Hechi Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to eat, things to do, and local culture of Hechi, China with this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip to this stunning city in North Guangxi with our week-long itinerary and helpful tips on transportation, safety, and health.


Introduction to Hechi

Welcome to Hechi, a hidden gem in North Guangxi, China! Hechi is a picturesque city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Known for its stunning karst landscapes, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine, Hechi is a must-visit destination for all travelers. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply want to relax in a scenic environment, Hechi has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will help you plan your trip to Hechi by providing a comprehensive list of places to visit, local cuisine to enjoy, and practical advice on transportation, safety, and health.

List of Places to Visit in Hechi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Jinchengjiang Revolutionary Memorial Hall - A museum dedicated to the history of the revolutionary struggle in Jinchengjiang during the Chinese Civil War.

  2. Hechi Museum - A museum that showcases the culture and history of the ethnic minority groups in Hechi.

  3. Donglan Revolutionary Site - A historical site where the Communist Party of China set up its first county revolutionary committee in 1929.

  4. Nandan Ancient Tower - A historic stone tower built during the Tang Dynasty that was used for military defense.

Natural Attractions of Hechi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Yizhou Donglan Scenic Area - A scenic area that features a waterfall, a river, and karst landscapes.

  2. Bailian Cave Scenic Area - A natural cave with spectacular rock formations and underground rivers.

  3. Yizhou Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort - A hot spring resort that offers therapeutic baths and scenic views.

  4. Huangyao Ancient Town - A ancient town with well-preserved buildings and a peaceful atmosphere.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hechi

  1. Yanlong Lake Park - A scenic park that offers the opportunity to hike, bike, and camp.

  2. Yizhou Donglan Scenic Area - A scenic area that features hiking trails along the river and through the forest.

  3. Bailian Cave Scenic Area - A natural cave that offers the opportunity to hike through the cave.

Best Things to Do in Hechi: Activities and Tours

  1. Waterfall Swimming - Cool off in the refreshing waters of Yizhou Donglan Scenic Area’s waterfall.

  2. Rafting - Take a rafting trip down the river in Yizhou Donglan Scenic Area.

  3. Hot Spring Bathing - Relax in the therapeutic hot springs at Yizhou Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort.

  4. Festivals - Experience the local culture by attending one of Hechi’s many festivals, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Lantern Festival, and the Zhuang Song Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hechi

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Jinchengjiang Revolutionary Memorial Hall and Hechi Museum
Day 2 Explore Yizhou Donglan Scenic Area
Day 3 Visit Bailian Cave Scenic Area
Day 4 Take a hot spring bath at Yizhou Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort
Day 5 Walk around Huangyao Ancient Town
Day 6 Hike or bike at Yanlong Lake Park
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Hechi

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sour Fish Soup - A sour and spicy soup made with river fish and pickled mustard greens.

  2. Spicy Bamboo Shoots - A spicy stir-fry dish made with fresh bamboo shoots.

  3. Guilin Rice Noodles - A classic dish made with rice noodles, meat, and vegetables.

  4. Roasted Duck - A local specialty that is roasted with a savory and sweet sauce.

Local Beverages

  1. Rice Wine - A traditional alcoholic beverage made with fermented glutinous rice.

  2. Guilin Sanhua Wine - A type of rice wine that is produced in Guilin and has a unique aroma and taste.

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

  1. Hechi Dahe Hotel - A 4-star hotel located in the city center that offers comfortable rooms and good service.

  2. Yizhou Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort - A resort that offers hot springs, comfortable rooms, and scenic views.

  3. Huangyao Qinglai Inn - A guesthouse located in Huangyao Ancient Town that offers traditional architecture and a peaceful environment.

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

  1. Bamboo Products - Hechi is known for its high-quality bamboo products, such as chopsticks, baskets, and furniture.

  2. Traditional Handicrafts - Local artisans in Hechi produce a variety of traditional handicrafts, such as embroidery, pottery, and paper-cutting.

Local Culture and Customs of Hechi

Hechi is home to a diverse range of ethnic minority groups, including the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao people. Visitors to Hechi can experience the unique culture and customs of these groups through festivals, food, and traditional handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit Hechi

The best time to visit Hechi is from March to November, when the weather is mild and comfortable. During this time, visitors can experience outdoor activities, attend festivals, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery of Hechi.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hechi

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.

  2. Try local cuisine and handicrafts.

  3. Follow the rules and regulations at tourist sites.

Don’t:

  1. Engage in illegal activities.

  2. Disrespect the local culture and customs.

  3. Litter or damage the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hechi

Hechi is a safe city for travelers. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents and theft.

Health in Hechi

Visitors to Hechi should be aware of the potential health risks associated with traveling in China, such as air pollution and food-borne illnesses. Travelers should take appropriate measures, such as wearing masks and drinking only bottled water, to protect their health.

Getting to Hechi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hechi

  1. Liuzhou Bailian Airport - Located about 130km from Hechi, this airport offers domestic flights to major cities in China.

  2. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport - Located about 190km from Hechi, this airport offers domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Hechi

  1. Hechi Bus Station - Located in the city center, this bus station offers connections to major cities in China.

  2. Yizhou Bus Station - Located in Yizhou, this bus station offers connections to nearby towns and villages.

Other Options

Visitors to Hechi can also take a train or hire a car to reach the city.

How to Get Around in Hechi

The most convenient way to get around Hechi is by taxi or private car. Visitors can also use public transportation, such as buses and trains, to reach nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Hechi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Guilin - A popular tourist destination in Guangxi that is known for its stunning karst landscapes and scenic river cruises.

  2. Yangshuo - A picturesque town located on the Li River that offers outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Conclusion

Hechi is a hidden gem in North Guangxi that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Visitors to Hechi can experience the stunning karst landscapes, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine of this charming city. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery, Hechi has something for everyone. Plan your trip to Hechi with this comprehensive travel guide and discover all that this amazing city has to offer.