Things to do in Donglan
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Top 10 attractions in Donglan
First Bay of Honghe River
The First Bay of Hongshui River is a scenic spot located in Banwen Village, Sanshi Town, Donglan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Hongshui River makes a big turn at a place where it flows through Banwen Village, forming a "U"-shaped canyon, which is the First Bay of Hongshui River. Its river channel is narrow, with towering mountains on both sides, reaching the sky, with a height difference of hundreds of meters from the water surface, and clouds and mist swirling in the canyon, which is a rare landscape for seeking wonders, viewing beauties and exploring the mysteries.Donglan · 26.6 km from downtown
Sanmenhai Area
Nestled among the karst peaks of Fengshan County, Hechi, Guangxi, the Sanmenhai Area is a cluster of collapsed skylights connected by an underground river. The cave ceilings collapsed and linked with the surface, leaving seven skylights arranged like a string of beads resembling the Big Dipper, with three currently accessible by boat. The journey begins on a bright lake before entering a dark cave, then emerging back into the light, with the scenery of mountains, water, caves, and sky alternating before your eyes—creating the illusion of "seas within mountains and gates above seas," which inspired the name Sanmenhai. Geologists and cave researchers call this skylight cluster the "Window of the World" and the "Karst Geology Museum," as it remains largely untouched by human development. During the boat tour, the first stretch of water forms a lake encircled by cliffs, its surface a deep blue. The second skylight, known as the "Half-moon Skylight," reveals a rock opening resembling a crescent moon hanging above. The innermost skylight passage is deep and maintains a constant temperature—warm in winter and cool in summer. When sunlight slants through the opening onto the water, the turquoise lake and submerged rock walls reflect like a piece of jade immersed in water. The tour is primarily by boat, alternating between bright lakes and dark caves. Each passage through shadowy waterways is met with light from the skylights, offering perfect photo opportunities on sunny days when the water displays distinct layers of color. Due to its remote location, a round-trip to Fengshan town requires planning for travel time. The experience is boat-centric and pairs well with other karst views in the county on the same day.Fengshan · 36.3 km from Donglan
Baimo Cave
Located in the western Poyue Village, Jiazhuan Country, Bama County, Hechi City, Guangxi Province, Baimo Cave is a splendid limestone cave. Panyang River runs through it. The main scenic spots include Peacock Greeting, Monkey King of Jin Mountain and Du Fu statue, which shows the poet reciting a poem. Springs at the bottom of the cave fill up the ponds. You can wade through them in the shallow area and paddle a boat in the deep area. In the west, the springs from the cave converge with the Panyang River from Renxiang in the cave.Bama · 36.4 km from Donglan
Bama Birds Rock
Bama Birds Rock is also known as Birds Cave because of swallows inhabiting, and bats flying around the cave. There are stones of various shapes such as stone eagle, stone pillar, stone curtain and stone Guanyin. Around the stone platform are fairy dressing and conch stone, and opposite the stone snail are stone desks, stone jars and stone pine cones. The peculiar sight is like Guilin reed flute rock and is also reputed by visitors as "water reed flute rock" because it cannot be visited without boating.Bama · 41.4 km from Donglan
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
The Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot is located on the upper reaches of the Guichun River along the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi. Here, the boundary river meets a cliff, cascading down in three tiers with a width of over 200 m and a drop of more than 70 m, facing Vietnam's Ban Gioc Waterfall across the cliff. During the rainy season, the two waterfalls nearly merge into one, and their roar can be heard across the valley. This site also served as a filming location for the TV series The Journey of Flower. The highlights of the visit mostly revolve around this border river: after passing through the Detian memorial archway, known as the "transnational gate," you can take a bamboo raft from the shore to the foot of the waterfall, looking up as the curtain of water crashes down from the cliff top, with mist spraying onto your face—effectively "traveling abroad" on the border river. On the river, you'll often encounter Vietnamese locals paddling small bamboo rafts to sell coffee, dried fruit, and other goods, and the haggling adds a fun cross-border market vibe. After disembarking, follow the waterfall-viewing boardwalk and multi-level observation decks to admire the waterfall's full panorama from different heights. Boundary markers No. 53 (erected during the Qing Dynasty and inscribed with "Guangxi, China") and No. 836 are popular photo spots. Along the boardwalk, you'll also find Detian Temple, built by villagers in the 1980s to commemorate the Zhuang historical figure Nong Zhigao—worth a quick visit. The waterfall view varies significantly with water volume: during the summer peak season, the water is torrential and awe-inspiring, while it appears more delicate in the dry season; the bamboo raft dock has long queues in peak season, so it's advisable to arrive early for a close-up view of the waterfall; the rafts get quite misty, so remember to waterproof your phone and camera.China · Daxin
Huangguoshu Scenic Area
The Huangguoshu Scenic Area is located in Anshun, Guizhou, centered around the Huangguoshu Waterfall. Surrounded by deep gorges, dense vegetation, and dotted with limestone caves and stone forests, it is a typical karst landscape area. The waterfall's name originates from the locally abundant "Huangguoshu" (Ficus virens). Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake visited and documented this site, contributing to its fame. The scenic area primarily consists of three main sections: the Great Waterfall, Tianxing Bridge, and Doupotang. Most travelers follow the sequence of Doupotang, Tianxing Bridge, and finally the Great Waterfall, saving the most spectacular view for last. The grand waterfall has a drop of nearly 80 m and a width of over 100 m. The Baishui River plunges from the cliff top into Rhinoceros Pool, creating a vast mist. Multiple viewing platforms around it allow visitors to experience its grandeur, wonder, steepness, and beauty from different angles—above, below, front, back, left, and right. A particularly unique experience lies behind the waterfall: a 100 m long Water Curtain Cave runs horizontally through its midsection, featuring cave windows and halls. Reaching through a window, one can touch the cascading water. The cave served as the filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West. Due to the heavy humidity inside, bringing a raincoat in advance is recommended. Tianxing Bridge is renowned for its harmonious blend of rocks, water, trees, and caves—where rocks rise from the water, caves hide within rocks, and trees stand beside caves. The stepping stones along the path are engraved with dates, allowing travelers to find their own "birthday stone." The attraction is divided into upper and lower sections. Many travelers turn back after completing the upper section, missing the Silver Chain Waterfall in the lower part—where water cascades like silver chains into a funnel-shaped pool, the highlight of Tianxing Bridge. The Doupotang waterfall is located approx. 1 km upstream from the grand waterfall. With a width of over 100 m at its crest, the water spreads out smoothly like a beaded curtain. During the high-water season, its deep roar earns it the nickname "roaring waterfall." The scene of the four pilgrims leading their horse across the river in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West was filmed here. In summer and fall, the waterfalls are full and powerful, while in winter and spring, the flow becomes gentler, offering different viewing experiences. Nearby, visitors can also enjoy local snacks like sticky rice, love tofu, and Anshun spring rolls.China · Zhenning
Panyang River Scenic Area
Panyang River is the mother river of Bama. It originates from Qiaoyin Township, Fengshan County. It flows through Fengshan Shuiyuan Cave and passes through Baimo Cave and Bainiao Rock in Jiazhuang Township, Bama County. The latter outlet is injected into Blessing. The lake is 145 kilometers long. Among them, it flows through the Bama River section for about 60 kilometers. Because Panyang Village is the middle section, it is named Panyang River. Panyang River has beautiful scenery, winding all the way, the river is green and the environment is very natural. By the Panyang River, there are Bilian, Duxiu, Rongyin Ancient Ferry, Pingfeng Mountain, Tiger Mountain, Elephant Mountain, Peacock Mountain, and Dashui Karst Cave, which resemble the Guilin landscape. The scenery is very diverse, which is very suitable for bamboo. Rafting. The starting point of rafting on the Panyang River is located at the foot of Mozhai Mountain in Jiazhuan Township, Bama. You can enjoy the beautiful landscape while rafting on a bamboo raft all the way. If you are not rafting, you can also stop by the river to enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the evening, the Panyang River, the fishing boats swaying gently, the leisurely white geese, and the curling smoke from the cooking, are a poetic pastoral scenery.Bama · 41.2 km from Donglan
Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
The Libo Seven Small Arches Scenic Area is located among the karst peaks south of the Libo County urban area. The attraction gets its name from a seven-arched bluestone bridge that crosses the noisy river there. The site incorporates all the beauty of mountains, water, trees, caves, lakes, and waterfalls. This natural splendor has combined with the authentic cultural flavor of the Tujia and Yao people of the area to bring fame to the area. Attractions like the ancient seven-arched bridge, the water forest, the crouching dragon pool, and Mandarin Duck Lake make the area like an earthly fairyland.Libo · 89.2 km from Donglan
Qingxiu Mountain
Qingxiu Mountain is one of the famous scenic spots in Nanning and is located on the banks of the Yongjiang River. Qingxiu Mountain has more than a dozen foothills such as Qingshan and Fenghuangling. Here, you can visit the Longxiang Pagoda, look out over the landscapes. Or you can stroll through the park and admire different kinds of flowers. In springtime, this is a great place to enjoy flowers blooming, especially peach blossoms on Peach Blossom Island.China · Nanning
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is a collection of over ten natural villages built along the mountainside, inhabited by the "Xi" clan of the Miao people. The village features layers of wooden stilt houses on the slopes, with coffee-colored old houses nestled against lush green mountains. The Baishui River divides the village in two. The side of the river (to the left after entering the Xiaobei Gate for travelers) is mainly a commercial pedestrian street, while the opposite side (to the right after entering the Xiaobei Gate for travelers) is primarily the viewing platform overlooking the village. Upon arriving at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, you'll see a gate with the plaque "Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village" after getting off at the parking lot. From this gate to the village is a 1.5 km walk, which you can cover either by electric bikes or on foot. After this 1.5 km stretch, you'll encounter another gate similar to the one at the parking lot, also bearing the "Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village" plaque—this marks the true entrance to the village. First drink the welcoming wine, then enter the village. The first thing you see is the commercial pedestrian street, selling a dazzling array of Miao ethnic specialty products. The most eye-catching are the Miao silver ornaments. Kongbai in Xijiang town of Leishan near the Miao village is a well-known silversmith village, where almost all the men master the silver ornament making techniques, and the craftsmanship of Miao silver is exquisite. The performance venue in the pedestrian street area offers Miao ethnic song and dance shows. You can also visit the Xijiang Miao Ethnic Museum and the Drum Head's House (the Miao king's residence, where a bronze drum is enshrined). Alternatively, take a stroll along the Baishui River to see the wind-and-rain bridges with roofed eaves sheltering from the elements, or the low, narrow wooden plank bridges. At the end of the village lies a pastoral landscape, where even during peak season few visitors come. Across the river is a station for electric bikes to the viewing platform, but walking there isn't far, and several spots along the way offer excellent views. Upon reaching the viewing platform, wait for nightfall—the grand spectacle of Xijiang is just beginning. Thousands of lights illuminate from beneath the eaves of wooden stilt houses, dotted like stars to outline the entire Miao village in the shape of an ox head. It's hard to imagine such a brilliantly lit scene in a mountain village. Returning to the viewing platform at dawn, the Miao village is shrouded in mist as the first sunlight gilds the wooden houses golden. Smoke curls up from chimneys, marking the start of a new day. In Miao villages, you can often see Miao women with their hair buns coiled on top of their heads and adorned with large flowers. Just looking isn't enough—you can also rent a few sets of Miao costumes to dress up as a Miao woman yourself. It's especially beautiful and very popular among young women. Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village has mature tourism development, with no worries about food and accommodation. For dining, the famous option is the long-table banquet. Restaurants in the village will often ask if you'd like to try it—simply joining tables to make them longer counts as a long-table banquet, serving as a fun experience. The authentic long-table banquet is held outdoors, with dozens of tables connected end-to-end, sometimes so long that you can't see from one end to the other. These are set up during important festivals or when significant group tours visit, so don't miss the chance if you encounter one. The cuisine of southeastern Guizhou tends to be sour, and the village's specialty dishes include sour fish soup, pickled vegetables, and cured meat.China · Leishan
Experiences you can't miss in Donglan
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Free things to do in Donglan
First Bay of Honghe River
Donglan · 26.6 km from downtownSanmenhai Area
Fengshan · 36.3 km from DonglanCancel anytimeBaimo Cave
Bama · 36.4 km from DonglanBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeBama Birds Rock
Bama · 41.4 km from DonglanBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeDetian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
China · DaxinBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeHuangguoshu Scenic Area
China · ZhenningBook now for tomorrowPanyang River Scenic Area
Bama · 41.2 km from DonglanLibo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Libo · 89.2 km from DonglanBook now for tomorrowQingxiu Mountain
China · NanningBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeXijiang Qianhu Miao Village
China · LeishanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
What travelers say about Donglan
M60***11August 13, 2023
5.0
I usually have doubts about scenic spots that claim to be the best. After a few days of heavy rain, the weather finally cleared up and I decided to go and see what it was like. I climbed up the Tonggu Glass Bridge and looked down. I took a deep breath and said, "This is so beautiful!" The First Bay is indeed worthy of its reputation. I was even more shocked by the U-shaped bay from the satellite 3D map. The clear water hugged the green mountains in an ultra-long U-shaped hug. This is a masterpiece of nature's magic!
First Bay of Honghe River
Anonymous userOctober 8, 2026
4.0
The scenery is beautiful, the water is green, and the caves are unique, making it worthwhile to take a boat trip! The boat tickets are a bit pricey, the boat trip lasts less than half an hour, and local villagers are allowed to mark their own parking areas and charge 20 yuan per car!
Sanmenhai Area
_uc***24October 19, 2026
4.0
It's just a large cave, not much different from many other caves. It became famous because of its "geomagnetic health benefits" gimmick. It attracts mostly elderly people. If you're just looking for pure sightseeing, the reviews are so-so.
Baimo Cave
King亦铭October 12, 2026
5.0
Bai Niao Yan Scenic Area is truly a hidden gem nestled amidst mountains and waters. A boat trip through the cave reveals stalactites of various shapes, and the light shimmering on the water is incredibly soothing. The air inside is fresh, and the sounds of birdsong fill the air, making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience, perfect for visitors seeking tranquility.
Bama Birds Rock
M42***42October 19, 2026
5.0
The off-season experience at Detian Waterfall was fantastic. Although the waterfall had less water flow, there were no queues or traffic jams. Taking a boat to the bottom of the waterfall was a great experience, and there were also many Vietnamese tourists on the other side.
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
Kieran AshfordOctober 19, 2026
5.0
If you enjoy the outdoors and away from the city madness this is a perfect place especially if you get the shuttle bus, it’s lots of walking but very easy clean and safe steps, spent 5hours just walking around the rivers and waterfalls- incredible scenery, not to busy, little hot but plenty of places to get drinks and use the bathroom. Also as a bonus I think the McDonalds there must be one of the best looking in the world. 9/10 will go again.
Huangguoshu Scenic Area
TWHSNFebruary 20, 2026
5.0
This cave is quite famous, and it's said that the Earth's magnetic field can cure diseases, which attracts many tourists. Actually, you only visit two caves. The second cave is quite ordinary and requires climbing up and down ladders inside. The highlight is the first cave, where you can sit down, have tea with your parents, and experience the Earth's magnetic field.
Panyang River Scenic Area
程程forOctober 18, 2026
4.0
The scenic area is quite large. Even with VIP service, it was still tiring. Be prepared to walk for a long time. The scenery was beautiful when we visited, and there were also places suitable for children to play.
Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Anonymous userOctober 18, 2026
5.0
I visited Qingxiu Mountain in Nanning during the Spring Festival. The weather was comfortable, and the scenery was beautiful, especially the bougainvillea area, which was incredibly photogenic. It was very crowded during the holiday, and there were queues for the sightseeing bus. After the performance, it was difficult to hail a taxi as you walked out with the flow of people. It's advisable to find a shared electric scooter nearby in advance, as it's faster.
Qingxiu Mountain
Anonymous userOctober 19, 2026
5.0
The world's largest Miao village truly lives up to its name! The stilted houses covering the mountains are magnificent, and the Baishui River flows through the village. During the day, stroll through the ancient alleys to experience Miao intangible cultural heritage; in the evening, climb to the viewing platform to wait for the lights to be lit—the sight of thousands of lights blanketing the hillside is unforgettable. The folk performances are lively and unique, the Miao cuisine is delicious, and every step reveals a new scene, making for a wonderful experience.
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village
