A 25℃ Hidden Paradise in Shanglin: The Longevity Village Where Xu Xiake Stayed for 54 Days, Quieter Than Guilin
Don’t want to get caught in the crowds this National Day? Then escape to Shanglin, Guangxi. Known as the “Back Garden of Nanning,” this world-renowned longevity village once captivated the famous traveler Xu Xiake, who lingered here for 54 days and wrote a 14,000-character travelogue praising its “fertile soil and thriving life.” Here, you’ll find karst landscapes that rival Guilin’s, yet with rare tranquility. The 25℃ summer breeze and endless greenery perfectly set the stage for a healing holiday.
1. Scenic Secrets: Savor Time in Nature
Dalong Lake: China’s “Ha Long Bay” That Changes Color
As China’s only reservoir formed without a dam, relying on piled stones to store underground water, Dalong Lake’s beauty lies in its ever-changing colors throughout the day. In the morning, the lake glows with a gentle jade green; at noon, sunlight penetrates the water turning it a deep dark green; by evening, the sunset scatters golden sparkles across the surface. Cruising by boat, towering stone peaks stand shoulder to shoulder on both sides, their reflections blending seamlessly with the green mountains. Karst caves hide in the cliffs, with stalactites in countless shapes—no wonder it’s called the “Guilin on Water.” For a closer connection to nature, try kayaking or paddleboarding to enjoy the peaceful embrace of the mountains and water. The grassy camping area on the shore is also a great spot for stargazing.
Daming Mountain: A Natural Oxygen Bar for Lung Cleansing
With a forest coverage rate of 98.9%, Daming Mountain is a natural oxygen warehouse, where negative oxygen ions can reach up to 200,000 per cubic centimeter, filling the air with the fresh scent of plants. The average annual temperature here is only 15℃, making it an ideal escape from the summer heat. Hiking up the mountain trails, listen to the wind rustling through the trees and watch the streams flow. When tired, retreat to a forest homestay or splash around in the natural pool at the foot of the mountain. The Daming Mountain tea garden at the base is a delightful surprise—thousands of acres of tea trees spread out like a green painting. You can pick premium tea leaves like Jin Xuan and Longjing yourself, learn tea frying from local farmers, and enjoy a richly aromatic tea meal that cleanses the soul with its lingering sweetness.
Dajiang River: A Cool Forest Adventure
Looking for some excitement? Head to the Dajiang Scenic Area on the eastern slope of Daming Mountain. The 4.8-kilometer forest rafting route drops 126 meters in elevation. During the 60-minute trip, rubber boats weave through shaded river channels, with splashing waves bringing refreshing coolness—truly a “sunburn-free rafting” experience. After rafting, let the kids run wild at the Golden Gourd Children’s Park, or follow the stream upstream to see waterfalls. When tired, rest under the windmill corridor, and at night, join the bonfire party to fully immerse yourself in the mountain wilderness fun.
2. Cultural Charm: Understanding Time in Villages
Guming Village: A Rammed Earth Ancient Village Hidden Among Mountains and Waters
This ancient village, with 158 rammed earth buildings from the Qing and Republic eras, is the best-preserved Zhuang ethnic village in Guangxi. Houses with stone foundations, mud walls, and gray tiles are built along the mountainside. The courtyard-style layout reflects the wisdom of the Zhuang ancestors, with courtyards collecting rainwater and halls honoring ancestors. The ancient Minhu Lake complements the village’s charm, dotted with green islets and low-flying water birds. Walking along the lake, you can almost hear the sound of time flowing. At night, stay in a lakeside space capsule homestay or camp at the RV park, with a sky full of stars overhead.
Xiake Taoyuan: Following the Footsteps of the Traveler
As Xu Xiake’s most beloved place, Xiake Taoyuan holds Shanglin’s most vibrant pastoral scenery. The Clear Water River winds through karst peaks, and drifting on a bamboo raft, you’ll see lush bamboo groves and vast rice fields on both sides. Ancient sites like Tang City Tang Stele and Zhicheng Grand Temple are scattered along the way. Sitting on the raft drifting downstream, watching mountain shadows reflected on the water and hearing the boatman hum Zhuang folk tunes, it feels like you’re having a conversation with Xu Xiake from 400 years ago. Camp and barbecue by the river at dusk, with the evening breeze carrying the fragrance of rice flowers and charcoal.
3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Fun: Unlock Shanglin’s Hidden Joys
- Furen Lake Flower Hunt: Two thousand acres of bougainvillea create a sea of flowers here, with purple-red, pink, lemon yellow, and other colors entwined into corridors. Walking through, the air is filled with sweet fragrance, and every snapshot looks like a fairy tale scene.
- Guji Stream Trekking: Navigate to “Shanglin Guji,” pay a 10 yuan parking fee, and unlock a free water play area. The shallow beach is perfect for kids to play and paddleboard, and walking upstream along the water channel, you can find a secluded glass-bottom pool to enjoy peaceful solitude.
- Zhenlin Industrial Park Leisure: Surrounded by karst landscapes, this park offers fishing, barbecuing, and lakeside hiking. Stay overnight at the Yuhuo Yunju Inn to see thousands of lights reflecting on the lake, full of lively local atmosphere.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: At the Daming Mountain tea garden, you can not only pick tea but also learn tie-dyeing, make lacquer fans, and craft mugwort hammers, personally capturing Shanglin’s gentle charm.
4. Taste Sensations: The Culinary Feast of the Longevity Village
Shanglin’s deliciousness is hidden in its mountains, waters, and local flavors. Don’t miss the Shanglin horse ribs, which carry a unique spice aroma and have firm, chewy meat; the full-course crayfish feast is fresh, spicy, and flavorful, perfectly paired with local beer; tea-infused dishes like tea-flavored ribs and tea eggs offer a fragrant and refreshing taste. Also, try the Zhuang five-color glutinous rice, spring water tofu pudding, and local river delicacies—all can be savored in farmhouse courtyards for the most authentic flavors.
5. Travel Tips
- Best Routes: Recommended “Xiake Footprint Tour” — Xiake Taoyuan → Guming Village → Daming Mountain Tea Garden → Dalong Lake, or “Family Leisure Tour” — Dajiang River → Furen Lake → Zhenlin Industrial Park.
- Accommodation Options: County hotels offer convenient transportation; Guming Village space capsules and Guilai Qiushanli Homestay are great for experiencing mountain and rural charm; camping enthusiasts can choose Dalong Lake, Donggan Reservoir, and other campsites.
- Notes: Check weather before stream trekking to avoid flash floods; bring change of clothes and sun protection for rafting; respect local Zhuang customs and consult guides before entering villages.
This National Day, stop chasing crowds. Come to Shanglin, let the mountains and waters feast your eyes, let the food fill your stomach, and spend a few slow days in the time Xu Xiake cherished.