Hezhou Overview

Hezhou (贺州) is a prefecture-level city in northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, located at the junction of Guangxi, Guangdong and Hunan. The city covers an area of about 11,753 square kilometers and consists of Babu District, Pinggui District, Zhongshan County, Zhaoping County and Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County. The municipal government is located in Babu District.

With a history of more than 2,000 years, Hezhou was formerly known as Linhe (临贺) and has long been an important transportation hub connecting southern China. Today, it is recognized as the World Longevity City, Hometown of Chinese Hakka Culture, Hometown of Chinese Tea, China Hot Spring City and the Backyard Garden of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Located close to the Greater Bay Area, Hezhou has become an important city for regional cooperation, tourism development and cultural exchange between Guangxi, Guangdong and Hunan.

Geographic Location and Natural Environment

Hezhou is located in northeastern Guangxi, bordering Guilin and Wuzhou in Guangxi, Qingyuan and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province, and Yongzhou in Hunan Province. Its unique location makes it a natural gateway connecting the Pearl River Delta with southwestern China.

The city is dominated by mountains, hills, karst landscapes and river valleys. Around 70% of the region features karst terrain, creating spectacular natural scenery including limestone peaks, caves, forests and waterfalls. The northern mountains are connected with the Mengzhu Mountains and Dupang Mountains, while the southern area features the Daguishan Mountains. The highest peak, Beikading Mountain (北卡顶), reaches more than 1,850 meters above sea level.

The rich mountain and river resources have created favorable conditions for forest tourism, outdoor adventure, ecological sightseeing and wellness travel.

Climate and Best Time to Visit Hezhou

Hezhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild temperatures, abundant rainfall and comfortable weather throughout the year. The annual average temperature is around 20°C, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Summer is warm in urban areas but much cooler in mountainous destinations such as Gupo Mountain (姑婆山) and Daguishan National Forest Park (大桂山国家森林公园), which are popular summer retreat destinations.

The rainy season mainly occurs from April to September, bringing rich water resources to forests, waterfalls and rivers. The best travel season is generally September to November, when the weather is pleasant, visibility is excellent and outdoor activities are comfortable. Summer is ideal for waterfalls, forests and caves, while winter is suitable for hot spring vacations.

Transportation and How to Get to Hezhou

High-Speed Rail Transportation

Hezhou has convenient railway connections through the Guiyang–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway. The main railway stations include Hezhou Railway Station and Zhongshan West Railway Station, providing direct connections to major cities such as Guangzhou, Guilin, Nanning and Hong Kong.

Typical travel times include Guangzhou to Hezhou in about 1.5 hours, Guilin to Hezhou in about 1 hour, Nanning to Hezhou in about 2 hours, and Hong Kong West Kowloon to Hezhou in about 2.5 hours.

For overseas travelers entering China through Guangzhou or Hong Kong, high-speed rail is the most convenient way to start a Hezhou tour.

Road Transportation and Self-Driving

Hezhou has developed a complete highway network connecting Guangxi, Guangdong and Hunan. Major highways including the Baomao Expressway, Guanghe Expressway, Lianhe Expressway and Cangzhao Expressway provide easy access to different counties and scenic areas.

Self-driving is highly recommended because many attractions are distributed across different areas. Travelers can easily combine Huangyao Ancient Town, Gupo Mountain, Jade Stone Forest and hot spring resorts into flexible routes.

Air Transportation

Hezhou currently has no regular civilian airport. Most visitors arrive through nearby airports including:

• Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Nanning Wuxu International Airport

Among them, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the most convenient option for international visitors.

Population and Ethnic Culture

Hezhou has a population of nearly 2 million residents, with urban populations mainly concentrated in Babu and Pinggui districts. The countryside is distributed among mountain counties and traditional villages.

The city is a multicultural area where Han Chinese, Yao, Zhuang, Miao and Dong ethnic groups live together. Among them, Yao culture is the most distinctive ethnic feature.

Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County preserves rich traditional culture, including:

• Yao Panwang Festival
• Yao Long Drum Dance
• Butterfly Song
• Traditional embroidery
• Yao costumes and village customs

These traditions provide excellent opportunities for ethnic cultural tours and study programs.

History and Cultural Heritage

Hezhou has developed a unique cultural identity through the integration of Lingnan culture, Hakka traditions, Baiyue heritage, Silk Road exchanges and ethnic minority cultures.

Hakka Culture

Hezhou is one of Guangxi’s important Hakka cultural regions. Traditional Hakka villages, ancestral halls, folk songs and agricultural customs remain well preserved.

Visitors can experience authentic Hakka lifestyles through ancient villages, traditional architecture, local cuisine and folk festivals.

Ancient Town and Historical Culture

Hezhou has a long history as an important ancient transportation route. The city preserves historical destinations such as Linhe Ancient City (临贺故城) and Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇).

Among them, Huangyao Ancient Town is the most famous cultural attraction, featuring ancient streets, Ming and Qing architecture, stone bridges, traditional houses and local handicrafts. It is an ideal destination for photography, cultural exploration and slow travel.

Longevity and Wellness Culture

Known as the World Longevity City, Hezhou combines natural landscapes with traditional health concepts. Forest environments, hot springs, local food culture and Yao wellness traditions have created a unique wellness tourism experience.

Economic Development

Hezhou’s economy is supported by modern agriculture, characteristic industries and tourism services.

Agriculture plays an important role, with famous products including Zhaoping tea, Fuchuan taro, citrus fruits and local agricultural products supplied to the Greater Bay Area.

The industrial sector focuses on:

• Calcium carbonate new materials
• Green manufacturing
• Electronic information
• Jewelry processing
• Circular economy industries

Tourism and modern services have become important economic drivers, especially in cultural tourism, ecological tourism, wellness tourism and rural tourism.

Hezhou Tourism Development and Travel Highlights

Hezhou focuses on four major tourism themes: ancient towns, mountain ecology, ethnic culture and wellness tourism.

Ancient Town Tourism

Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇) is the most representative destination in Hezhou. This national 5A scenic area preserves traditional streets, ancient buildings and peaceful countryside landscapes.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Historic architecture
• Traditional culture
• Ancient town photography
• Local cuisine
• Slow village life

Mountain Ecology and Outdoor Tourism

Destinations such as Gupo Mountain National Forest Park and Daguishan National Forest Park offer forests, waterfalls, hiking trails and fresh mountain air.

They are suitable for:

• Summer vacations
• Hiking
• Camping
• Family trips
• Nature photography

Hot Spring and Wellness Tourism

Hezhou’s hot spring resources provide relaxing experiences combining nature and health traditions. Forest hot springs, wellness resorts and traditional therapies make the city an attractive destination for long-stay vacations.

Yao Ethnic Cultural Tourism

Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County offers visitors opportunities to experience authentic ethnic culture through traditional villages, festivals, folk performances and handicraft activities.

Rural and Agricultural Tourism

The countryside of Hezhou features tea gardens, fruit orchards, traditional villages and farming landscapes, making it suitable for family trips, photography tours and agricultural study programs.

Recommended Hezhou Travel Routes

2 Days Hezhou Weekend Tour

A short trip can combine the city’s most famous attractions:

Hezhou City – Gupo Mountain – Jade Stone Forest – Huangyao Ancient Town

This route combines natural scenery, karst landscapes and historical culture.

3–4 Days Classic Hezhou Tour

A recommended route:

Hezhou – Huangyao Ancient Town – Gupo Mountain – Forest Hot Spring Resort – Yao Villages

This itinerary covers the city’s most representative cultural and natural attractions.

5–7 Days Deep Hezhou Exploration

For travelers interested in culture and nature:

Hezhou – Huangyao Ancient Town – Linhe Ancient City – Fuchuan Yao Villages – Zhongshan Countryside – Forest Parks

This route provides a deeper experience of ancient history, ethnic culture, mountain landscapes and local lifestyles.