Hezhou Travel Tips

Hezhou (贺州) is located at the junction of Guangxi (广西), Guangdong (广东), and Hunan (湖南), serving as an important tourism gateway between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and southwest China. Known as the World Longevity City, China Hot Spring City, and the Back Garden of the Greater Bay Area, Hezhou combines ancient towns, karst landscapes, mountain forests, hot springs, Yao ethnic culture, and countryside scenery.

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 mainly include five major themes: ancient town culture, mountain ecology, karst landscapes, hot spring wellness, and ethnic rural experiences.

Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇) is the cultural highlight of Hezhou. This national 5A scenic area preserves hundreds of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, ancient streets, bridges, temples, and traditional residences. Surrounded by karst peaks and rivers, it is ideal for history lovers, photography travelers, cultural tours, and slow travel.

Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园) and Shibashui Ecological Scenic Area (十八水原生态景区) represent Hezhou’s natural landscapes. Dense forests, waterfalls, mountain streams, and fresh air make them popular destinations for hiking, summer retreats, family trips, and outdoor activities.

Jade Stone Forest (玉石林) and Ziyun Wonderland (紫云仙境) showcase Hezhou’s unique karst geology. The white stone forest and underground cave landscapes provide excellent experiences for photography, geological education, and summer cooling.

The Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort (西溪森林温泉), Fuchuan Yao villages (富川瑶族村寨), Xiushui Zhuangyuan Village (秀水状元村), and rural countryside areas add wellness, ethnic culture, and agricultural experiences to Hezhou’s tourism system.

Best Time to Visit Hezhou

Autumn (September–November): Best Travel Season

Autumn is the most comfortable period for exploring Hezhou. The weather is cool and dry, mountain views are clear, and ancient towns often have beautiful morning mist. It is the best season for hiking, photography, outdoor study tours, and self-driving trips.

Spring (March–May): Cultural and Countryside Travel

Spring brings flowers, green landscapes, and misty mountain scenery. It is suitable for Huangyao Ancient Town photography, rural exploration, and Yao cultural experiences. Rainy days may make mountain paths slippery, so visitors should prepare suitable shoes.

Summer (June–August): Mountain Escape Season

Summer is ideal for visiting waterfalls, forests, caves, and mountain areas. Gupo Mountain, Shibashui, Jade Stone Forest, and Ziyun Wonderland provide cooler environments compared with cities. Rain showers are common in the afternoon, so rain protection is recommended.

Winter (December–February): Hot Spring Holidays

Winter is suitable for relaxing trips, especially hot spring vacations. Xixi Forest Hot Spring is the best choice for wellness, family holidays, and slow travel.

Recommended Hezhou Tour Itineraries

2 Days 1 Night Hezhou Short Tour

Day 1: Gupo Mountain + Jade Stone Forest

Arrive at Hezhou Railway Station (贺州站) and visit Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园). Explore waterfalls, forests, tea gardens, and mountain scenery. In the afternoon, continue to Jade Stone Forest (玉石林) to enjoy unique white karst formations and photography viewpoints.

Stay overnight in Hezhou city and enjoy local specialties such as rice noodles, stuffed dishes, and traditional snacks.

Day 2: Huangyao Ancient Town

Visit Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇) and explore ancient streets, bridges, temples, traditional houses, and riverside scenery.

Morning is the best time for photography because the ancient town is quieter and often covered by mist. Return to Hezhou Railway Station after sightseeing.

3 Days 2 Nights Classic Hezhou Tour

Day 1: Mountain and Karst Landscapes

Visit:

• Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园)
• Jade Stone Forest Scenic Area (玉石林)

Stay overnight in Hezhou.

Day 2: Huangyao Ancient Town Cultural Experience

Spend a full day exploring:

• Ancient streets
• Dailong Bridge (带龙桥)
• Xianren Ancient Well (仙人古井)
• Traditional residences
• Local food culture

Stay overnight in Huangyao Ancient Town to experience the quiet evening atmosphere.

Day 3: Hot Spring or Cave Experience

Choose one:

Option A: Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort (西溪森林温泉)
Enjoy forest hot springs and wellness activities.

Option B: Ziyun Wonderland (紫云仙境)
Explore underground caves and karst formations.

4 Days 3 Nights Hezhou Deep Exploration Tour

Day 1: Hezhou City – Gupo Mountain – Jade Stone Forest

Explore forests, waterfalls, and geological landscapes.

Day 2: Huangyao Ancient Town

Experience ancient architecture, local traditions, and slow village life.

Day 3: Fuchuan Yao Culture Tour

Visit:

• Fuchuan Ancient Ming City (富川古明城)
• Xiushui Zhuangyuan Village (秀水状元村)
• Shenxian Lake Scenic Area (神仙湖景区)

Experience Yao culture, traditional villages, and rural scenery.

Day 4: Zhongshan Countryside and Historic Sites

Visit:

• Zhongshan Ink Wash Pastoral Scenic Area (钟山水墨田园)
• Linhe Ancient City (临贺故城)

Return after sightseeing.

Transportation Tips for Hezhou

Getting to Hezhou

High-speed rail is the most convenient way to reach Hezhou. Hezhou Railway Station (贺州站) connects the city with Guangzhou, Guilin, Nanning, and other major destinations.

Approximate travel times:

• Guangzhou South – Hezhou: about 1.5 hours
• Guilin – Hezhou: about 1 hour
• Nanning – Hezhou: about 2 hours

For international travelers, flying to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场) or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (广州白云国际机场) and transferring by train is recommended.

Local Transportation

Because attractions are spread across different counties, self-driving and private charter services are the best choices for families, groups, and study tours.

Public buses mainly connect towns and cities but may not reach remote scenic areas directly. Travelers without cars can combine high-speed rail, scenic shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Travel Tips and Safety Guide

Packing Recommendations

Visitors should prepare:

• Comfortable non-slip walking shoes
• Light jacket for mountains and caves
• Raincoat or umbrella during rainy seasons
• Sun protection in summer
• Mosquito repellent for forests and villages
• Power bank and offline maps for remote areas

Scenic Area Safety

At Gupo Mountain, visitors should follow marked trails and avoid feeding wild monkeys.

At Huangyao Ancient Town, the stone roads can become slippery after rain. Respect local residents and protect historic buildings.

At Jade Stone Forest and Ziyun Wonderland, do not climb rocks or touch geological formations.

At Shibashui and hot spring areas, pay attention to slippery paths and follow water safety rules.

Cultural Etiquette

Hezhou is home to Han, Yao, Zhuang, and other ethnic groups. When visiting villages, travelers should respect local customs, ask permission before photographing residents, and avoid touching traditional costumes or cultural objects without permission.

Accommodation Recommendations

Hezhou City

Best for first-time visitors, business travelers, and transportation convenience. Hotels near the railway station and downtown areas provide easy access to restaurants and transportation.

Huangyao Ancient Town

Best for cultural travelers and photographers. Staying inside or near the ancient town allows visitors to enjoy morning mist, quiet evenings, and traditional village life.

Gupo Mountain Area

Best for summer holidays and outdoor travelers. Forest hotels and mountain guesthouses provide a peaceful environment close to nature.

Xixi Forest Hot Spring Area

Best for wellness holidays, families, and winter vacations. Visitors can combine hot springs with countryside relaxation.

Fuchuan Yao Villages

Best for ethnic culture experiences and rural exploration. Local guesthouses provide opportunities to experience Yao cuisine, handicrafts, and village lifestyles.