Guangxi Fuchuan: A Hidden Pastoral Secret in Northern Guangxi, Best Enjoyed at a Leisurely Pace

Honestly, Fuchuan is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds! There are no trendy hotspots here, just pristine pastoral scenery and ancient villages, full of a comfortable, down-to-earth vibe. The first stop is straight to Huangyao Ancient Town, which is even quieter than expected! The bluestone paths are polished shiny by time, the wooden doors of Ming and Qing dynasty houses are half-open, and corners are covered with lush green vines. The ancient town has many small bridges, including Dailong Bridge and Taiping Bridge, all hidden under the shade of trees. Clear streams flow beneath, with occasional small fish swimming by, and elderly ladies slowly washing vegetables by the shore. The early morning in the ancient town is the best—mist wrapped in the scent of grass and trees, lanterns still hanging, sunlight filtering through leaves onto the stone paths, casting dappled shadows perfect for photos without any filters. At dusk, red lanterns light up, reflecting in the water, and even footsteps in the alleys feel gentle. The next day, we went to Xiushui Zhuangyuan Village, truly worthy of being called the “Hometown of Top Scholars.” The blend of mountains, water, and culture is amazing! The village is surrounded by green hills, with vast rice fields spreading out. The wind rolls over the rice waves, filling the air with sweet rice fragrance. Zhuangyuan Bridge spans the stream, its bluestone surface reflecting the water, and the distant horse-head walls are arranged in an orderly fashion—every snapshot looks like a pastoral oil painting. Walking along the stream path, you can see villagers tending their vegetable gardens, bamboo baskets filled with freshly picked greens, and occasionally hear a few chicken clucks—so full of life. From a high vantage point, the rice fields, streams, and ancient village form a complete landscape painting—no wonder so many top scholars came from here. In the afternoon, we turned to Guishi Reservoir, the “blue sapphire” hidden in the mountains that truly amazed me! The lake water is crystal clear blue, like an emerald cradled in the palms of the green hills. Reeds sway by the shore, and water birds occasionally skim low over the surface. Strolling along the reservoir path, the breeze carries the coolness of the lake, with small islands faintly visible in the distance. At sunset, the sun dyes the water golden red, the shimmering waves so beautiful they leave you speechless. If you’re driving, be sure to circle the reservoir—the scenery along the way is wallpaper-worthy with every shot. On the last day, we soaked in Chashan Ancient Village, where the earthen walls and black tiles are full of character! The village stretches along an ancient path, with rammed earth walls showing the marks of time, eaves decorated with golden corn and red lanterns. Sitting under the old banyan tree at the village entrance, sipping a bowl of freshly made local oil tea—slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste—paired with crispy suoziba (a local snack), it’s so comforting you don’t want to leave. The trail behind the village climbs to the mountaintop, overlooking the entire ancient village and surrounding countryside—lush green rice fields and scattered houses, a healing sea of green. A little tip: It’s best to drive to Fuchuan, about 1 hour from Hezhou; the best seasons are spring and autumn—flowers bloom in spring, and rice fields turn golden in autumn. Huangyao Ancient Town is least crowded early morning and at dusk, perfect for photos. Don’t miss the oil tea in Chashan and the fish from Guishi Reservoir—they’re incredibly fresh! Fuchuan’s beauty is understated—it's the tranquility of mountains, water, and countryside, the down-to-earth charm of ancient villages. No need to rush, just stroll slowly, admire the rice fields, cross ancient bridges, feel the breeze, and all your worries will be gently dissolved in this tender secret place~