Personally Tested in Hechi! The Karst Secret Realm of the World's Longevity City is Absolutely Stunning
✅ Reasons to Recommend:
Just returned from a self-driving trip in Hechi, completely captivated by the karst skylights, longevity villages, and ethnic customs here! You can take a boat through the water sinkholes of Sanmenhai, discover the longevity secrets along the Bama Panyang River, the peak cluster depressions of Qibainong look like the "Devil's Fingerprint," and enjoy the mountain song duets in the hometown of Liu Sanjie. Every snapshot is a healing masterpiece—this is a hidden mountain and water paradise treasured by Guangxi locals!
📍 Attraction Information
Address: Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Core scenic areas: Bama, Fengshan, Yizhou, Dahua)
Tickets: Bama Crystal Palace 119 RMB/person, Fengshan Sanmenhai 98 RMB/person, Liu Sanjie’s Hometown 50 RMB/person, Qibainong Geological Park Free
Opening Hours: Most scenic spots 08:00-17:30, recommended 3 days 2 nights for an in-depth experience of core attractions
🌟 Must-Play Highlights
1. Fengshan Sanmenhai: The world’s only water-accessible skylight cluster, take a boat through 6 connected sinkholes, sunlight pouring onto the water surface, bursting with negative oxygen ions, every shot looks like a fairyland masterpiece.
2. Bama Longevity Village + Crystal Palace: Visit centenarians, drink longevity water from the Panyang River; the Crystal Palace’s stalactites are as white as crystal, with extremely high negative oxygen ion content inside the cave, like entering a fairyland.
3. Qibainong Geological Park: Over 3,000 peaks and 1,300 depressions, the Qianshan Wanlong viewing platform overlooks the "Devil’s Fingerprint," an exhilarating 8-mile winding self-drive route, free and photogenic.
4. Liu Sanjie’s Hometown Scenic Area: Take a bamboo raft on the Xiajian River in Yizhou, listen to mountain song duets, interact by tossing embroidered balls, live performances recreate movie scenes, full of Zhuang ethnic charm.
5. Nandan Geyasi Valley: White Trousers Yao Folk Park, stay in mud hotels, enjoy the Yao King feast, watch the bronze drum dance, and experience the breathtaking underground canyon.
📸 Photography Tips
✅ Best Times: 9-11 AM (front light for skylights/waterfalls), 4-5 PM (warm light for peak clusters/river surface), 7-9 AM (calm wind for reflections on Cifu Lake)
✅ Hidden Spots: Shoot skylights from a boat in Sanmenhai, shoot peak clusters from Qibainong viewing platform, side shots of lake and mountains at Cifu Lake dock, low-angle shots of mountain song duets on Xiajian River bamboo rafts
✅ Outfit Suggestions: Wear light/bright colors to contrast with the blue water, green mountains, and white crystal caves for stunning photos
✅ Shooting Techniques: Use slow shutter for skylight light and shadow, telephoto for peak cluster layers, wide-angle for cave grandeur
🚗 Transportation Tips
1. Major Transport: Fly to Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport/Bama Airport, or take high-speed rail to Hechi West Station/Duan Station, then transfer to direct scenic area shuttle buses.
2. Best Self-Drive: Attractions are scattered, renting a car in Nanning is recommended, about 3-4 hours drive with beautiful views along the Hongshui River.
3. Route Connection: Bama → Fengshan → Dahua → Yizhou → Nandan, a tight 3 days 2 nights itinerary; 4 days 3 nights can include Tian’e Longtan and Huanjiang Niujiaozhai.
💡 Friendly Tips
1. Karst areas have many mosquitoes, bring insect repellent; Qibainong mountain roads are steep, wear non-slip shoes; caves are cool, bring a light jacket.
2. Food and drinks in scenic areas are expensive, bring your own snacks and water; be respectful when visiting elders in Bama, avoid disturbing them.
3. Strong UV rays, apply sunscreen; mountain roads are slippery in rainy season, drive carefully; protect the environment, do not touch stalactites or litter.
4. For diving/paddleboarding, choose Duan Jiudun Skylight Cluster; in spring and autumn, see the "flowering river," summer offers amazing light and shadow effects, professional equipment and guides are required.