So satisfied with the self-driving trip to Guilin during the National Day holiday that I couldn't sleep
A private trip during the National Day holiday with fewer people, beautiful scenery, off-the-beaten-path destinations + popular spots avoiding crowds, Guilin Quanzhou + Yangshuo, sharing a five-day four-night itinerary with everyone~
Day 1️⃣ Depart from Changsha, self-drive to Guilin Quanzhou, about 380 kilometers and 4.5 hours in total. Considering rest and electric car charging, we chose to rest and explore in Hengyang. 📍Nanyueli is an ancient-style street area at the foot of Mount Hengshan, with rich folk performances during the National Day holiday. Hengyang marinated rice noodles are also very delicious.
Stay at 📍Quanzhou Tianlongwan Puyue Hotel, a luxury hotel 🏨 Only 200+ RMB during the National Day period, completely exceeding expectations!
Day 2️⃣ Quanzhou Tianhu + Biyu Pond
Drive about 1.5 hours to 📍Tianhu Reservoir. Although the mountain road is a bit rugged, it is a two-lane road and easy to drive. The altitude rises along the way, and the scenery is absolutely stunning.
Tianhu started charging an entrance fee from September 1 this year 🎫, 36 RMB per person, very cost-effective and also well controls the crowd. You can drive all the way in, from the lakeside to the high mountain pasture to wind turbine No. 31. Be sure to check the weather. The cool breeze 🍃, clear lake water 💧, and free cattle and sheep 🐮. If not camping, 2-3 hours of visit is enough.
On the way down, visit another National Geographic recommended off-the-beaten-path destination, 📍Biyu Pond, about 1 hour drive. The high water season has passed in October, so not recommended now. The mountain road is difficult to drive, narrow and hard for cars to pass each other. It’s still worth visiting in summer when the water volume is abundant.
Back in the county town, experience Guangxi’s unique tea bran hair wash. We randomly found a community shop online, hair wash + massage for about 45 minutes only 29.9 RMB, very comfortable 😌. Dinner was at a small firewood stove restaurant recommended by the hair wash auntie. When in Quanzhou, you must try the beef steak 🥩.
Day 3️⃣ Longjing Village + Lingui Zhuangyuan Bridge + Xianggong Mountain
Drive 50 minutes to 📍Longjing Village. There is a parking lot 🅿️ at the entrance, 10 RMB per vehicle with no time limit. Free entry to the village, no ticket required. Walk along the wooden plank road, water plants swaying, and the blue pond water is mesmerizing. Walk all the way to Juxian Cave where you can row a boat, unlimited time 20 RMB per person (usually 10 RMB). The natural air conditioning is very comfortable.
Ducks swim in the water, village aunties wash clothes and vegetables by the river, full of life atmosphere; old lady sells sugar oil balls 2 RMB per skewer, round cakes 1 RMB each, prices are very affordable. Highly recommended 💯
Next stop 📍Lingui Tianxin Zhuangyuan Bridge, parking is also 10 RMB per vehicle, no ticket required. This season is the golden harvest time for rice. Sitting in the rice field watching the harvester work is a unique enjoyment. Walk across Zhuangyuan Bridge and Hanlin Bridge.
Xianggong Mountain is a classic spot to watch the sunrise 🌄. There are too many people at sunrise, so watching the sunset to avoid crowds is also a good choice. 📍Xiao Liao Ecological Farmhouse Restaurant has the same view as Xianggong Mountain, no entrance fee, enjoy dinner while watching the sunset, a private beautiful scene.
📍Huayexing Travel (Xiatang Wharf Branch), 50 square meter large room, panoramic bathtub 🛁, 100 meters walk to Xiatang Wharf, 300 meters walk to Xinglong Wharf, highly recommended. 500+ RMB during National Day (about 300 RMB normally), very cost-effective.