Chongzuo 3-Day, 2-Night Travel Plan: A Dreamlike Encounter with Border Scenery

In the southwest of Guangxi, there is a city favored by nature—Chongzuo. Like a hidden gem on the China-Vietnam border, it boasts breathtaking natural scenery and unique cultural customs. If you're yearning for a getaway from the hustle and bustle, then accept this 3-day, 2-night Chongzuo travel plan, which will take you on an in-depth exploration of this small city's charm. Preliminary Preparations - Documents: Prepare your ID card. Students should bring their student IDs. Bring any other discount cards as well, as some scenic spots offer discounts. - Clothing: Chongzuo has a warm and humid climate. Light jackets are suitable for spring and autumn. Summers are hot, so take sun protection measures and bring short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sun-protective clothing, sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Winters are not too cold, and a thick coat is sufficient. Comfortable flat shoes are recommended for the entire trip for easy walking in scenic areas. - Items: An umbrella is essential for both sun and rain protection. A power bank will ensure your electronic devices stay charged. Some homestays do not provide toiletries, so remember to bring your own. Don't forget stomach medicine, just in case you experience any discomfort while enjoying the local cuisine. - Accommodation: - 📍Daxin County: If you want to stay near Mingshi Pastoral Scenery, Mingshi Yaju is recommended. It is a nationally recognized Grade-A homestay where you can immerse yourself in the idyllic scenery. For a high-quality resort experience, Secret Retreats Lijiang Resort is an excellent choice. The rooms blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and waters, and there are unique experiences such as bamboo raft afternoon tea. - 📍Detian Waterfall Scenic Area: Laomumian Hotel is located right by Detian Waterfall. It offers comprehensive services such as free parking, buffet breakfast, and self-service laundry. It is also close to other nearby attractions. Itinerary Day 1: Encounter Idyllic Pastoral Scenes and Picturesque Landscapes Morning: After arriving in Nanning, rent a car and head directly to Mingshi Pastoral Scenery in Daxin County (approximately a 2-hour drive). Driving along the Hena Expressway is like traveling through a scroll painting, with stunning scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, drop off your luggage, and take a good rest. Noon: Enjoy local specialties at restaurants near Mingshi Pastoral Scenery. Don't miss delicacies such as Mingshi Pearl Duck, Zhuang-style Tu Si Feast, Mingshi River Fish, and Mingshi Tofu. Afternoon: Rent an electric car or bicycle and ride along the idyllic paths, feeling the gentle breeze and admiring the beautiful scenery of rice paddies, villages, and karst peaks. You'll feel like you've stepped into a Miyazaki anime. Alternatively, take a bamboo raft down the river, listen to the boatman's folk songs, and experience the beauty of Mingshi Pastoral Scenery up close. The final stop is the Zhuang Nationality Residential Museum, where you can explore and learn about the history and culture of the Zhuang people. Evening: Stroll through the night market near the scenic area and try snacks like kebabs and *suanye* (pickled fruits and vegetables). Find an open-air bar, order a drink, and end the day relaxing in the gentle evening breeze. Day 2: Explore Transnational Waterfalls and Magical Caves Morning: Depart from Mingshi Pastoral Scenery and head to Detian Transnational Waterfall (about 30 km). After arriving at the scenic area, take the sightseeing bus. First, take a bamboo raft to get up close to the waterfall and feel the majestic spray. Across the border is Vietnam's Banyue Waterfall, a transnational wonder right before your eyes. Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant in the Detian Waterfall Scenic Area. Try Vietnamese spring rolls and *qu tou dan* (balut) to experience the unique border cuisine. Afternoon: Hike along the scenic route and admire the magnificent waterfall from different angles. You can also visit the China-Vietnam cross-border market and pick up some Vietnamese souvenirs. Afterward, head to Longgong Wonderland, a magical karst cave. The cave is warm in winter and cool in summer, with a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, such as towering jade pillars and the Prince Stone Forest, resembling a fairyland. Evening: Return to the hotel to rest, or relax in the hotel pool to unwind after a day of exploration. Day 3: Journey Through History and Return Trip Morning: Visit the Huashan Rock Paintings Scenic Area in Ningming County. This is a World Cultural Heritage site and the only rock painting World Heritage site in China. Take a boat trip along the Zuojiang River, and you'll see the ochre-red rock paintings on the cliffs from afar. Despite thousands of years of wind and rain, the colors remain vibrant. The figures, animals, and other patterns seem to tell the stories of the Zhuang ancestors. Noon: Enjoy Ningming Drunken Chicken and Longzhou Chicken Rice Noodles in Ningming County. Afternoon: If time permits, visit Paiyang Mountain Forest Park, which is rich in forest resources and has high negative ion levels. There are attractions such as a glass bridge and a valley boardwalk, where you can enjoy the fresh air. Afterward, pack your bags and head home with wonderful memories. Food Recommendations - Longzhou Chicken Rice Noodles: Soft and smooth rice noodles with tender and juicy chicken, topped with dried tofu, chili peppers, and spring onions. The fragrant and rich soup base awakens your taste buds. It's a local favorite for breakfast. - Chongzuo Sour Porridge: A unique traditional fermented food. The rice is naturally fermented to just the right level of sourness, with a smooth texture. It can be eaten with pickled vegetables or meat and is very appetizing. - Bahe Fish Balls: A specialty of Tiandeng County, made from local carp minced into fish paste. The fish balls have a chewy texture and are delicious whether boiled in soup, deep-fried, or pan-fried. The refreshing fish aroma is irresistible. - Bubo Pearl Fish: Selected Huashan River fish, steamed in a dustpan and served with chili peppers and special sauce. The tender and smooth fish meat is spicy and rich, offering a satisfying culinary experience. - Longzhou Five-Color Glutinous Rice: A traditional Zhuang festival food. The glutinous rice is dyed red, black, yellow, purple, and white. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also has a floral fragrance and a soft, sweet taste. Helpful Tips - Tickets: Purchase tickets for Detian Transnational Waterfall, Longgong Wonderland, and Huashan Rock Paintings in advance on major travel platforms to save time queuing. The combined ticket for Detian Waterfall and the sightseeing bus is approximately CNY 115. - Transportation: - External Transportation: You can fly to Nanning Wuxu International Airport and then rent a car to drive to Chongzuo. The scenery along the way is beautiful. You can also take a high-speed train from Nanning to Chongzuo South Railway Station and then transfer to a bus to reach the various scenic areas. - Internal Transportation: The scenic spots in Chongzuo are scattered, so self-driving is the most convenient way to travel. If you don't have a car, you can hire a car or join a local one-day tour group. - Photography: Mingshi Pastoral Scenery is suitable for idyllic photos. Wearing a light-colored dress will make your photos stand out. Dark-colored clothing is recommended for Detian Waterfall to create a contrast with the white waterfall. Huashan Rock Paintings, with the rock paintings and landscape as a backdrop, are ideal for documentary-style photos. - Shopping: Remember to bargain when buying souvenirs at the China-Vietnam cross-border market. Local specialties, such as Tiandeng chili sauce and Fusui Guliao tea, are more affordable at local supermarkets. Chongzuo's beauty lies in its harmonious blend of mountains and rivers, its rich history and culture, and its unique culinary flavors. These three days and two nights are enough to make you fall in love with this border town. Pack your bags and come to Chongzuo for a rendezvous with nature!❗❗