watch the "Night at Huangyao" light show (starts at 19:30, boat ticket ¥88). 2. **Gupo Mountain National Forest Park – A Healing Journey in South China’s Natural Oxygen Bar** - **Must-Do Route**: - **Xiangu Waterfall**: Hike through primitive forest trails to see a 12-tier waterfall cascading down nearly 300 meters. - **Fangjia Tea Plantation**: Visit the filming location of "Tea is Hometown’s Fragrance," taste Gupo Mountain white tea (tea fee ¥30), and capture cloud seas and tea fields with wide-angle shots. - **Ecological Wonder**: With 92.3% forest coverage and rich negative oxygen ions, it’s a natural oxygen bar. 3. **Ziyun Fairyland – A Light and Shadow Fantasy in Underground Caves** - **Geological Marvels**: - **Hanging Karst Cave**: Explore 8,612㎡ of stalactite wonders, walk on "glass walkways" for suspended photos. - **Underground River Rafting**: Drift through dark rivers on a raft (ticket ¥98), known as "South China’s No.1 Drift." - **Photography Tips**: Colorful lights illuminate stalactites—bring a telephoto lens for detailed shots. 4. **Hezhou Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort – Starry Night Soaks** - **Hot Spring Guide**: - **Infinity Pool**: Soak in metasilicic acid hot springs while overlooking karst peaks (ticket ¥198), stargazing at night. - **Starry Sky Pool**: Open until 23:00, with free ginger tea to ward off chills. - **Private Experience**: Secluded forest hot springs perfect for couples or families. 5. **Jade Stone Forest Scenic Area – A Geological Marvel of White Jade** - **Stone Exploration**: - **Fortune Stones**: White jade pillars stand like a natural jade forest, said to bring luck. - **Cloud Bridge**: A natural stone bridge amidst the forest, ideal for family adventures. - **Cultural Background**: Formed over 100 million years ago in the Jurassic period. 6. **Shibashui Primitive Scenic Area – A Karst Landscape Rhapsody** - **Waterfall Spectacle**: - **Yellow Silk Waterfall**: Hike 3km to see a 10-tier waterfall, Guangxi’s tallest cascading falls. - **Water Forest**: Wade through streams and spot wild macaques (wear non-slip shoes). - **Healing Climate**: Average 18.2°C year-round, a pristine oxygen-rich paradise. 🌄 Itinerary Guide: **3-Day Immersive Journey**: **Day 1: Ancient Town Charm & Hot Springs** - 🚗 **Route**: Morning: Arrive → Check into a Huangyao B&B → Visit Dailong Bridge, Dragon Claw Banyan, and opera stage in Hanfu. Lunch: Try stuffed tofu and pumpkin flowers at Gujia Kitchen (¥25/person). Afternoon: Hand-cut rice noodles at Yang Jinji → Check into Shihua Yaojiang B&B for terrace herbal baths. Evening: Yao River night cruise + "Night at Huangyao" show (¥88). - 🏨 **Stay**: Shihua Yaojiang B&B (ink-wash views, herbal baths, ¥400/night with breakfast). **Day 2: Oxygen Bar & Karst Wonders** - 🚗 **Route**: Morning: Gupo Mountain (Xiangu Waterfall, tea plantation). Lunch: Wild veggies and tea-infused chicken in the park. Afternoon: Ziyun Fairyland cave + rafting. Evening: Check into Xixi Hot Spring Resort. - 🏨 **Stay**: Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort (starry pools, ¥500/night). **Day 3: Geological Marvels & Landscapes** - 🚗 **Route**: Morning: Jade Stone Forest ("Fortune Stones"). Lunch: Local farmhouse (dendrobium chicken). Afternoon: Shibashui waterfalls + forest hike. Evening: Depart or extend stay. **Tips**: - **Transport**: High-speed rail access; taxis/buses for city sights; hire cars for mountains. - **Food**: 🍖 **Must-Try**: Huangyao fermented bean noodles, Zhongshan oil tea, Fuchuan navel oranges. 🍴 **Hidden Gem**: "Tofu Banquet" in the ancient town. 🏨 Accommodation Guide: 1. **Shihua Yaojiang B&B**: Terraces with ink-wash views, Hanfu rental (¥400/night). 2. **Xixi Hot Spring Resort**: Infinity pools, stargazing (¥500/night). 3. **Gupo Mountain Hotels**: Forest hikes, tea tours (¥300/night). 💗 Extra Tips: - **Best Seasons**: 🌸 **Spring** (Apr-May): Gupo Mountain azaleas bloom. 🍁 **Autumn** (Sep-Nov): Huangyao’s fiery maple leaves. - **Packing**: 🧦 Hiking shoes, quick-dry clothes. 🧣 Sunscreen, rain gear (mountain weather changes fast). - **Shopping**: 🎁 Fermented beans, Gupo white tea, navel oranges. 🚫 Avoid overpriced souvenir shops. - **Hidden Gem**: ✨ **Jade Seal Floating Mountain**: A boat-accessible rock at the He-Ming River confluence. ✨ Travel Philosophy: - "Where ancient towns meet landscapes": Lose yourself in Huangyao’s charm and Gupo’s lush greenery. - "Hot springs and caves heal": Unwind in Xixi, explore Ziyun’s wonders. - "Authentic Lingnan flavors": Savor street food and tea aromas. "Hezhou isn’t just a visual feast—it’s a soul-soothing journey weaving ancient towns, landscapes, and hot springs into Lingnan’s poetic tapestry."