Catch the tail end of summer vacation with the latest compilation of 8 popular attractions and in-depth guides in Laibin, Guangxi

Combining summer climate features and on-site experiences, covering diverse needs such as cooling off, culture, and water activities, helping you explore the hidden gems of central Guangxi: ------ 🏞️ 1. Shengtang Mountain — The Cloud Sea Feast of Central Guangxi’s Highest Peak • Cool core: Elevation 1979 meters, average summer temperature 22°C, 98% original forest coverage, over 9000 negative oxygen ions/cm³, a natural air-conditioned oxygen bar. • Must-experience: ◦ Summit at dawn to watch the sunrise: Depart at 4 AM to reach the top and see the “Five Finger Mountain Sunrise” amidst rolling clouds (bring a light jacket). ◦ Walk the cloud walkway: A 5 km trail through thousand-year-old rhododendron forests, with chances to encounter ancient fir trees and waterfalls. • Accommodation suggestion: Mid-mountain homestays (such as Yunhai Hotel), cover yourself with a quilt at night while listening to pine waves, deeply feeling the mountain’s coolness. • Transportation: Self-drive navigation to “Shengtang Mountain Scenic Area,” about 2.5 hours from Laibin city center; shuttle bus from the scenic area to the trailhead (40 minutes). ------ 🌺 2. Panwangjie (Lotus Mountain) — Danxia Secret Realm Dancing with Yao Culture • Features: The wonder of Huangshan + the spirit of Zhangjiajie, creek trekking with a temperature drop of 10°C, live Yao ethnic culture display. • Activity guide: ◦ Creek trekking in Yao Valley: Wade through “Panwang Valley” to catch fish and feel the icy creek water (bring creek trekking shoes). ◦ Overnight in Yao village: Join the bonfire party on Fridays/Saturdays, experience Yao herbal foot baths to dispel dampness and fatigue. • Hidden check-in spot: Yi Wang Pavilion viewing platform, overlooking the entire Stone Forest Fairyland. • Transportation: Take the scenic area shuttle bus from Jin Xiu County town (30 minutes) or drive directly. ------ 🚣 3. Shengtang Lake — Bamboo Rafting Through a Painted Landscape • Cooling formula: Crystal-clear emerald lake water, bamboo raft drifting through a 16 km canyon, green mountains lining both banks, Yao songs drifting in the wind. • In-depth activities: ◦ Morning mist photography: Capture the thin mist swirling over the lake at 6 AM, like a Yao brocade unfolding. ◦ Water camping: Camp in Pingjiao Valley, stargaze at night (reservation required, tent rental 80 RMB per tent). • Tips: The rafting lasts about 2 hours, wear waterproof shoes to avoid splashes, try Yao-style fermented meat and bamboo tube rice at the endpoint. ------ 🌉 4. Gushagou Scenic Area — A Cool Challenge on the Cliff • Thrilling experiences: ◦ Glass walkway + 3D horseshoe platform: Suspended 300 meters above Lingzu Grand Canyon, breathtaking steps amid clouds and mist. ◦ Baleshan Cloud Sea Coffee House: Enjoy a coffee after the challenge, quietly watching the clouds roll by. • Water fun bonus: Changliu River rafting (ticket includes equipment), the top choice for water fights to cool off. • Transportation: Self-drive navigation to “Gushagou Scenic Area,” 1 hour from Jin Xiu County town, parking fee 10 RMB/day. ------ ♨️ 5. Xiangzhou Ancient Elephant Hot Springs — Dual Hot and Cold Healing Journey • Summer exclusive: Soak in 86°C strontium-sulfur hot springs during the day (dispels dampness and detoxifies), jump into the cold spring pool at night (resort exclusive). • Food pairing: Hot spring eggs cooked fresh (40 minutes to fully cook), paired with Xiangzhou field snail and duck feet spicy sour pot to whet the appetite. • Accommodation recommendation: Choose rooms with cold spring pools, private baths and stargazing both guaranteed (average summer price 500 RMB/night). ------ 🏯 6. Mo Tusi Yamen — A Century-Old Zhuang Ethnic Palace • Cultural highlights: The most well-preserved Tusi architectural complex in Asia, filming location of “Liu Sanjie,” bluestone slabs and carved window lattices create instant ancient-style photos. • In-depth experience: ◦ Dress in Zhuang costume for photos: Rent Zhuang brocade clothing (30 RMB/hour), take palace drama-style photos in the council hall. ◦ Combine with a red-themed class: Visit the newly opened Guangxi Duyi Xin Liberation Memorial Hall (15 minutes by car from the Yamen). • Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:30 PM, recommend arriving early to avoid crowds. ------ 🛶 7. Letan National Wetland Park — Karst “Thousand Island Lake” • Water paradise: 30 km of continuous blue waves, take a fisherman's boat tour of the reservoir area (50 RMB/person for 2 hours), free swimming in shallow areas (bring safety float). • Must-try food: Freshly caught swordfish boiled in clear water at lakeside farmhouses, sweet and fresh without fishy taste. • Photography spot: Bamboo sea walkway for “High Gorge Meets Flat Lake” shots, stunning light and shadow at sunset. ------ 🏕️ 8. Dayao Mountain Yao Village Summer Homestay Cluster — Immersive Yao Life • Secret recommendations: ◦ Liuxiang Township: Flower Basket Yao ancient village, open the window to see terraced fields and sea of clouds, learn to weave colorful ribbons with Yao women (indoors to avoid midday sun). ◦ Changdong Township: Pan Yao settlement, pick and make tea in the morning, drink wild cliff tea to reduce internal heat. • Overnight options: Ancient Zhan Yao village stilt houses (from 200 RMB), fall asleep listening to the Tianqin zither singing. ------ 📍 Local Insider Route (3 days 2 nights) D1 Culture + Scenery Morning: Mo Tusi Yamen (dress in Zhuang costume for photos) → Afternoon: Letan Wetland boat tour → Overnight at Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort D2 Yao Mountain Cooling Morning: Summit Shengtang Mountain to watch the sea of clouds → Afternoon: Bamboo rafting on Shengtang Lake → Overnight at Panwangjie Yao Village (bonfire party) D3 Secret Exploration All day: Gushagou glass walkway + rafting → Before departure, buy Yao Mountain Lagua Duwu (cool local snack) ------ 🍜 Food Radar (Summer Exclusive) Dish Recommended Location Specialty Yao Biji Banquet Jin Xiu County Yao Family Home Cured meat + river fish + wild vegetables, taste the freshness of Yao Mountains in one platter Chicken Blood Vine Jelly Shengtang Mountain Homestay Medicinal ice jelly, relieves heat and fire (10 RMB/bowl) Beigeng Lamb Kou Xin City Night Market Tender and not greasy, traditional “summer lamb” dish Field Snail Duck Feet Pot Around Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort Sour bamboo shoots + duck feet + field snails, sour and spicy appetizer ⚠️ Practical Tips 1. Mosquito and sun protection: Mountain areas have many mosquitoes, long sleeves and pants + mosquito repellent spray are essential; strong UV rays mean hats and sunglasses are a must. 2. Avoid peak times: Shengtang Mountain and Gushagou see double the crowds on weekends, recommend visiting on weekdays. 3. Transportation combo: Attractions are scattered, self-driving is most convenient (over 600 public e-bike stations countywide), or charter a car (about 400 RMB/day).