Discover the best places in Guangxi

Guangxi is defined by dramatic limestone peaks, winding rivers and subtropical forests, making it one of China’s most naturally picturesque regions. Bordering Vietnam and the South China Sea, Guangxi has long served as China’s southern frontier, where the Han Chinese and many ethnic minority cultures have met for centuries. Most notably, the Zhuang people make up around a third of the population, and their heritage can be seen throughout the region in its music, cuisine, festivals and traditional architecture. Try to catch the Sanyuesan Festival in the spring, where communities gather for traditional singing competitions and celebrations of folk culture.

The region is warm year-round and known for its lush scenery due to high rainfall. The capital city of Nanning is nicknamed the “Green City” for its abundant subtropical vegetation. It is a gateway to southeast Asia and has many significant historical sites and landmarks. The most iconic destination in Guangxi is Guilin, famous for its beautiful karst landscapes. From here, travellers often take a scenic cruise along the Li River towards Yangshuo, with opportunities for kayaking, rock climbing and cave exploration. Further south lies the coastal city of Beihai, home to stretches of white quartz sand and luminous seaweed that glows softly in the evening, creating a striking and atmospheric scene. Just offshore sits Weizhou Island, a volcanic island with rugged cliffs, clear waters and coral reefs.

Guangxi cuisine is diverse and extraordinary; the region’s signature dish is Guilin rice noodles, served with sliced pork, pickled vegetables, peanuts and chili. In Liuzhou, adventurous eaters must try the river snail noodles, a famously pungent sour-spicy dish. Yangshuo is home to the distinctive beer fish, where fresh river fish is cooked with local beer, giving it a slightly sweet flavour. Nanning is known for lemon duck, a southern specialty with a sharp, tangy depth. The local food is generally mildly spicy and balanced with sour and light herbal flavours.

Guangxi has plenty to offer for all kinds of travellers from adventure seekers to beach lovers, as well as those drawn to its cultural traditions and varied natural landscapes.