Remember to visit this place when you go to Guangxi; it is seriously underrated. A foolproof guide to avoid pitfalls!
When mentioning Guangxi, many people first think of Guilin’s world-famous landscapes, but deep in western Guangxi lies a seriously underrated treasure town—Baise. This place is free from bustling crowds yet boasts stunning scenery such as cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient towns full of charm, making it a travel paradise where nature and culture intertwine!
Must-visit Highlights
Natural Wonders
Tongling Grand Canyon: Unlike the Gulongshan Grand Canyon, Tongling Grand Canyon features Asia’s tallest single-drop waterfall at 188 meters. The waterfall plunges from the cliff top, splashing against the rocks and creating a dreamy misty rainbow. The canyon is lush with vegetation and rare plants everywhere. Walking through the stalactite-filled caves feels like entering a mysterious underground world.
Quyang Lake: Known as Baise’s “water karst maze,” over 100 uniquely shaped islands scatter across the clear lake surface. Cruising by boat, the surrounding green mountains reflect in the water, creating a picturesque scene that looks like an ink painting with every snapshot.
Chengbi Lake: Known as Guangxi’s “natural oxygen bar,” the lake’s water is as clear and jade-like as its name suggests, surrounded by rolling green hills. Stroll along the lakeside trail to enjoy the scenery, and on the island in the lake, you can try fishing, boating, and other leisure activities.
Waterfall Feast
Tongling Waterfall: Mist swirls over the deep pool beneath the waterfall. Standing on the viewing platform, you can feel the overwhelming power of the rushing water, with cool mist refreshing your face.
Tongtian River Waterfall: This waterfall looks like a white ribbon hanging down the mountain, embraced by green hills in a tranquil setting. Walking along the mountain path, you can discover several hidden small waterfalls and pools, perfect for playing in the water.
Cultural Heritage
Leye Huomai Ecological Village: Located beside the Dashiwai Tiankeng cluster, this village is rich in Yao ethnic culture. It preserves rustic stilted buildings, and the villagers are warm and hospitable. Stroll through the village to enjoy Yao songs and dances, taste local delicacies, and experience authentic ethnic culture.
Naman Town Lumei Village: A peaceful rural village with vast rice fields and neatly arranged farmhouses. In spring, golden rapeseed flowers bloom; in autumn, heavy rice ears sway in the breeze. It’s an excellent place to experience countryside life.
Recommended Local Delicacies
Baise Suanye: Made by pickling various seasonal fruits and vegetables, it combines sour, sweet, spicy, and salty flavors, making it appetizing and refreshing. Suanye stalls on the streets and alleys are great places to try it.
Rolled Rice Noodles: Thin as cicada wings, the rice sheets wrap minced meat, mushrooms, and other fillings, topped with fragrant sauce. The texture is soft and chewy, and the taste is delicious. It’s one of Baise locals’ favorite breakfasts.
Lingyun White Hair Tea: One of China’s famous teas, with plump leaves and visible white hairs. In Lingyun County’s tea gardens, you can not only taste the fragrant white hair tea but also experience tea picking and making.
Tianyang Mango: Large fruit with delicate flesh, juicy and sweet. Every year during mango season, Tianyang hosts a mango festival where visitors can fully enjoy the sweet mango feast.
3 Days 2 Nights Self-Drive Premium Itinerary
Day 1: Natural Wonders Exploration
Morning: After arriving in Baise, drive to Tongling Grand Canyon to explore the canyon and experience the grandeur of Tongling Waterfall. Tour time is about 3-4 hours.
Noon: Enjoy local farmhouse dishes near the scenic area, such as native chicken soup and pan-fried small river fish.
Afternoon: Head to Tongtian River Waterfall, stroll through the mountains, admire the waterfall scenery, and take photos or play by the pools. Spend 2-3 hours here.
Evening: Stay overnight in Lingyun County and taste Lingyun White Hair Tea to experience local tea culture.
Day 2: Lakes, Mountains, and Cultural Charm
Morning: Visit Quyang Lake, take a boat tour around the islands, and enjoy the karst landscape. Spend about 3 hours.
Noon: Have lake fresh dishes at a farmhouse by the lake, such as steamed lake fish and crispy small river shrimp.
Afternoon: Go to Leye Huomai Ecological Village to see traditional Yao architecture, experience Yao customs, and watch Yao song and dance performances.
Evening: Stay overnight in Huomai Ecological Village and savor Yao specialties like smoked cured meat and bamboo tube rice.
Day 3: Countryside Scenery and Return
Morning: Visit Naman Town Lumei Village, stroll through the countryside, enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere, and participate in farming activities.
Noon: Taste authentic farmhouse dishes in the village, such as white-cut chicken and stir-fried seasonal vegetables.
Afternoon: Pack up and head back, concluding a wonderful trip to Baise.
Helpful Travel Tips
Check official channels in advance for opening hours and ticket information; some scenic spots offer discounts for online bookings.
Baise is mountainous; pay attention to road conditions when driving and plan your route ahead.
Some roads in scenic areas can be slippery; wear non-slip comfortable shoes, bring rain gear for unpredictable weather, and take sun protection measures.
When trying local delicacies, ask locals for well-reviewed restaurants to fully enjoy Baise’s unique flavors.
Come to Baise and start a wonderful journey away from the hustle and bustle, immersed in stunning landscapes and rich culture!