Hezhou
Hezhou Review: A Hidden Gem City in Northeast Guangxi Where Enchanting Landscapes and Millennia of Culture Intertwine
If Guilin is the richly detailed brushstroke in Guangxi’s landscape painting, then Hezhou is the most lively blank space. This small city in northeastern Guangxi, known as the "World Longevity City," blends the dramatic karst landforms, the tranquility of ancient towns, the vibrant Yao culture, and the warmth of everyday life into one, making it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and seek a slower pace of life.
Natural Wonders: A Dual Gift of Scenery and Ecology
Hezhou’s landscapes combine the beauty of Guilin with a touch of wildness. Gupo Mountain National Forest Park is hailed as the "Natural Oxygen Bar of South China," where the Xiangu Waterfall cascades down, its mist refreshing and invigorating; the Lover’s Forest features straight, sword-like fir trees forming a natural green tunnel perfect for hiking and photography. The Shibashui Pristine Scenic Area is famous for its "Three Wonders": the majestic hundred-meter waterfall cluster, the mysterious underground river, and the rare flora and fauna in the primeval forest. It offers scenic views year-round—spring for greenery, summer to escape the heat, autumn for fallen leaves, and winter for snow scenes. For those wanting to experience harmony between city and nature, Yongfeng Lake Wetland Park and Ailian Lake Park are excellent choices. The former is backed by thousands of green mountains with a tower reflected in the lake’s heart; the latter features lush lawns and distant mountains with arched bridges, perfect for cycling or boating.
Ancient Town Secrets: The Timeless Charm of Millennia
Hezhou’s ancient towns are less commercialized and more infused with the warmth of daily life. Huangyao Ancient Town is recognized as one of "China’s Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Towns," with its bluestone paths, Ming and Qing architecture, dragon claw banyan trees, and stone arch bridges forming a natural ink painting. At 6 a.m., before the town awakens, stroll through empty alleys where the gentle flow of water from the Immortal’s Ancient Well and the weathered brick walls of Sima Residence tell tales of peaceful times; at night, red lanterns light up and Huangyao mountain songs echo from the ancient opera stage, as if traveling through a thousand years. Linhe Old City is known for "the city within the scenery, the scenery within the city," with verdant fields in the city center, a museum intertwining relics and history, and a food street offering memorable snacks like tofu pudding and glutinous rice cakes. For those seeking more off-the-beaten-path villages, Fuchuan Xiushui Zhuangyuan Village is a must-visit. The Zhuangyuan Tower, ancient opera stage, and Shiyu Old Street preserve the essence of Lingnan architecture, while nearby navel orange plantations and Gongcheng persimmon groves add pastoral charm.
Cultural Experiences: The Fusion of Longevity and Yao Ethnic Customs
Hezhou is the "World Longevity City," with its jurisdiction over Fuchuan, Zhongshan, and Zhaoping counties all recognized as "Longevity Towns of China." The air is rich in negative oxygen ions, the water quality is excellent, and many centenarians live here. Walking the streets, you often encounter spirited elders, reflecting the deep-rooted longevity culture. Yao culture is another hallmark of Hezhou. In Chashan Village, you can watch Yao song and dance performances and taste specialties like suoziba and rice tofu; at the Yushilin Scenic Area, wear Hanfu and walk the bluestone paths, take "noble lady" photos in front of the Confucian Temple, and experience the blend of Yao and Han cultures. For a deeper understanding of Hezhou’s history, the Hezhou Museum, though small, houses precious artifacts spanning from the Neolithic Age to modern times, connecting the city’s millennia of heritage.
Culinary Exploration: The Flavors of Mountains and Waters
Hezhou’s cuisine blends the flavors of Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hunan, offering a sour, spicy, fresh, and fragrant taste that lingers. Huangyao fermented black bean steamed ribs are seasoned with the town’s black beans, salty and appetizing; stuffed pumpkin flowers combine the sweetness of pumpkin flowers with rich meat filling; niuchang suan (sour beef intestines) is a local favorite street snack, with a sour and spicy broth paired with beef offal, warming and satisfying. For a feast, don’t miss Nanxiang duck and Huangtian braised pork—the former firm in texture, the latter fatty but not greasy—paired with Hezhou rice wine, a true delicacy. Additionally, Lingfeng Square’s cold noodles, Aunt Li’s niuchang suan on Far East Pedestrian Street, and Xu Ji’s rice dumplings are all highly cost-effective local treats.
Travel Tips: Avoid the Crowds, Immerse Yourself
• Transportation: Hezhou is close to Guangdong, with high-speed rail directly to Hezhou Station. Taxis are cheap within the city, and attractions are moderately spaced; car rental or self-driving is recommended.
• Season: April to October is the best travel period—spring for misty rain, summer for rafting, autumn for terraced fields, winter for tranquility. To avoid crowds, visit off-peak in May or before September.
• Accommodation: Guesthouses in Huangyao Ancient Town offer scenic views from the window; resorts at the foot of Gupo Mountain are ideal for oxygen-rich vacations; city hotels offer good value.
• Notes: Commercialization is increasing in Huangyao Ancient Town, so early morning or evening visits are recommended; Gupo Mountain weather is changeable, carry rain gear; Yushilin Scenic Area has narrow stone crevices, wear comfortable shoes.
Summary: Hezhou is a city to be savored slowly. Here, you can take a deep breath under the waterfalls of Gupo Mountain and feel the healing power of the "South China Oxygen Bar"; wander the bluestone paths of Huangyao Ancient Town and touch a thousand years of history; pause before the ancient opera stage in Xiushui Zhuangyuan Village and listen to the melodious Yao mountain songs; and feast on sour, spicy, and fresh local delicacies in the bustling streets. Whether you are a nature lover, cultural explorer, or simply seeking a peaceful place, Hezhou’s warmth and inclusiveness will make you reluctant to leave.
Address: Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Recommended Routes:
• Classic 3-Day Tour: Huangyao Ancient Town → Gupo Mountain → Yongfeng Lake → Lingfeng Square Food Exploration
• In-Depth 5-Day Tour: Linhe Old City → Yushilin → Xiushui Zhuangyuan Village → Shibashui → Chashan Village Yao Culture Experience
Suitable for: Family trips, couples, photography enthusiasts, cultural researchers, longevity culture explorers