Mengshan Travel Guide

Explore the culture, nature, food, and more with our travel guide to Mengshan in Guangxi, China. Plan your itinerary with outdoor adventures, museums, historical places, and more.


Introduction to Mengshan

Mengshan is a county in central Guangxi, known for its Fengshan National Nature Reserve, which harbors stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its crisscrossing river network and rolling hills, Mengshan offers a natural paradise for adventurous travelers who seek to bike or hike through remote forests, wild rivers, waterfalls, and terraced rice fields. Moreover, Mengshan’s local culture is rooted in the ethnic Yao, Zhuang, and Han communities, making the county an ideal place for travelers seeking to explore China’s diverse ethnicity, taste superb local dishes, and purchase unique souvenirs.

List of Places to Visit in Mengshan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Meng Mountain Revolution Museum

Communist soldiers once planned their attacks on the Nationalist regime in Guangxi from the underground headquarters of Meng Mountain. The Meng Mountain Revolutionary Museum displays an extensive collection of exhibits and artifacts that portray the critical battles for China’s freedom.

Yao People’s Village

The beautiful Yao People’s Village in Mengshan has remained unchanged for generations, offering visitors a rare insight into how the ethnic Yao minority community lives. You can explore unique traditions like the Yao rope bridge, Yao dance, and the Yao ceremony of hair cutting and sampling specialities like “oil tea” and “bamboo rice.”

Fengshan National Nature Reserve

For nature enthusiasts, Fengshan National Nature Reserve is one of the most important cultural and natural attractions in Mengshan. You can camp in the wild, hike the mountain trails, and see the endangered flora and fauna with stunning scenery.

Natural Attractions of Mengshan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mengshan Revolutionary Base Ruins Park

Located at the southern foot of Meng Mountain, Mengshan Revolutionary Base Ruin Park is a famous cultural heritage site in China, where visitors can see the military headquarters of the Communist Party during the Anti-Japanese War.

Kwan-Yin Valley Rafting

The Kwan-Yin Valley Rafting tour is one of the most exciting activities to enjoy in Mengshan. Launching from Kwan-Yin Valley, visitors can experience the fun of rafting through the beautiful Meng River’s crystal clear waters and enjoy some of the best natural scenery in the county.

Wu River Boat Tour

With Wu River Boat Tour, tourists can experience the crystal-clear rivers and breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mengshan. Besides, the tour offers a glimpse into the local Yao minority culture and its customs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mengshan

Taohongling Hiking Trail

The winding Taohongling Hiking Trail offers spectacular views, lush greenery, and challenging terrain, making it an ideal hike for the adventurous visitors.

Jinshiling Terraced Field

The Jinshiling Terraced Fields, where visitors can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in China if you are brave enough to hike in the hills. The circular road around the terraced field offers a 14km cycling route through the stunning scenery.

Best Things to Do in Mengshan: Activities and Tours

Mengshan Local Food Tour

There’s no better way to explore the delicious cuisine of Mengshan than taking a food tour. Experience the local flavors with a passionate, local guide who will take you to the right places to savor the traditional dishes of the Yao people, such as bamboo-tube rice, wild pig meat, Mishao chicken, and more.

Eco-Friendly Tourism

Mengshan is an environmentally-friendly destination that features a balance between preserving its natural resources and encouraging tourism. With its countless eco-tourism activities like glamping, exploration of the nature reserve, and cycling tours, you can go out into nature and explore all this region has to offer without harming it.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mengshan

Day Activity
1 Check-in at Hotel
2 Yao People’s Village & Local Food Tour
3 Taohongling Hiking Trail & Kwan-Yin Valley Rafting
4 Fengshan National Nature Reserve & Wu River Boat Tour
5 Mengshan Revolutionary Base Ruins Park & Eco-Friendly Tourism
6 Jinshiling Terraced Fields & Bicycle Tour
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Mengshan

Must-Try Dishes

Bamboo-Tube Rice

Bamboo-tube rice is a classic dish of the Yao ethnic group, cooked with glutinous rice, juicy spice-marinated pork, and bamboo leaves. The bamboo gives the rice a unique flavor, and it’s usually served with mushroom soup.

Wild Pig Meat

Wild pig meat is a must-try dish when it comes to experiencing Mengshan’s local cuisine. Chefs roast the meat to perfection until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The dish is served hot to bring out the incredibly delicious taste and aroma.

Local Beverages

Huangjiu

Huangjiu is a traditional Chinese rice wine that originates from Guangxi. It has a light and sweet flavor and is perfect for accompanying spicy dishes. Do not miss out on trying this authentic Guangxi beverage when you visit Mengshan.

Where to Stay in Mengshan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Some of the best places to stay in Mengshan include the following:

Guangxi Fengshan Hotel

Guangxi Fengshan Hotel is located in the center of Mengshan County, providing tourists with easy access to local attractions while enjoying comfortable accommodation.

Mengshan Longevity Residence

Mengshan Longevity Residence is a luxury resort that offers incredible views of Mengshan’s scenic spots, top-notch services for the guests, and delicious food to try.

What to Buy in Mengshan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for something to take home with you, here are some ideas:

Yao Minority-Made Clothing

Yao Minority-Made Clothing is a popular item to purchase in Mengshan. The embroidery is particularly eye-catching and the clothes are both beautiful and functional.

Wooden or Bamboo Handicrafts

The Yao, Zhuang, and Han people living in Mengshan all produce stunning arts, crafts, and decorative items using wood or bamboo. You can find everything from beautifully carved sculptures, baskets, and furniture to intricate ornaments or kitchen utensils.

Local Culture and Customs of Mengshan

Mengshan’s unique culture is a blend of Yao, Zhuang, and Han traditions, with large-scale production of handmade crafts like bamboo weaving and embroidery. Visitors will appreciate the courtesy and hospitality of the local people. The Yao’s hair ceremony, traditional dance and singing, and various festivals are also fascinating to observe.

Best Time to Visit Mengshan

The best time to visit Mengshan is from September to November when the climate is dry and the scenery is beautiful. This coincides with Chinese national holidays and peak tourism seasons, so you’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mengshan

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, especially the street-side food.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Learn about the Yao and Zhuang people’s history.

Don’t:

  • Engage in unsolicited photography without permission.
  • Disrespect the natural surroundings.
  • Touch the women’s broidery or embroidery.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mengshan

Mengshan is a safe place to visit, but you should be careful when traveling alone at night.

Health in Mengshan

Be cautious about drinking tap water, as it’s not safe. Pack sunscreen, especially during the summer, as the sun can be harsh.

Getting to Mengshan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mengshan

The nearest airports to Mengshan are Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and Nanning Wuxu International Airport. Both airports have direct flights from many major cities around China.

Bus Stations Near Mengshan

Long-distance buses connect Mengshan with other major cities in the Guangxi region. The bus departures are early in the morning and evening-time. There are also minibusses available to reach out-of-the-way attractions.

Other Options

Taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles are common modes of transportation in Mengshan. Visitors can also choose to rent a car if they feel comfortable driving in China.

How to Get Around in Mengshan

One of the best ways to explore Mengshan is on foot. The countryside is perfect for hiking, and the streets are pedestrian-friendly. Alternatively, try renting a bicycle, e-bike or motorcycle to get beyond the town’s boundary.

Where to Go Next from Mengshan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Guilin

Guilin’s beautiful natural scenery is renowned worldwide. Visitors can cruise down the Li River, explore the underground natural landscapes in the Reed Flute Cave or hike through ethereally beautiful rice terraces.

Liuzhou

Liuzhou is renowned for its traditional Chinese culture, with historical sites like the Huashan Mysterious Grottos and Dragon Mother Temple, and the unique cultural attractions, including the Eastern Metal-Shui Street Art Zone and the Old Street in Tanzhong Village.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a China destination that offers a unique blend of natural and cultural beauty, then Mengshan in Guangxi should be on your bucket list. Whether you like hiking, cycling, riding, or exploring local food, local cultures or scenic landscapes, you’ll find an abundance of activities and sites to satisfy your thirst for adventure. So plan your Mengshan itinerary today and enjoy everything that Mengshan has to offer.