Warm Winter Trip to the Secret Realm of Western Guangxi｜Between the Mountains and Waters of Jingxi, Lies an Uncrowded Gentleness

While the north is covered in ice and snow, Jingxi in western Guangxi enjoys a warm winter climate of 15-20°C, painting a primitive and poetic landscape. This small town on the China-Vietnam border lacks the crowds of Guilin but offers purer natural scenery, rich Zhuang ethnic culture, and authentic border cuisine. Visiting in December allows you to immerse yourself in the pleasure of "traveling within a painting." The morning at Goose Spring is the most beautiful time of the day. A thin mist covers the lake, the water is calm like a mirror, reflecting the green mountains and the rustic stone bridge on the shore. As the sun rises, the mist gradually dissipates, and the spring known as "Nine Dragons Spitting Water" bubbles with clear water. Flocks of geese and ducks play in the water, fishermen slowly paddle bamboo rafts, creating ripples that make the whole scene look like a fairyland. Walking along the lakeside trail, the rice fields on the shore glow faintly golden, the air is filled with the fresh scent of grass and soil, and a deep breath brings a refreshing feeling full of negative oxygen ions. In the morning, go hiking at Tongling Grand Canyon, known as "Asia's Largest Canyon." Walking down the stone steps, the cliffs on both sides are covered with lush green vegetation. Waterfalls cascade down from cliffs hundreds of meters high, splashing water droplets that form brilliant rainbows in the sunlight. The underground river at the canyon bottom winds and flows gently, with occasional sightings of unknown tropical plants and rare animals, as if entering a primeval rainforest. When tired, rest at the viewing platform beside the waterfall, listen to the roaring water, and feel the grandeur and shock of nature. At noon, be sure to try the Zhuang ethnic specialty foods. The five-colored glutinous rice is colorful, dyed with plant juices, fragrant and soft; Zhuang cured pork is marbled with fat and lean meat, salty and flavorful, paired with local rice wine, making it more delicious with every bite; and suanye, crispy papaya and radish soaked in sour water, is sour, spicy, appetizing, and refreshing. After the meal, visit the Old Prefecture Ancient Town, a thousand-year-old town and the birthplace of Zhuang embroidered balls. Women can be seen sitting at doorways making embroidered balls, with colorful silk threads flying in their hands, quickly turning into exquisite balls. Buy one to hang on yourself, symbolizing good luck and wishes. In the afternoon, check in at Sandieling Waterfall, a waterfall hidden beside the highway, known as the "Huangguoshu of Guangxi." The water flows down in three tiers, majestic and powerful. From the viewing platform, the waterfall hangs like a white ribbon between the mountains, harmonizing with the surrounding green hills and waters, making for stunning photos. If time permits, visit Bazé Terraces. Though the terraces in December lack the golden hue of rice, they have a mirror-like quality after irrigation, with layers of ridges reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, creating a unique charm. The evening in Jingxi is especially gentle. The sunset dyes the sky orange-red, casting a warm glow on the cliffs of Tongling Grand Canyon. Find a riverside farmhouse restaurant, order a pot of fresh river fish hotpot, watch the night scenery of mountains and waters outside the window, and listen to the distant Zhuang mountain songs. Life feels simple and healing. Travel Tips: Take a train from Nanning directly to Jingxi Station; a 10-minute taxi ride from the station reaches the city center. Rent an electric scooter or carpool in the city to visit attractions, all within about 20 minutes by car. Stay in city hotels or ancient town guesthouses for convenient travel and local flavor. In December, Jingxi has fewer people, beautiful scenery, and pleasant weather. Escape the hustle and bustle here, find inner peace among the mountains and waters—this is what winter should be like~