Back from Hezhou: Some Honest Truths

I just returned from Hezhou and immediately put together this travel guide. No fancy filters—just genuine, tested recommendations. If you're planning to visit, save this now! 🌿 🌟【5 Magical Places You Must Visit】 1. Huangyao Ancient Town: A thousand years of living history hidden among gray tiles and blue bricks You absolutely must spend a night in Huangyao when visiting Hezhou! During the day, stroll along the stone pathways past Ming and Qing dynasty houses. The flying eaves of Wenming Pavilion and the reflections of Dailong Bridge make every photo look like a traditional ink painting 📸. In the evening, follow local children who serve as "volunteer guides" up the hill for panoramic views. When the evening breeze blows and lanterns light up throughout the ancient town, you'll instantly understand why "The Painted Veil" was filmed here. Don't miss the plum wine and fermented bean ribs at the street corner in the evening. The aroma of wine mixed with food, sitting in an old courtyard gnawing on ribs—this is exactly the slow pace an ancient town should have! 🍖 2. Shenjian Stone Forest: A natural maze hidden in the land of longevity A hidden gem discovered in Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County! Hundreds of stone pillars look as if they were split by a divine sword, with wildflowers growing in the crevices and a fairy lake in the distance, with water as blue as jade 💧. Right next to it is an ancient village where you can enjoy a bowl of Yao ethnic oil tea after exploring the stone forest. Paired with fried rice, it goes down warm and comforting. 3. Xixi Forest Hot Springs: Natural warm springs in the wilderness After hiking, you must come here to soak! The original 86.5°C hot spring water gushes from underground, with over 30 pools hidden among the trees. There are medicinal herb pools, stone plate baths, and more. The infinity pool at the mountaintop overlooks the entire village. Soaking in the hot springs while stargazing at night makes all your worries disappear ♨️. Remember to bring a bathrobe so you won't feel cold when the wind blows after getting out of the pools. 4. Hundred-Mile Ink Painting Gallery: A spring-exclusive karst peak forest Has the lotus bloomed in Zhongshan in April? No, but the peak forest here is even more spectacular than lotus flowers! Riding an electric cart along the way, the mountains before you appear as if they've been washed with ink. New sprouts are just emerging in the fields, and the breeze carries the scent of fresh grass 🌱. I recommend getting off at Lotus Pond Village and finding a farmhouse restaurant to eat stuffed tofu. The tofu is ground by the owner himself and is so tender it melts in your mouth. 5. "Seeking Roots in Huangyao" Performance: An immersive experience of surname culture Don't just wander around the ancient town at night! Visit the Huangyao Grand Theater to watch the performance where lighting transforms Chinese family names into a starry sky. There's also an ice sculpture hall where you can experience a winter wonderland in southern China ❄️. The most exciting part is the embroidered ball-throwing segment—single visitors might catch some "good luck"! 🍜【Local Flavors Foodies Must Try】 ✔️ Assorted Stuffed Vegetables: Stuffed tofu, stuffed bitter gourd, stuffed squash blossoms... Hezhou locals can stuff 108 different ingredients! I recommend finding a time-honored restaurant in Huangyao Ancient Town to watch the owner chop meat filling and stuff it into tofu in real-time. After steaming, it's drizzled with fermented bean sauce—so delicious it'll blow your mind! ✔️ Sour Beef Intestine Soup: A must-buy from street stalls! The sour soup contains beef offal and radish. Add a spoonful of chili for a sour and spicy appetizer. Just 10 yuan for a large bowl—perfect for regaining energy while exploring! ✔️ Fuchuan Navel Oranges: Although April isn't peak season, the navel oranges in supermarkets are still juicy! Choose ones with smooth skin that you can peel by hand. One bite sends juice splashing everywhere—even more satisfying than drinking juice! 🎒【Travel Preparation Checklist】(Important points!) ✅ Equipment: Comfortable sneakers (essential for ancient town stone paths + hiking), sun protection clothing + hat (strong UV rays), power bank (long distances between attractions, photos drain battery quickly), portable rain gear (occasional rain in April). ✅ Documents: ID card (most attractions use code scanning for tickets, but don't forget your ID), student ID (half-price at some attractions, like Huangyao Ancient Town—original price 100 yuan, student tickets are a bargain). ✅ Others: Bring some cash (some small vendors only accept cash), download the "Hezhou Travel" app to check bus routes. If driving, rent a car in advance. Mountain roads have many curves—new drivers, be careful! ⚠️【Pitfall Guide & Helpful Tips】 1. Transportation: High-speed rail to Hezhou Station is most convenient, just 1.5 hours from Guangzhou. Take the shuttle bus to Huangyao Ancient Town (25 yuan/person), avoid unlicensed taxis. 2. Expenses: Compare prices for local specialties in scenic areas. For example, fermented beans are cheaper in the ancient town market. Hot spring resort buffets are more economical if purchased through group buying in advance rather than on-site. 3. Etiquette: The ancient wells in Huangyao Ancient Town are used by residents for daily life—don't throw trash in them. Before entering Yao villages, greet the locals first and respect local customs. During my days in Hezhou, the strongest feeling was one of "comfort." No crowded tourist hordes, just mountains, waters, and the gentle healing of ancient towns. If you're tired of a fast-paced life, come stay here for a few days. Wake up early for a bowl of oil tea, sit by the river at dusk to watch the sunset—this is what travel should be! 🌅 Save this guide for your next trip! If you have any questions, see you in the comments! 💬