Hezhou Attractions

Located at the junction of Guangxi, Guangdong and Hunan provinces, Hezhou (贺州) is known as the World Longevity City and the China Hot Spring City. With a history combining ancient towns, karst landscapes, forests, hot springs, ethnic culture and rural scenery, Hezhou has become one of the most attractive destinations in eastern Guangxi.

The city includes Babu District (八步区), Pinggui District (平桂区), Zhaoping County (昭平县), Zhongshan County (钟山县), and Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County (富川瑶族自治县). Its tourism resources can be divided into several major themes: ancient towns and historical culture, mountain forests and waterfalls, karst geological landscapes, hot spring wellness, Yao ethnic culture, rural tourism and red cultural heritage.

Among all attractions, Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇) is the most famous cultural landmark of Hezhou, while Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园), Jade Stone Forest Scenic Area (玉石林景区) and Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area (十八水原生态景区) represent the city’s outstanding natural landscapes. Together, these attractions create a complete travel experience combining ancient villages, forests, waterfalls, caves, ethnic customs and wellness holidays.

Hezhou’s attractions are relatively spread across different counties and districts. The Pinggui area near downtown is suitable for a one-day nature route including Gupo Mountain, Jade Stone Forest and Ziyun Wonderland, while Huangyao Ancient Town requires a separate cultural travel day. Visitors planning to explore Fuchuan, Zhongshan and remote villages should arrange additional time because of longer transportation distances.

The best travel season for Hezhou is September to November, when the weather is comfortable, mountain scenery is clear and ancient towns are especially beautiful in the morning mist and evening light. Summer from June to August is ideal for forest hiking, waterfalls and cave sightseeing, while winter is the perfect season for hot spring and wellness experiences.

Hezhou Tourist Attractions Ranking

TOP 1 Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇)｜5A Scenic Area｜Zhaoping County

Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇) is the cultural symbol of Hezhou and one of the most famous ancient towns in Guangxi. Founded during the Song Dynasty and developed through the Ming and Qing periods, the town preserves more than 300 traditional buildings, ancient streets, temples, bridges and ancestral halls.

Surrounded by karst mountains and rivers, Huangyao combines traditional Lingnan architecture with beautiful natural scenery. Famous landmarks include Dailong Bridge (带龙桥), Xianren Ancient Well (仙人古井), Ancient Opera Stage (古戏台) and the more than 800-year-old Dragon Claw Banyan Tree (龙爪榕).

Visitors can walk through stone-paved streets, experience traditional village life, taste Huangyao fermented black bean (黄姚豆豉), enjoy local folk performances and photograph the ancient town during sunrise or evening when lanterns create a poetic atmosphere.

It is the best destination in Hezhou for cultural tourism, photography, historical study tours and slow travel experiences.

TOP 2 Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园)｜4A Scenic Area｜Pinggui District

Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园) is the natural tourism landmark of Hezhou and one of the best forest destinations in eastern Guangxi.

With a main peak reaching 1,844 meters and forest coverage exceeding 90%, the mountain is famous as a natural oxygen bar. The park features waterfalls, valleys, tea gardens, forests and wildlife landscapes.

Major attractions include Xiangu Waterfall (仙姑瀑布), Benma Waterfall (奔马瀑布), Fang Family Tea Garden (方家茶园) and forest hiking routes. The mountain was also used as a filming location for popular Chinese TV dramas such as Tea Is Hometown Strong and Wine Is Hometown Sweet.

Gupo Mountain is suitable for hiking, summer escape, forest camping, photography and family outdoor activities.

TOP 3 Jade Stone Forest Scenic Area (玉石林风景区)｜4A Scenic Area｜Pinggui District

Jade Stone Forest Scenic Area (玉石林景区) is one of the most unique geological attractions in Guangxi. Formed about 150 million years ago, the landscape features white karst stone peaks, pillars and natural rock formations.

The scenic area resembles a white stone kingdom with highlights including One-Line Sky (一线天), stone labyrinths, natural corridors and various symbolic rock formations. The combination of white stone landscapes, green mountains and rural scenery creates a spectacular visual effect.

It is an excellent destination for geological education, photography tours and family science exploration.

TOP 4 Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area (十八水原生态景区)｜4A Scenic Area｜Babu District

Known as the “Jiuzhaigou of Lingnan”, Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area (十八水原生态景区) is famous for its multi-level waterfall system and crystal-clear streams.

The scenic area contains ten connected waterfalls with a total drop of nearly 300 meters. Surrounded by dense forests and mountain streams, it provides a refreshing environment with cool temperatures even during summer.

It is especially popular for river tracing, waterfall sightseeing, hiking and family summer vacations.

TOP 5 Ziyun Wonderland Scenic Area (紫云仙境景区)｜4A Scenic Area｜Pinggui District

Ziyun Wonderland (紫云仙境) is a large karst cave attraction featuring a constant temperature of around 18°C throughout the year.

Inside the cave are spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers and rock formations formed over millions of years. Colorful lighting creates a dreamlike underground world resembling a fairyland.

The cave is suitable for all seasons and is an excellent choice during rainy days or hot summer periods.

TOP 6 Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort (西溪森林温泉度假村)｜4A Scenic Area｜Babu District

Located within a forest environment, Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort (西溪森林温泉度假村) combines natural hot springs with wellness tourism.

The resort features forest trails, countryside accommodation, local cuisine and hot spring facilities. It is especially popular during winter for relaxation, family holidays and health-focused vacations.

TOP 7 Shenxian Lake Scenic Area (神仙湖景区)｜4A Scenic Area｜Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County

Shenxian Lake Scenic Area (神仙湖景区) represents the rural and ethnic charm of Fuchuan.

The area features lake landscapes, flower fields, agricultural experiences, orange orchards and Yao cultural performances. Visitors can experience traditional Yao customs including folk songs and long drum dance.

It is an ideal destination for ethnic culture tours, countryside holidays and family travel.

TOP 8 Linhe Ancient City Scenic Area (临贺故城景区)｜4A Scenic Area｜Babu District

Linhe Ancient City (临贺故城) preserves important historical remains from the ancient Hezhou region.

The site includes ancient streets, wells, temples and traditional buildings, reflecting the history of this thousand-year-old city. It is suitable for history lovers, archaeological study tours and cultural exploration.

TOP 9 Fuchuan Ancient Ming City (富川古明城景区)｜4A Scenic Area｜Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County

Fuchuan Ancient Ming City (富川古明城) preserves Ming Dynasty stone city walls, ancient gates and traditional residential streets.

The ancient city provides visitors with an opportunity to understand Lingnan defensive architecture, local history and the integration of Yao culture with traditional Chinese village life.

TOP 10 Zhongshan Ink Wash Pastoral Scenic Area (钟山水墨田园景区)｜4A Scenic Area｜Zhongshan County

Zhongshan Ink Wash Pastoral Scenic Area (钟山水墨田园景区) is a modern rural tourism destination featuring farmland landscapes, flower fields, agricultural experiences and countryside accommodation.

It is suitable for family trips, photography, farming experiences and leisure holidays.

Complete List of Major Hezhou Attractions in Chinese and English