Catch the tail end of summer vacation with the latest compilation of 8 popular attractions and in-depth guides in Laibin, Guangxi

Combining summer climate features and on-site experiences, covering diverse needs such as cooling off, culture, and water activities, helping you explore the hidden gems of central Guangxi:

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🏞️ 1. Shengtang Mountain — The Cloud Sea Feast of Central Guangxi’s Highest Peak

• Cool core: Elevation 1979 meters, average summer temperature 22°C, 98% original forest coverage, over 9000 negative oxygen ions/cm³, a natural air-conditioned oxygen bar.

• Must-experience:

◦ Summit at dawn to watch the sunrise: Depart at 4 AM to reach the top and see the “Five Finger Mountain Sunrise” amidst rolling clouds (bring a light jacket).

◦ Walk the cloud walkway: A 5 km trail through thousand-year-old rhododendron forests, with chances to encounter ancient fir trees and waterfalls.

• Accommodation suggestion: Mid-mountain homestays (such as Yunhai Hotel), cover yourself with a quilt at night while listening to pine waves, deeply feeling the mountain’s coolness.

• Transportation: Self-drive navigation to “Shengtang Mountain Scenic Area,” about 2.5 hours from Laibin city center; shuttle bus from the scenic area to the trailhead (40 minutes).

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🌺 2. Panwangjie (Lotus Mountain) — Danxia Secret Realm Dancing with Yao Culture

• Features: The wonder of Huangshan + the spirit of Zhangjiajie, creek trekking with a temperature drop of 10°C, live Yao ethnic culture display.

• Activity guide:

◦ Creek trekking in Yao Valley: Wade through “Panwang Valley” to catch fish and feel the icy creek water (bring creek trekking shoes).

◦ Overnight in Yao village: Join the bonfire party on Fridays/Saturdays, experience Yao herbal foot baths to dispel dampness and fatigue.

• Hidden check-in spot: Yi Wang Pavilion viewing platform, overlooking the entire Stone Forest Fairyland.

• Transportation: Take the scenic area shuttle bus from Jin Xiu County town (30 minutes) or drive directly.

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🚣 3. Shengtang Lake — Bamboo Rafting Through a Painted Landscape

• Cooling formula: Crystal-clear emerald lake water, bamboo raft drifting through a 16 km canyon, green mountains lining both banks, Yao songs drifting in the wind.

• In-depth activities:

◦ Morning mist photography: Capture the thin mist swirling over the lake at 6 AM, like a Yao brocade unfolding.

◦ Water camping: Camp in Pingjiao Valley, stargaze at night (reservation required, tent rental 80 RMB per tent).

• Tips: The rafting lasts about 2 hours, wear waterproof shoes to avoid splashes, try Yao-style fermented meat and bamboo tube rice at the endpoint.

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🌉 4. Gushagou Scenic Area — A Cool Challenge on the Cliff

• Thrilling experiences:

◦ Glass walkway + 3D horseshoe platform: Suspended 300 meters above Lingzu Grand Canyon, breathtaking steps amid clouds and mist.

◦ Baleshan Cloud Sea Coffee House: Enjoy a coffee after the challenge, quietly watching the clouds roll by.

• Water fun bonus: Changliu River rafting (ticket includes equipment), the top choice for water fights to cool off.

• Transportation: Self-drive navigation to “Gushagou Scenic Area,” 1 hour from Jin Xiu County town, parking fee 10 RMB/day.

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♨️ 5. Xiangzhou Ancient Elephant Hot Springs — Dual Hot and Cold Healing Journey

• Summer exclusive: Soak in 86°C strontium-sulfur hot springs during the day (dispels dampness and detoxifies), jump into the cold spring pool at night (resort exclusive).

• Food pairing: Hot spring eggs cooked fresh (40 minutes to fully cook), paired with Xiangzhou field snail and duck feet spicy sour pot to whet the appetite.

• Accommodation recommendation: Choose rooms with cold spring pools, private baths and stargazing both guaranteed (average summer price 500 RMB/night).

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🏯 6. Mo Tusi Yamen — A Century-Old Zhuang Ethnic Palace

• Cultural highlights: The most well-preserved Tusi architectural complex in Asia, filming location of “Liu Sanjie,” bluestone slabs and carved window lattices create instant ancient-style photos.

• In-depth experience:

◦ Dress in Zhuang costume for photos: Rent Zhuang brocade clothing (30 RMB/hour), take palace drama-style photos in the council hall.

◦ Combine with a red-themed class: Visit the newly opened Guangxi Duyi Xin Liberation Memorial Hall (15 minutes by car from the Yamen).

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:30 PM, recommend arriving early to avoid crowds.

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🛶 7. Letan National Wetland Park — Karst “Thousand Island Lake”

• Water paradise: 30 km of continuous blue waves, take a fisherman's boat tour of the reservoir area (50 RMB/person for 2 hours), free swimming in shallow areas (bring safety float).

• Must-try food: Freshly caught swordfish boiled in clear water at lakeside farmhouses, sweet and fresh without fishy taste.

• Photography spot: Bamboo sea walkway for “High Gorge Meets Flat Lake” shots, stunning light and shadow at sunset.

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🏕️ 8. Dayao Mountain Yao Village Summer Homestay Cluster — Immersive Yao Life

• Secret recommendations:

◦ Liuxiang Township: Flower Basket Yao ancient village, open the window to see terraced fields and sea of clouds, learn to weave colorful ribbons with Yao women (indoors to avoid midday sun).

◦ Changdong Township: Pan Yao settlement, pick and make tea in the morning, drink wild cliff tea to reduce internal heat.

• Overnight options: Ancient Zhan Yao village stilt houses (from 200 RMB), fall asleep listening to the Tianqin zither singing.

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📍 Local Insider Route (3 days 2 nights)

D1 Culture + Scenery

Morning: Mo Tusi Yamen (dress in Zhuang costume for photos) → Afternoon: Letan Wetland boat tour → Overnight at Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort

D2 Yao Mountain Cooling

Morning: Summit Shengtang Mountain to watch the sea of clouds → Afternoon: Bamboo rafting on Shengtang Lake → Overnight at Panwangjie Yao Village (bonfire party)

D3 Secret Exploration

All day: Gushagou glass walkway + rafting → Before departure, buy Yao Mountain Lagua Duwu (cool local snack)

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🍜 Food Radar (Summer Exclusive)

Dish Recommended Location Specialty
Yao Biji Banquet Jin Xiu County Yao Family Home Cured meat + river fish + wild vegetables, taste the freshness of Yao Mountains in one platter
Chicken Blood Vine Jelly Shengtang Mountain Homestay Medicinal ice jelly, relieves heat and fire (10 RMB/bowl)
Beigeng Lamb Kou Xin City Night Market Tender and not greasy, traditional “summer lamb” dish
Field Snail Duck Feet Pot Around Xiangzhou Hot Spring Resort Sour bamboo shoots + duck feet + field snails, sour and spicy appetizer

⚠️ Practical Tips

1. Mosquito and sun protection: Mountain areas have many mosquitoes, long sleeves and pants + mosquito repellent spray are essential; strong UV rays mean hats and sunglasses are a must.

2. Avoid peak times: Shengtang Mountain and Gushagou see double the crowds on weekends, recommend visiting on weekdays.

3. Transportation combo: Attractions are scattered, self-driving is most convenient (over 600 public e-bike stations countywide), or charter a car (about 400 RMB/day).