Giving up on Malaysia, this place is just too amazing
Originally booked flights and hotels to Malaysia, planning to enjoy tropical scenery and Southeast Asian flavors. But just before departure, I came across a guide for Chongzuo and decisively changed my itinerary! No need for a visa, saved on international airfare, yet I got to experience the same tropical vibe plus the unique charm of the China-Vietnam border. The karst landscape here is more layered than the South Seas islands, and Zhuang cuisine is more authentic than Southeast Asian flavors. In 3 days, I explored hidden gems with a budget of 800 RMB per person and had a blast. This reverse travel plan is a total win~
① 3-Day Border Hidden Gems Itinerary & Real Experience✨
▪️Day 1: Explore Detian Transnational Waterfall + Taste Shuo Long Town🌊
Rush to Detian Transnational Waterfall at 8 AM (open 8:00-17:30, ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus 30 RMB, book one day in advance)🕌. It’s Asia’s largest transnational waterfall, where the Guichun River flows between China and Vietnam. The three-tiered cascading waterfall is breathtaking. The No. 53 boundary marker is inside the scenic area, offering a unique experience of standing in two countries at once~
📸 Wear a bright yellow Southeast Asian style long dress👗, shoot panoramic waterfall views from the second viewing platform, and take photos with the waterfall and yourself at the bamboo raft dock (bamboo raft 30 RMB/person). The water flow is strongest at 2 PM, and the mist refracts rainbows—perfect for photos~
For lunch, eat at Shuo Long Old Street Zhuang Restaurant🥘. The 58 RMB sour porridge fish is fresh and tangy, the fried meat bun is crispy outside and tender inside. At 40 RMB per person, you’ll be full. The owner’s homemade sour pickles are refreshing and appetizing~
▪️Day 2: Search for White-Headed Leaf Monkeys in the Ecological Area + Bamboo Rafting at Mingshi Pastoral🐒
Rush to White-Headed Leaf Monkey Ecotourism Area at 7 AM (open 8:30-17:00, ticket 89 RMB)🌳. This is the only habitat of the roughly 1,000 remaining white-headed leaf monkeys worldwide. Early morning on the monkey viewing corridor, you can see monkeys leaping on karst cliffs, full of vitality. The park provides free binoculars, so no need to bring a telephoto lens~ 📸 Wear light-colored casual clothes and take close-ups of monkeys from the viewing platform. Avoid bright colors to not disturb the animals~
In the afternoon, visit Mingshi Pastoral (open all day, bamboo raft 120 RMB)🚣. Filming location of "The Journey of Flower," the emerald Mingshi River winds around the karst peaks. Bamboo rafting lets you see Zhuang bamboo houses on both banks, more tranquil and pristine than Guilin~ 📸 Rent a 60 RMB Zhuang ethnic costume set and take stunning water-side photos at Yulin Dam. Shoot mountain reflections with the light behind you for a great atmosphere~
For dinner, try the Zhuang ethnic Boki feast🍚, with five-colored glutinous rice, pan-fried river fish, and salted river shrimp served on bamboo trays. At 50 RMB per person, you can taste all the Zhuang specialties~
▪️Day 3: Enjoy Night Views at Taiping Ancient Town + Eat Authentic Local Flavors in the City🏮
In the morning, stroll around Chongzuo city and eat Longzhou chicken rice noodles at Dou Ji Noodle Shop🍜. At 15 RMB a bowl, the soup is rich and noodles smooth. Squeeze in some lime juice for a refreshing taste. It’s a secret breakfast favorite of locals from Guangdong~
In the afternoon, check in at the Zuojiang Leaning Tower (open 8:30-17:00, ticket 20 RMB)🗼. One of the world’s eight leaning towers, a 400-year-old karst wonder that hasn’t fallen. The river view below is stunning, and shooting upward photos is very dramatic~
At night, rush to Taiping Ancient Town (free all day, lights on at 21:00)✨. Known as Guangxi’s "Great Tang Never Sleeps City," the light show at the misty corridor and the intangible cultural heritage iron flower performances alternate. The reflection in the moat is dreamy~ 📸 Wear traditional Hanfu and shoot night scenes on the ancient city wall. Capture panoramic shots during the drone show for a 100% great photo rate~ For a late-night snack, try Vietnamese spring rolls and baguettes🥖. The 10 RMB spring rolls are light and refreshing, a stunning fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese flavors~
② Transportation Guide | Border Food Tour Without Detours🚄
✈️ From other cities to Chongzuo: Prefer transferring at Nanning East Station to high-speed train to Chongzuo South Station🚞, 50 minutes direct, second-class seat 55 RMB. Many cities have direct trains to Nanning. From Nanning Wuxu Airport, take the airport bus to Chongzuo city center, 2 hours, 80 RMB per person~
🚗 Chongzuo to attractions: The direct shuttle bus is the best choice. From Chongzuo South Station to Detian Waterfall is 30 RMB/person, to Mingshi Pastoral 25 RMB/person, running every half hour. Tickets can be bought via mini-program. Carpooling with 3-4 people is very cost-effective, 300-400 RMB/day, direct to all hidden spots, more convenient than driving yourself~
🏙️ City transport: Taxi starting fare is 5 RMB for 2 km, buses and shared electric scooters cover the city. Taxi to Taiping Ancient Town or Zuojiang Leaning Tower costs only 10 RMB. You can walk to explore the city’s snack streets~
③ Accommodation Real Experience | Sleep Among Mountains and Waters🏨
▪️Recommendation 1: Mingshi Elegant Residence Homestay 📍Mingshi Village, Kanwei Township, Daxin County, Chongzuo City 💰450 RMB/night
Highlights: Zhuang stilt house style🌿, open the window to Mingshi Pastoral’s karst water scenery. Rooms have viewing terraces for tea and mountain views. Includes Zhuang ethnic breakfast for two, with glutinous rice cakes and five-colored glutinous rice, very authentic. 5-minute walk to bamboo raft dock, very convenient for sightseeing. The homestay also offers Zhuang handicraft experiences~
▪️Recommendation 2: Riverside Light Hostel 📍No. 88 Yanshan Road, Jiangzhou District, Chongzuo City 💰298 RMB/night
Highlights: Front-line river view room🌊, floor-to-ceiling windows facing Zuojiang River, stunning night views. 10-minute walk to Chongzuo South Station, very convenient for high-speed train travel. Minimalist Instagram-style decor, good heating, 24-hour hot water + free laundry. Snack street downstairs, perfect for late-night cravings. Great for students and budget travelers~
④ Travel Tips | Avoid Pitfalls + Preparation Checklist⚠️
✅ Must-bring items: High SPF sunscreen🧴 (UV index in Chongzuo is as strong as Malaysia), mosquito repellent (rainforest/pastoral areas have many insects), light jacket (temperature varies 15-25°C morning and night), casual sports shoes (many walking trails). For photographing white-headed leaf monkeys, bring a telephoto camera; binoculars in the park are limited~
✅ Pitfall guide: Don’t take unlicensed taxis at the high-speed train station🚫, they charge 150 RMB to Detian Waterfall, while the official shuttle is only 30 RMB. Don’t buy private bamboo rafts at Detian Waterfall; official rafts are safer and cheaper. Don’t buy Vietnamese specialties inside the scenic area; border market in the city is half the price. Don’t visit the white-headed leaf monkeys in the afternoon; they hide in caves. The best time is 7-9 AM~
✅ Notes: Detian Waterfall and White-Headed Leaf Monkey areas require advance booking🎫. The intangible cultural heritage iron flower show at Taiping Ancient Town is only on holidays; check times before going. Chongzuo cuisine is sour and fresh; don’t order overly spicy sour porridge fish or fried meat buns; locals prefer mildly sour and spicy. For Mingshi Pastoral bamboo rafts, choose the lower dock; it’s 30% cheaper than the upper dock and reaches more hidden spots~
Personal Experience & Summary💖
Giving up the Malaysia trip was definitely the best decision I made this year🌴! No visa hassle, no expensive international flights, yet in Chongzuo I got an experience far beyond expectations—tropical warm climate like Malaysia, unique China-Vietnam border charm, majestic karst peaks and waters, plus unforgettable Zhuang delicacies like sour porridge fish and fried meat buns.
There’s no crowded Southeast Asian tourist crush, no over-commercialized influencer spots. In 3 days, I explored transnational waterfalls, rare animal sanctuaries, and ancient towns, all for 800 RMB per person, with excellent value. The dual joy of “South Seas + border” without leaving the country—Chongzuo truly delivers!
This tested, no-fail guide covers all the food, fun, and pitfalls in Chongzuo. For those giving up overseas trips, save this and follow it to unlock this hidden and stunning border adventure in Chongzuo~