Guangxi is situated in the south of China and serves as a gateway to Vietnam, while also bordering four other provinces; Guizhou to the north/northwest, Hunan to the northeast, and Guangdong to the east/southeast.
Guangxi also borders the Yunnan Province to the west.
Formerly considered a province, Guangxi became one of China’s five autonomous regions in the late 1950s.
Today, Guangxi is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in all of China, making it one of China’s most recognizable ‘melting pots’.
The Han are the largest ethnic group, while the Zhuang are the largest ethnic minority, constituting approximately a third of the region’s population.
Other minority groups include the Dong, Gelao, Hui, Jing, Miao, Shui, Yao and Yi.
The ethnic diversity adds to Guangxi’s charm and creates a fusion of mouth-watering cuisine.
There really isn’t a bad time to visit Guangxi, however, spring and autumn are the most desirable.
Summer ushers in lots of rain accompanied with lots of sun, so be sure to bring both your umbrella and sunscreen.
If you are planning to visit some of Guangxi’s wondrous stalagmite caves, such as the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, be sure to bring a jacket or sweater with you.
There can also be a large difference in daytime and nighttime temperature along many of Guangxi’s must see rivers and waterfalls.
A great starting point for your Guanxi adventure could be Guilin; a city home to mesmerizing landscapes coupled with Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for convenience.
Take a soothing boat ride along the river, see the famous Elephant Trunk Hill, and hike up to the Peak of Solitary Beauty to witness Guilin’s ancient and natural beauty.
Seven Star Park and Reed Flute Cave are another two must-see sites.
Catch a three-hour bus ride northwest from Guilin to Heping and see the 500-year-old Dragon’s Backbone; the Longji terraced fields twist and turn along the mountain range like a mythological creature, making for jaw dropping scenery.
Make your way south of Guilin (approx. 1.5 hours by bus) to one of Guanxi’s most famous cities, Yangshuo.
Renowned for its stunning countryside, Yangshuo is the perfect place for outdoor activities such as caving, rock-climbing and hiking.
Be the first in your family to take a trip to the moon, Moon Hill that is! Your trip
won’t be complete without seeing Guangxi’s truly impressive Detian Waterfall, which is the fourth largest transnational waterfall in the world, located in the south of the province right next to Vietnam.