Things to do in Guangxi

Last night I saw a comment on Douyin saying that because it hadn't rained for the past few days, the water level at Detian Transnational Waterfall wasn't particularly high. Having that in mind, I wasn't particularly disappointed when I arrived today.

This hotel is perfect for a chill vacation. The ocean view is unbeatable and definitely worth returning to. The service is excellent, and the hotel feels like a small estate with great privacy. This is why I chose it. If I had to suggest something, I'd appreciate the addition of a high-definition projector with a retractable motorized screen. Also, I'd like to upgrade the hairdryer to a Dyson. Otherwise, it's practically perfect.

A night tour of Qingxiu Mountain's Nanning Night Garden was a wonderful experience. The ethnic costume show on the water was spectacular, and the reflections on the lake were beautiful. The intangible cultural heritage of iron flower making was impressive, with sparks flying everywhere. The night view was beautiful, and the overall experience was great.

When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting. The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river. The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.

We took a three-star cruise on the Li River, departing from Mopanshan Wharf. The cruise stopped at the viewpoint featured on the 20 RMB note. It was raining before departure, but the rain stopped shortly afterward – we were lucky! The air was fresh after the rain, and the mist on the river was just right, making the scenery exceptionally gentle. The cruise was smooth, making it suitable for taking elderly people to slowly appreciate the scenery on both banks. Overall, the tour was very pleasant.

From the city center, it costs 50 yuan to take a bus to the scenic area entrance, which takes 2 hours. Then it's another 40 minutes to drive to Jinkeng Dazhai. The area is huge, and you won't see many things. The Long Hair Museum is just a short drive by, not a stop. I suggest just going to the entrance (even though your ticket goes directly to Jinkeng Dazhai). There's a shuttle bus, but I haven't taken it and don't know the price. You can walk uphill, but I don't recommend walking unless you're planning to hike. The route is: Scenic Area Entrance - 15 minutes - Long Hair Museum (where you can play in the water) - 20 minutes to Ping'an Village fork in the road (the steps inside the village are very high; it's a 30-minute walk to Qixing Tower) - 20 minutes to Jinkeng Dazhai parking lot (there's a cable car directly to the Golden Summit, which takes 25 minutes, but it's slow) - Viewing Platform No. 2 - 20 minutes. All of these are driving times.

Good for short hope around and city view, but otherwise not so much to see

Tongling Grand Canyon is a worthwhile attraction, boasting a diverse landscape including canyons, caves, streams, underground rivers, and waterfalls. The scenery is beautiful, and it's quite cool inside, noticeably cooler than outside, which is very comfortable. After walking a long way, we finally saw the waterfall, which was quite impressive. The best part was the cave beneath the waterfall; the scenery was unique. It's best to bring a disposable raincoat, as it gets very wet inside, like it's raining. I got completely soaked just taking a few photos. Dongnayu Bay is also decent. The first part is for boat tours; it's a river with clear water typical of subtropical and tropical climates, but there's not much else to see. Further in by land, there are some nice views, making it suitable for rafting, although that activity hasn't been developed yet.

The experience at Dongnayu Bay far exceeded my expectations. The entire scenic area is exceptionally well-preserved, with crystal-clear waterways and lush vegetation along the way. A gentle breeze caressed my face as I walked the trails, making it incredibly pleasant. The facilities were thoughtfully designed, with well-placed rest areas and viewing platforms, eliminating any feeling of rushing. Whether you're leisurely strolling with family to enjoy the natural scenery or taking photos with friends, there are suitable spots to find. The entire experience was smooth and comfortable, without the overly commercialized noise, making it a worthwhile place to make a special trip to relax and unwind.

It's very sunny, so go early to avoid the crowds and sun. The journey from Jinlong Bridge to the old wharf, involving 9 dams, is too long and unnecessary. The whole trip takes about 1.6 hours, and the dam rushing isn't as exciting as you might imagine. So, try a shorter 4-dam trip, which takes about an hour. There are also many round-trip options available, making it convenient for self-driving tours.