Located in southwestern China, Guangxi (formally the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) offers some truly stunning scenery. Landscapes encompass the limestone karst hills and caves of Yangshuo and Guilin; the steep rice terraces of Longji; and the rainbow-colored Danxia landforms, plus volcanic islands, lush river valleys, and massive sinkholes and waterfalls. Nature and outdoor lovers will find plenty of things to do in Guangxi, while those looking for culture will find it in the region’s large ethnic minority presence.
Guangxi enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters—though it can snow occasionally in the northern part of the province. Spring and fall offer the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with the landscape particularly lush in the spring. It’s best to avoid traveling around the major Chinese holidays, including Chinese New Year and the weeklong golden holidays in May and October, when the region is most crowded.
You can get around Guangxi by planes, trains, and long-distance buses. Major cities such as Nanning, Guilin, Liuzhou, and Beihai all have airports and high-speed train connections, with regular train service and long-distance buses connecting smaller cities and towns. Major cities offer a good network of public transportation options, especially buses, and taxis. You may find it easier to join a tour or to hire a car and driver to get around, especially to more remote attractions or towns.
Guangxi may be known for its surreal landscapes, but it’s also home to a wide range of ethnic minorities. The Longji Rice Terraces combine both striking nature and Zhuang and Yao culture in the surrounding villages. Head to Sanjiang to visit the Dong minority villages of Chengyang. The Guangxi Museum of Nationalities in Nanning also offers insights into the region’s ethnic minorities, while the Huashan Cliff Murals are thought to have been created by the Zhuang.
