Hechi Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Hechi (河池; Héchí), or Jinchengjiang (金城江), is a city and region in North Guangxi. Hechi City has rich natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers and forests. It is a typical mountainous city, and also has many ethnic minorities, especially Zhuang and Yao. It is at the foot of mountains and gives opportunities to watch karsts and forests.

Hechi City has a long history. Humans settled here as early as the Neolithic Age. It belongs to the birthplace of ancient Baiyue culture. Since the establishment of counties in the Han Dynasty, Hechi has gradually developed into an important political, economic and cultural center in northwestern Guangxi. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hechi became the intersection of commerce and trade. In modern times, Hechi was of strategic significance in the Anti-Japanese War and the Liberation War. As a multi-ethnic settlement, Zhuang, Yao and other ethnic cultures have been passed down here, forming unique local characteristics.

Hechi City has a subtropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and a warm and humid climate. The summer is hot and humid, the temperature often exceeds 30°C, and the precipitation is abundant; the winter is mild, the temperature is generally between 5°C and 15°C, and the cold weather is rare. The spring and autumn seasons are mild and pleasant, and the climate is moderate, which is suitable for tourism. The annual precipitation is 1500-2000 mm, mainly concentrated in summer, with high humidity.

From Yizhou: Yizhou is about 50 kilometers from the center of Hechi, which can be reached by highway or public transportation.

From Guizhou: Hechi is close to Guizhou Province, and you can reach Hechi by road from Duyun and other cities in Guizhou.

Hechi does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, about 150 kilometers away. From Guilin, you can go to Hechi by long-distance bus, train, taxi or car, it takes 2-3 hours.

• 24.7001108.05851 Hechi Railway Station (河池火车站). High-speed rail from Guilin to Hechi takes about 1.5 hours. The high-speed railway in Hechi City connects many cities in Guangxi Province, with convenient transportation. There are regular trains from other cities in Guangxi, such as from Nanning, Liuzhou. (updated Dec 2024)

Self-driving: If you depart from Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin and other places, you can drive along the expressway (such as Liuhe Expressway, Guihe Expressway, etc.) to Hechi, which takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the starting point.

There are many long-distance bus stations in Hechi City, connecting many cities inside and outside Guangxi Province. For example, you can take a long-distance bus from Nanning, Guilin, Liuzhou and other places to Hechi directly.

Buses are priced at ¥2 per ride and can generally take you anywhere around the city. There are also local taxis and ride hailing apps like Didi Dache (滴滴打车).

Here are the addresses and coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the main tourist attractions in Hechi. Please note that exact addresses and coordinates may vary or not always be entirely accurate

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  24.7416108.30451 Dashi Mountain (大石山), in the southern part of Hechi City. Dashi Mountain is a natural attraction in Hechi, famous for its karst landforms and unique natural beauty. It features rugged mountains, caves, waterfalls, and primitive forests, making it an ideal place for hiking and adventure. (updated Dec 2024)

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  24.5156107.99152 Yunu Lake (玉龙湖), Yunu Lake Scenic Area, Donglan County. Yunu Lake, located in the suburbs of Hechi, is a picturesque lake with clear water and lush greenery surrounding it. The tranquil environment makes it a perfect place for boating, fishing, and relaxation. (updated Dec 2024)

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  24.7114108.08673 Hongshui River (红水江), Hongshui River region around Hechi City. Hongshui River, known as the mother river of Hechi, winds through the area with clear water and beautiful scenery along its banks. Visitors can take a boat tour to enjoy the picturesque landscape of mountains and rural life, as well as experience the traditional fishing culture. (updated Dec 2024)
• 24.3833107.5074 Bama Yao Ethnic Village (巴马瑶族村), Bama Yao Autonomous County. Bama, known as China’s “Longevity Village,” is home to the Yao ethnic group with rich cultural traditions. Visitors can explore the Yao villages, experience their customs, and learn about the secrets of longevity. (updated Dec 2024)
• 24.5185108.24325 Tian’e Grand Canyon (天涯大峡谷), Tian’e Grand Canyon, Yizhou District. Tian’e Grand Canyon, located in Yizhou District, is a stunning natural attraction with cliffs, caves, and waterfalls. It is an ideal destination for hiking and adventure enthusiasts. (updated Dec 2024)
• 24.4989108.15056 Shuiyue Cave Heaven (水月洞天堂), Shuiyue Cave Heaven Scenic Area, Yizhou District. Shuiyue Cave Heaven is a famous cave attraction with unique formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. It offers an enchanting underground world perfect for exploration and photography. (updated Dec 2024)

Hechi City has a rich ethnic culture, particularly with the Zhuang, Yao, and Maonan peoples, who celebrate various traditional festivals. Here are some important traditional festivals in Hechi:

• Zhuang Ethnic “Sanzhuan Festival” (Zhuang Third Month Festival), on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, is one of the grandest traditional festivals for the Zhuang people, similar to the Chinese New Year celebrations. Activities during the festival include singing and dancing performances, “duet singing” (a traditional form of verbal sparring), traditional sports like wrestling and archery, and food celebrations. People also wear traditional Zhuang clothing, offer ancestral worship, and pray for good harvests and safety.
• Yao Ethnic “Panwang Festival”, on the 10th day of the 10th lunar month, is one of the most important festivals for the Yao people, commemorating their ancestor Panwang. The festival includes grand sacrificial ceremonies, dragon and lion dances, singing, dancing, and other cultural activities to express respect and gratitude to ancestors. Traditional Yao foods and handicrafts are also highlights of the celebration.
• Maonan Ethnic “Maonan Singing Festival”, on the 6th day of the 6th lunar month, is the traditional festival of the Maonan ethnic group, where people express unity, love, and the beauty of life through singing. Festival activities include singing competitions, dancing, folk art performances, and traditional sports events. This festival is an essential part of Maonan culture.
• Qingming Festival, on the 4th day of the 4th lunar month, is a nationwide holiday, but it has special significance in Hechi, especially in ethnic minority areas. People visit graves to clean them, offer sacrifices to their ancestors, and hold family reunions, emphasizing respect for ancestors and cultural inheritance.

Mid-Autumn Festival, on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is a traditional Chinese festival for family reunions. In Hechi, ethnic minorities also celebrate this holiday. People eat mooncakes, admire the moon, and express their desire for family togetherness. Especially for the Zhuang and Yao people, traditional singing and dancing performances are held during this festival, showcasing local cultural characteristics.

• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, is the most important traditional festival in China, and it is celebrated by all ethnic groups in Hechi. People gather for family reunions, have a New Year’s feast, set off fireworks, visit relatives, and give red envelopes, celebrating the arrival of the new year.

Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st) are national holidays that are also widely celebrated in Hechi, especially in urban areas. People organize collective activities, cultural performances, and other events to showcase the social and cultural atmosphere of the region.

Visitors can buy a variety of local products that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources. Here are some of the most popular items to purchase in Hechi:

• Hechi is famous for its tea, especially the famous Hongshui tea from the Hongshui River region. The tea is known for its rich aroma and refreshing taste. You can find various types of tea, including green tea and black tea, in local markets and tea shops.
• Yao Silver Jewelry: The Yao ethnic group in Hechi is renowned for its exquisite silver jewelry. Handcrafted silver items such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and headpieces are popular souvenirs. These items are often intricately designed, reflecting the cultural heritage and artistic skills of the Yao people.
• Traditional handicrafts: Hechi is home to several ethnic minority groups, and you can find a wide range of traditional handicrafts, such as embroidery, wooden carvings, bamboo products, and woven textiles. These handmade products are unique to the region and make great souvenirs or gifts.
• Local spices and sauces: The food in Hechi is known for its bold flavors, and local spices and sauces are a great way to take a taste of Hechi home. You can find items like chili sauces, spicy pickles, and fermented soybeans at local markets or specialty stores.
• Bama longevity products: Bama, a region in Hechi, is famous for its long-living population, and there are a variety of health products associated with longevity. These include herbal teas, tonic foods, and natural health supplements that locals believe contribute to their long lives.
• Traditional clothing and textiles: Traditional ethnic clothing, especially from the Zhuang and Yao peoples, can be found in local markets. These garments are often made of brightly colored fabrics and are decorated with beautiful embroidery. Ethnic costumes and scarves are popular items for visitors to buy.
• Local fruits and vegetables: Hechi is a fertile area with a variety of fruits and vegetables. You can buy fresh produce such as mandarins, longan, lychees, and tropical fruits at local markets. These fruits are often grown in the region’s favorable climate and are deliciously fresh.
• Handmade bamboo products: • Bamboo is abundant in Hechi, and local artisans craft a variety of bamboo products. These include bamboo baskets, bamboo hats, and bamboo kitchenware, which are popular as eco-friendly and traditional items.

Here are some recommended restaurants in Hechi City, along with their addresses and coordinates

• 24.7095108.06331 Liuzhou Snail Noodles (河池市金城江区柳州螺蛳粉), No. 18, Beian Road, Jin Chengjiang District. Snail noodles (a local specialty rice noodle dish). (updated Dec 2024)
• 24.3833107.5072 Bama Yao Ethnic Restaurant (巴马瑶民族餐厅), Bama Town, Bama Yao Autonomous County. Yao ethnic specialties (such as Yao bamboo rice, Yao sauerkraut) (updated Dec 2024)
• 24.7114108.08673 Hongshui River Restaurant (Hechi City, Jin Chengjiang District) (红水河餐厅（济济市晋城区）), No. 1, Hongshui River Road, Jin Chengjiang District. Hongshui River fish head, various river fresh dishes. (updated Dec 2024)
• 24.9934108.21174 Maonan Mountain Restaurant (Hechi City, Yizhou District) (茂南山餐厅（宜州区河池市）), No. 23, Maonan Mountain Road, Yizhou District. Maonan ethnic specialties (such as Maonan stewed chicken, Maonan tofu). (updated Dec 2024)

• Black Cafe, Baima Street, ☏ +86 778-2281280. Modern cafe serving steaks and Taiwanese cuisine. 
• Gong Cha (貢茶), is a famous Taiwanese milk tea chain that has a branch in Hechi.

• Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites, 368 Xinjian Rd, Bama County, ☏ +86 778 6096888. Doubles from ¥207. 
• Numerous City Inn hotels offer accommodation for foreigners.
• Qian'An Interntional Hotel is the more proeminent hotel available for foreigners.

• China Post 50, Xinjian Rd, Jinchengjiang District.