Hezhou

I. Urban Overview

Hezhou City is located in the northeastern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, at the junction of Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hunan provinces, and has long been renowned as the "crossroads of three provinces." With a profound historical heritage, Hezhou was formerly known as Linhe and served as a crucial gateway along the ancient Xiaohé Route spanning millennia, as well as a vital corridor for the transmission of Central Plains culture to Lingnan.

Hezhou is China's first "comprehensive longevity city," a renowned Hakka cultural hub in China, and a center for Yao ethnic folk culture. It boasts superior ecological conditions, high forest coverage, and excellent air quality, earning it the title of "back garden of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao." Compared to other popular tourist cities in Guangxi, Hezhou features a slower pace of life, lower commercialization, and pristine natural landscapes, making it an ideal treasure city for short-term vacations, health retreats, and leisure in ancient towns.

II. Core Tourist Attractions

1. Huangyao Ancient Town (National 5A-Level Tourist Attraction)

As Hezhou's premier landmark and the foremost among Guangxi's four ancient towns, this historic settlement boasts nearly a millennium of heritage. Nestled between mountains and waterways, it is encircled by karst peak forests, featuring cobblestone streets, ancient bridges, centuries-old banyan trees, and clusters of Ming and Qing dynasty residences, collectively evoking the poetic charm of traditional ink-wash landscape painting. It also served as the filming location for the movie *The Veil* and the classic TV series *Tea Is the Strongest Tasting*.

Must-visit attractions: Dailong Bridge, Dragon Claw Banyan Tree, Immortal Ancient Well, Ancient Theater Stage, Guo Family Compound, and Baozhu Temple.

Exclusive experiences: morning stroll through the ancient town, boat ride on Yao River, night view lantern photography session, and hands-on traditional fermented bean paste making.

2. Gusha Mountain National Forest Park (a 4A-level scenic area)

Revered as the "Natural Oxygen Bar of South China" with a forest coverage rate of 99%, it stands as the flagship destination for ecotourism in Hezhou. The scenic area features numerous waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, extensive tea plantations, fresh air, and ever-changing landscapes throughout the four seasons.

Main attractions: Xiangu Waterfall, Fangjia Tea Garden, Lover's Forest, Wild Macaque Area, and Forest Hot Springs. Ideal for summer retreats, hiking, oxygen therapy, and family outings; winter visitors can enjoy stunning rime ice scenery.

3. Hezhou Jade Forest

A rare natural marble forest in China, a geological wonder dating back hundreds of millions of years. The entire stone forest is as white as jade, featuring bizarre and uniquely shaped rocks that include popular tourist spots such as the Skyline, Heavenly Staircase, and Elevated Corridor, offering a distinctive visual spectacle that becomes even more breathtakingly clear and beautiful after rain.

4. Hakka Enclosed Houses (Jiang Family Enclosed Houses)

The largest and best-preserved cluster of Hakka walled compounds in Guangxi serves as a typical representative of the southern migration Hakka residential architecture from the Central Plains. Enclosed by high walls, featuring staggered courtyards and a meticulously planned layout, it fully preserves the traditional cultural characteristics of Hakka clan life, communal living, and ancestral worship practices.

5. Fuchuan Ancient City & the Group of Wind and Rain Bridges

This millennium-old city exudes distinct Yao ethnic charm, featuring well-preserved ancient walls and streets complemented by picturesque rural landscapes stretching for miles and centuries-old weather-resistant bridges. With its pristine natural beauty and rustic elegance, it is ideal for leisure photography and short-distance exploration.

6. Other niche attractions

The attractions include the Shibashi Waterfall Scenic Area, Ziyun Fairyland Cave, Zhongshan Ten-Mile Gallery, and the ancient city of Linhe.

III. Distinctive Regional Culture

Hezhou is a rare city in Guangxi that embodies the tripartite integration of Hakka culture, Yao ethnic culture, and ancient trade route heritage, boasting rich ethnic characteristics and profound folk traditions.

1. Celebrating the Culture of Ancient Trade Routes

The Xiaohé Ancient Road served as a vital artery connecting the Central Plains with Lingnan in ancient times, functioning as a key junction along both the Maritime and Land Silk Roads. Over millennia, it has witnessed the convergence of merchants, migrants, and cultures, giving rise to numerous historic post stations, villages, and docks that have shaped Hezhou's inclusive and diverse urban character.

2. Hakka Intangible Cultural Heritage

Hezhou serves as the core settlement area of the Hakka people in Guangxi, preserving a wealth of intangible cultural heritage: traditional methods for fermenting Huangyao fermented black beans, techniques for preparing Hakka hundred-dish preserves, Hakka mountain songs, and Hakka clan rituals. The adage "No feast is complete without preserved dishes" epitomizes the most distinctive culinary characteristic of Hezhou's Hakka culture.

3. Yao Ethnic Folk Culture

Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County preserves authentic Yao ethnic customs, with representative activities including the Yao Panwang Festival, the Long Drum Dance, the Bamboo Pole Dance, and the Yao Long Table Banquet. Yao oil tea, five-colored glutinous rice, and Yao embroidery are all distinctive symbols of intangible cultural heritage.

4. Longevity and Wellness Culture

Hezhou is China's first city recognized as a "comprehensive longevity hub." Its pristine ecology, clean water sources, pleasant climate, and simple lifestyle have fostered a rich culture of longevity, making it a renowned wellness and leisure destination in southern China.

IV. Specialty Foods and Local Products

1. Don't miss the signature dishes!

Hezhou Beef Intestine Sausage: A signature snack of Hezhou, it boasts a richly sour and spicy flavor with a fresh, aromatic taste that whets the appetite. It is the heart of the local night market and a must-try for visitors.

Hakka Hundred-Dish Stuffed Delicacies: A signature dish of Hezhou's traditional cuisine, where virtually any ingredient can be stuffed. Representative varieties include tofu stuffed dishes, chili stuffed dishes, melon blossom stuffed dishes, pomelo peel stuffed dishes, and eggplant stuffed dishes, all renowned for their fresh, aromatic, tender, and smooth texture.

Yao ethnic oil tea: the highest form of hospitality among the Yao people, featuring a rich ginger aroma and a sweet aftertaste that lingers after bitterness, paired with roasted rice and oil fruit for a unique flavor profile.

Xindu Sanhuang Chicken: With tender meat, yellow skin, and sweet flavor, it is best enjoyed prepared in the traditional "white-cut" style to fully showcase its authentic taste.

Hezhou Lemon Duck: With its tangy-spicy flavor that stimulates the appetite and firm, tender meat, it is a classic home-style dish and a staple dish at Hezhou banquets.

2. Local Specialty Snacks

Fangzhuo rice dumplings, mugwort leaf glutinous rice cakes, alkaline water zongzi, clay-roasted chicken, Huangyao fermented black bean powder – all featuring distinctive local flavors of sweet, sour, and wild tastes.

3. Famous local specialties as souvenirs

Huangyao fermented black beans, Fuchuan navel oranges, Fanglin water chestnuts, Yaoshan green tea, and Hakka cured meats.

V. Urban Summary

Hezhou integrates a millennium-old ancient town, primeval forests, unique stone formations, frontier pastoral landscapes, and diverse ethnic cultures into one destination, featuring simple local customs, affordable prices, and pristine scenery. Boasting world-class natural beauty as an ancient town alongside rich cultural heritage of the Hakka and Yao peoples, it stands as Guangxi's premier hidden gem for slow travel, leisure vacations, and wellness retreats – ideal for weekend getaways, family trips, traditional-style photography, and self-driving excursions.