[2025 Hezhou Attraction] Travel Guide for 18 Water Ecological Scenic Area (Updated Jun)

In eastern Guangxi lies a city favored by time—Hezhou. A millennia-old post along the ancient Xiahe Road, it is a watercolor painting amidst karst peaks and the haven where countless souls find "a stolen moment of leisure in life's hustle." When dawn spills over the bamboo sea of Mount Gupo and dusk kisses the bluestone paths of Huangyao Ancient Town, the city's stories flow quietly between its landscapes and daily rhythms. I. Mountains and Waters: Nature’s Poetic Canvas Hezhou’s mountains are nature’s "freehand ink paintings." Before the mist disperses over Mount Gupo, the waterfalls of Shibashui already play their symphony in the valleys. With its main peak at 1,730 meters, Mount Gupo is South China’s "natural oxygen bar." Hiking trails wind through ancient forests, where streams murmur and towering trees stand sentinel. Spring brings azaleas in bloom, summer offers shade and cicada songs, autumn paints the slopes in red, and winter whispers of snow atop the peaks—each season unfolds like a living scroll. The karst-sculpted Yushilin (Jade Forest) presents another wonder. Marble pillars, polished by eons of time, glow softly in the sunlight, some sharp as unsheathed swords, others gentle as grazing sheep. Wandering here feels like stepping into a frozen "stone fairy tale." Hezhou’s waters are silken ribbons draped over the mountains. The He River mirrors stilt houses and rice fields along its banks. Drifting downstream, you’ll see egrets skimming the water and fishing boats parting the waves, while distant peaks sway in the ripples—blurring the line between moving water and shifting hills. Hidden springs, like the sulfurous pools of Hezhou Hot Springs, steam amidst the trees. Soaking in warmth while listening to bamboo groves rustle is the perfect balm for weariness. II. Past and Present: A Gentle Dialogue Across Time Hezhou’s history lingers in the curves of its tiled eaves. Huangyao Ancient Town, ranked among "China’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Towns," preserves its Ming-Qing street grid. Time-polished flagstones, ornate opera stage carvings, and the Dragon Bridge spanning the Yao River at dawn—veiled in mist—feel plucked from a myth. Venture deeper, and you might meet elders drying tangerine peels in courtyards or catch the aroma of stuffed tofu from century-old eateries—a tapestry of life unchanged. Along the crumbling Xiahe Road, moss writes history on ancient stones. Once a vital artery linking Hunan, Guangxi, and Guangdong, this route bore horse hoof prints now faded, leaving behind posthouses, ancestral halls, and stone tablets. On Fuchuan’s covered bridges, peeling murals and wind humming through arches seem to echo with caravan bells from a thousand years ago. Hezhou’s present blooms from its past. As lanterns light up ancient streets, young artisans sell Yao embroidery and Zhaoping tea, their stalls showcasing intangible heritage. Night markets hum with the tang of snail noodles and the sweetness of glutinous rice cakes, where trendy cafés face off against traditional teahouses—a harmonious clash of old and new. Amid modern towers, life stays unhurried: tai chi at Lingfeng Square, chess by the river, and evening strolls under tangerine sunsets. This "newness" pays homage to tradition while embracing the now. III. Flavors and Memories: A Culinary Love Letter Hezhou’s taste is a bounty born of its land. Zhaoping green tea, nurtured in misty highlands, yields a crisp fragrance. During spring harvests, tea pickers move through rows, their fingers plucking buds later pan-fired, rolled, and dried into emerald brews. Sipping Zhaoping Yinshan tea, watching leaves unfurl, is like drinking spring itself. Yàng dishes (stuffed delicacies) are Hezhou’s culinary soul. Tofu, squash blossoms, chili peppers—all become vessels for minced pork mixed with scallions and mushrooms, steamed or boiled into umami harmony. Festive feasts center on these creations, each bite a wish for family unity and life’s wholeness. Then there’s Huangyao fermented black beans, a 300-year-old craft transforming soybeans into a "flavor soul." A sprinkle elevates stir-fries, soups, or steamed fish, its richness a taste of home tucked into luggage by wandering locals. IV. Heart and Journey: A Sanctuary for the Soul Hezhou’s beauty lies not just in sights but in its power to quiet the mind. If city clamor wearies you, retreat to its villages. In Fuchuan’s colorful Hutou Village, murals bloom on brick walls as elders recount Yao legends. At Longjing Village, watch rice fields shift hues with seasons, join farmers herding cattle at dusk, and see chimney smoke curl over earthen roofs. Time slows here—enough to hear your heartbeat, spot wildflowers by a wall, or share smiles with strangers. Hezhou asks to be walked through and felt. It lacks metropolitan glitter but cradles you in nature’s arms; it spurns Instagram crowds for the serenity of age. After bamboo forests in Mount Gupo, stone-paved lanes in Huangyao, tea from Zhaoping, and hometown flavors, you’ll learn: the finest views aren’t rushed but where the heart finds rest and time stands still. If you seek a rendezvous of landscapes and life’s simple joys, come to Hezhou—its mountains, waters, and stories are waiting.

Hello everyone 👋! Just returned from Hezhou, and I'm still lost in the gentleness of this "dreamlike small city" 😭! The magnificent karst landscape, the atmosphere of thousand-year-old towns, the incredible Hakka cuisine... every second was healing for me! Quickly save this guide to help you unlock this hidden gem city~ 📍 Hezhou, located in northeastern Guangxi, is known as the "backyard garden of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao" 🌳! This is a place where natural landscapes and cultural heritage intertwine. It has the "dreamlike homeland" of Huangyao Ancient Town, karst scenery comparable to Guilin, the forest oxygen bar of Gupo Mountain, and the strange rock formations of Yushi Lin... In April, Hezhou is full of spring vitality with increasing rainfall. The mountains and waters in the misty rain add more poetic charm - every casual photo looks like a Chinese ink painting! ✈️ Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: Fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, then take the airport bus to Hezhou (about 2-3 hours). The scenery along the way is beautiful~ 🚄 By High-speed Rail: Hezhou Station has many trains, only 1.5-2 hours from Guangzhou and Shenzhen! After exiting the station, take a taxi or bus directly to downtown and various scenic spots 🚍. 🚗 Self-driving: Perfect for travelers from nearby cities! But some mountain roads have many curves, so it's recommended for experienced drivers. Check parking lot availability in advance~ 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Ancient Town and Landscapes Huangyao Ancient Town → Huangyao Flower Sea Tour Huangyao Ancient Town in the early morning to avoid crowds. See the bluestone paths, ancient opera stages, and doubanjiang workshops 🏮! Enjoy a doubanjiang feast for lunch, then visit Huangyao Flower Sea for photos in the afternoon. The Gesang flowers and rapeseed flowers in April are breathtakingly beautiful~ Day 2: Natural Wonders Yushi Lin → Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area Visit Yushi Lin in the morning to see the white marble pillars formed over millions of years - like walking on an alien planet! Have sour beef intestines for lunch, then go to Shibashui in the afternoon. Stroll along the forest boardwalk and see the nine-level waterfall cascading down 🌊! Day 3: Oxygen Therapy and Return Gupo Mountain National Forest Park → Return Journey Hike Gupo Mountain, breathe in the highly concentrated negative ions, and visit the filming location of "Tea Is My Hometown Strong"! Have a bowl of Hakka stuffed vegetables for lunch, then buy some Hezhou sweet potato chips as souvenirs for a perfect ending~ 📌 Practical Tips 🎫 Tickets: Huangyao Ancient Town 88 yuan, Gupo Mountain 60 yuan. Buy in advance on platforms for discounts! ⏰ Timing: For the ancient town, it's recommended to enter before 7 AM or after 7 PM (free admission); Gupo Mountain requires about 4-5 hours to explore~ 📸 Photography: Wearing Hanfu or qipao in the ancient town creates a great atmosphere; bright-colored clothes look better in photos at Yushi Lin! 🍜 Food Recommendations 1️⃣ Huangyao Doubanjiang Noodles: Rich and flavorful doubanjiang soup base with tender rice noodles - one bite and you're hooked! Any small shop in the ancient town serves authentic versions~ 2️⃣ Sour Beef Intestines: Sour bamboo shoots, beef intestines, and tofu puffs soaked in vinegar - sour and spicy to stimulate your appetite. Street vendors sell large bowls for just 5 yuan! 3️⃣ Hakka Stuffed Vegetables: Stuffed tofu, stuffed bitter gourd, stuffed peppers... tender meat filling with soft wrapping - the soul of Hakka cuisine! 4️⃣ Xindu Chicken: Tender white-cut chicken with smooth skin, dipped in sand ginger soy sauce - so delicious it makes you stamp your feet! Must-try at old shops in Xindu Town~ 5️⃣ Douci: Glutinous rice balls covered with yellow bean powder and brown sugar - soft, sweet, and addictive! 6️⃣ Vegetable-stuffed Egg: Eggs fried into pancakes wrapped around vegetable and meat filling - fresh, tender, nutritious, and delicious~ ⚠️ Tips 1️⃣ Hezhou has frequent rain in April 🌧️, bring raincoats/umbrellas and wear non-slip shoes! 2️⃣ Huangyao Ancient Town has many stone paths, so travel light and choose suitcases with omnidirectional wheels~ 3️⃣ Eating spicy and sour food can cause internal heat, so bring some herbal tea or fruit~ 4️⃣ Some scenic areas have weak signals, download offline maps in advance to avoid getting lost! Everyone, Hezhou's beauty is truly worth experiencing in person! Save this guide and just go for it~💨

In April and May, Hezhou enjoys comfortable temperatures🌤️ with abundant rainfall, making it the most beautiful season to see the karst landscape! With spectacular mountains and waters, ancient villages, and mouth-watering cuisine, it's definitely a hidden gem for off-the-beaten-path travelers✨! Save this guide and start your Hezhou journey~ I. Travel Experience Stepping into Hezhou feels like entering a real-life "paradise on earth"🏞️. Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, with thousand-year-old villages in peaceful settings, breathing fresh air, listening to flowing streams, and watching clouds wrapping around mountains - it's truly healing for body and mind. The lively atmosphere and special local foods in the streets and alleys showcase this city's unique charm - once you're here, you won't want to leave! II. Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: First fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, then take an airport shuttle or private car to Hezhou, about 2.5 hours by road. 🚄 By High-Speed Rail: Hezhou Station connects to many cities nationwide. It only takes 2-3 hours from Guangzhou or Shenzhen - convenient and fast🚅. 🚌 Local Transportation: City buses cover major attractions; you can also take taxis🚕 or rent a car🚗 for more freedom to explore hidden scenic spots. III. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Huangyao Ancient Town Morning: After arriving in Hezhou, head straight to Huangyao Ancient Town🏮. Stroll along the bluestone paths, wander through Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, and feel the tranquility and charm of this thousand-year-old town. Noon: Try local specialties like steamed pork ribs with fermented black beans and Huangyao stuffed tofu🍲. Afternoon: Visit attractions like Dragon Bridge and Guo Family Mansion. At dusk, climb to the viewing platform to watch the sunset paint the ancient town red. Evening: Enjoy the night view of the ancient town. The illuminated old houses have a special charm, and you can listen to folk music in the bars🎵. Day 2: Gupo Mountain National Forest Park - Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area Morning: Head to Gupo Mountain for hiking, admire the waterfall clusters and primeval forests🌳, and visit the filming location of "Tea, The Flavor of Homeland." Noon: Enjoy bamboo tube rice and wild vegetables🥬 at local farm restaurants near the scenic area. Afternoon: Rush to Shibashui to see the eight-tiered waterfall and experience the magnificence of "Lingnan's Jiuzhaigou." You can also enjoy the refreshing water walkways💦. Day 3: Yushilin Scenic Area - Ziyun Cave Morning: Explore Yushilin to see the white marble pillars formed over millions of years, which look like a fairyland when glistening in the sunlight✨. Noon: Enjoy Hezhou specialties like Xindu chicken and Zhongshan oil tea🥘. Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Ziyun Cave with its varied stalactite formations that appear colorful under the lights, showcasing nature's incredible craftsmanship. IV. 9 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Huangyao Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old town with many preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, such as Dragon Bridge and Guo Family Mansion. 2. Gupo Mountain National Forest Park: A natural oxygen bar with beautiful waterfalls and forest landscapes🌲. 3. Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area: Eight-tiered waterfall with beautiful mountains and waters, perfect for water activities. 4. Yushilin Scenic Area: Unique white marble forest with spectacular scenery. 5. Ziyun Cave: A fantastic karst cave with diverse stalactite formations. 6. Fuchuan Ancient Ming City: A Ming dynasty ancient city with well-preserved walls and gate towers🏰. 7. Zhongshan Ten-Mile Gallery: Karst landscape views with charming contrasts between farmland and mountains. 8. Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort: Enjoy hot springs and leisurely time♨️. 9. Nanxiang Forest Hot Spring: Natural hot springs, a great place to relax. V. Food Recommendations 1. Huangyao Douchi Rice Noodles: Rich fermented black bean flavor with smooth rice noodles, paired with pickled bamboo shoots and vegetables for an appetizing dish🍜. 2. Stuffed Tofu: Tofu stuffed with meat filling, delicious and flavorful, a Hezhou home-style dish. 3. Xindu Chicken: Yellow skin and white meat, tender and juicy, perfect with sand ginger dipping sauce🐔. 4. Zhongshan Oil Tea: Tea leaves stir-fried and boiled with peanuts, served with fried rice and green onions, great for warming up in cold weather☕️. 5. Beef Intestine Sour Soup: Sour and flavorful beef offal, a must-try street food. 6. Hezhou Rice Dumplings: Soft outer skin with rich fillings, delicious with sauce. VI. Accommodation Recommendations 🏨 In Huangyao Ancient Town: Experience traditional house stays for a slow-paced ancient town lifestyle. Recommended: Huangyao Shihua Yao Family Hotel. 🏨 In Hezhou City: Convenient with complete facilities, such as Vienna International Hotel and Hezhou International Hotel. VII. Travel Tips 1. Hezhou has frequent rain in April and May, so bring an umbrella or raincoat🌧️ and non-slip shoes. 2. Wear comfortable sports shoes when hiking in Gupo Mountain and Shibashui Scenic Areas, and pay attention to safety. 3. Some scenic areas have many mosquitoes, so prepare insect repellent. 4. For authentic local food at reasonable prices, visit small restaurants frequented by locals! Come to Hezhou for a romantic journey of mountains, waters, and delicious food💕!

🚀 Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city this weekend? Hezhou is the perfect destination! This fresh and charming small town is home to countless stunning natural landscapes and ancient relics, allowing you to fully enjoy the pleasures of exploring mountains and rivers. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 🎫 High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from Guangzhou South Railway Station directly to Hezhou Railway Station. The journey takes only 1 hr 16 mins and costs CNY 116. 🛣 Self-drive: The drive from Guangzhou takes about 3 hrs, and the scenery along the way is picturesque. 📅【Recommended 3-Day, 2-Night Hezhou Itinerary】 ✅ Day 1: Depart from Guangzhou → Arrive in Hezhou → Visit Huangyao Ancient Town → Stroll along the Dragon Claw Banyan Tree and Dai Long Bridge → Explore Xingning Temple → Enjoy a boat tour or bamboo raft ride in the ancient town. ✅ Day 2: Visit the Jade Forest → Explore Gupo Mountain National Forest Park → Enjoy a night tour of Lingfeng Square. ✅ Day 3: Explore the Purple Cloud Wonderland in the morning → Visit Zhongshan Park in the afternoon → Return journey. 📍【Must-See Attractions】 1⃣ Huangyao Ancient Town: This ancient town boasts unique scenery and is known as "one of the ten most beautiful ancient towns in China." Admire the historical sites and the beautiful river views. 2⃣ Gupo Mountain National Forest Park: The largest natural oxygen bar in South China. Hike through the valleys and experience the tranquility of nature. 3⃣ Jade Forest: This picturesque white marble forest will make you feel like you've stepped into a fairyland. 4⃣ Purple Cloud Wonderland: The magnificent scenery of this karst cave, combined with lighting effects and interactive experiences, will leave you wanting more. 5⃣ Zhongshan One Hundred Mile Ink Painting Gallery: Don't miss the tranquil beauty of the picturesque peaks and idyllic countryside. 6⃣ Shiba Shui Original Ecology Scenic Area: Experience the diverse waterfalls and listen to the symphony of nature. 7⃣ Dongtanling: The perfect place to watch the sunrise and overlook the magnificent karst landscape. 8⃣ Xiushui Zhuangyuan Village: This historic village's well-preserved ancient buildings tell stories of past glories. 9⃣ Hezhou Garden Expo Park: This large park is full of ancient charm. The unique ancient architecture within the park is perfect for leisurely strolls and photoshoots. 🍴【Food Recommendations】 Try Hezhou's specialties: Bamboo Shoot Stuffed with Meat, Fenjiao (a type of rice noodle dish), Steamed Pork Ribs, and more. Each dish is a treat for your taste buds! 🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】 🌆 City Center: Stay near Lingfeng Square for convenient transportation and comprehensive facilities. 🏡 Ancient Town: Stay in a guesthouse or inn within Huangyao Ancient Town to experience a simple and peaceful life.

A three-day tour of Hezhou, Zhaoqing, and Wuzhou, exploring the unique customs of these three cities! Follow this guide and experience a different journey! -------- Recommended attractions: 🌟 Huangyao Ancient Town 🌟🌟 Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 1, Huangyao Town, Zhaoping County, Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, Sunday 07:30-18:00; Friday-Saturday 07:30-22:00 Duration: 1 day The quaint streets and delicious food, such as stuffed tofu and fermented black bean dishes, will definitely make you linger! 🏛️ Arcade City 🏛️ Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 4, Juren Road, Wanxiu District, Wuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening Hours: All day Duration: 2-3 hrs Traces of history are everywhere here. Don't forget to taste Wuzhou's special snacks! 🍂 Gongcheng Hongyan Village 🍂 Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐ Address: Lianhua Town, Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening Hours: All day Duration: 1 day In autumn, Hongyan Village is full of persimmon trees, and the yellow color contrasts with the sunset, making it as beautiful as a painting! 💦 Shiba Shui Original Ecology Scenic Area 💦 Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐ Address: Luhua Village, Huangtian Town, Pinggui District, Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 Duration: 2-3 hrs The clear water and spectacular waterfalls seem to take you into a fairyland! -------- Tips: - Prices of local specialties: Hezhou is rich in local specialties at affordable prices. You can stroll through the market and experience the local customs～🛍️ - Food: Zhaoqing's food is not to be missed. Try the Cantonese cuisine at Fengwei Lin Restaurant, and Feijiao Private Kitchen is also excellent!🍽️ - February weather: The temperature in Wuzhou is pleasant in February. Light clothing is suitable during the day, and a light jacket is sufficient at night!🌡️ - Photo spots: Gupo Mountain and Ziyun Wonderland are beautiful photo spots in Hezhou. Don't miss them!📸 -------- Hezhou-Zhaoqing-Wuzhou, a three-city tour, allows you to enjoy the local customs and beautiful scenery. I would like to experience different customs again next time!

🏞️【Must-Visit Attractions】🏞️ Hidden in the embrace of Guangxi Province, China, lies an ancient town gently treated by time—Huangyao. Here, the long and quaint stone streets are engraved with the whispers of history; ancient banyan trees with intertwined roots seem like green spirits guarding the town. Attractions you can't miss include: • Dailong Bridge: In the early morning or at dusk, standing on the Dailong Bridge, watching the babbling stream and the reflection of old houses, it's a paradise for photography enthusiasts. • Guo's Mansion: Delve into the daily life of a wealthy Qing Dynasty family, with exquisite wood-carved window patterns telling tales of past prosperity. • Immortal's Ancient Well: A legendary place of fairy water, where five wells are connected, each with its own function, offering a chance to experience the local water-fetching customs. 📍【Detailed Address】📍 Huangyao Ancient Town is located in the northeastern part of Zhaoping County, Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, about 70 kilometers from the county town, and is a historical treasure hidden in the mountains. 🚗【Transportation Tips】🚗 • Self-driving: Depart from Hezhou City and drive along the G207 national road for about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the destination, with picturesque scenery along the way. • Public transportation: You can take a train or long-distance bus to Hezhou Station, then transfer to a direct bus to Huangyao Ancient Town, with a journey of about 2 hours, frequent departures, convenient and fast. 🍴【Food Recommendations】🍴 • Huangyao Bean Paste: A local specialty with a delicious taste, it is a great gift for friends and family and an indispensable seasoning for local dishes. • Oil Tea: In the early morning, why not try a bowl of authentic Huangyao oil tea, spicy and refreshing, warming both the stomach and the heart. • Ancient Town Snacks: While walking through the alleys of the ancient town, don't forget to taste traditional snacks like glutinous rice cakes and mugwort cakes, each bite a gentle comfort to the taste buds. 🌄【Recommended Surrounding Attractions】🌄 • Gupo Mountain National Forest Park: Not far from Huangyao Ancient Town, it's a natural oxygen bar with waterfalls and forest bathing spots, suitable for friends who love nature and hiking. • Shiba Shui Primitive Ecological Scenic Area: Famous for its unique eighteen waterfalls, where mountains and waters coexist, it's a great place to escape the summer heat. 🌟 Huangyao Ancient Town, a place where time slows down, where every brick and tile tells a story, and every scene touches the soul. Here, you can be the traveler seeking tranquility or the poet intoxicated with ancient charm. Come, let's leave our own footprints in this moving ink painting.🌟

Guangxi Hezhou 18 Water Original Ecological Scenic Area is located in Hezhou City, Guangxi, only 21 kilometers away from the city center. The total area of the scenic spot is 18 square kilometers. There are more than 20 scenic spots in the scenic spot. There are 10 waterfalls in the scenic area and 18 water bays, hence the name "18 waters". In the scenic area, the mountains are deep and the waterfalls are clustered. The original forest coverage rate is 92.3%, the annual average temperature is 18.2 °C, and the air is rich in negative oxygen ions. It is the most abundant natural natural oxygen bar in South China.

The scenic spot is famous for the three strange treasures of Shuqi, Shiqi and Shuqi. There are ten cascade waterfalls with a drop of nearly 300 meters and a maximum width of 60 meters. Its great gap and great momentum are the wonders of the world's waterfalls. It is the first stack of waterfalls in Guangxi and enjoys the reputation of Lingnan Jiuzhaigou.