Bordering Vietnam in the south of China, Guangxi is an autonomous region known for its mountainous terrain. It’s home to spectacular karst landscapes and subterranean caves, as well as ancient rock art and some of China’s most photogenic rice terraces.

Things to do

Admire the stalactites and rock formations of the Reed Flute Cave, which lies amidst picturesque gardens just outside the city of Guilin. Also known as the "Palace of Natural Arts”, it’s beautifully illuminated by colourful lights and protects around 70 poetry inscriptions dating back to the Tang dynasty.

Cruise along the Li River, which flows through magnificent karst landscapes from Guilin to Yangshuo. Soak up the scenes of fishermen floating by on bamboo rafts and locals harvesting rice paddies, then marvel at the weathered rocks of Nine Horse Fresco Hill.

Visit the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a series of paintings on the towering limestone cliffs of the Ming River. Created using red ochre, they depict human figures, ships, animals and bells believed to illustrate the life and rituals of the ancient Luo Yue people.

Photograph the magnificent Longsheng Rice Terraces that ribbon their way along a contoured hill and are named after their resemblance to a dragon’s backbone. Established in the 13th century, they surround the Zhuang ethnic minority village of Ping’an and a community of Red Yao people in Jinkeng.

Getting around

Nanning Wuxu International Airport lies 45 minutes’ drive south of the Guangxi capital, Nanning, while trains connect to major cities across the province and beyond. Buses also travel throughout Guangxi and connect most of the province’s sights.