Things To Do
in Long’e

Long'e is a quiet town tucked among Guangxi’s limestone karst landscapes, where rivers braid through terraced hills. The town blends traditional architecture, rural markets, and a pace of life that invites slow exploration. Nearby caves, temples, and scenic outlooks offer a gateway to Guangxi’s natural beauty without leaving the comforts of a small city.

Visitors come for sunsets over the karst skyline and for the warmth of outdoor-friendly Guangxi hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Ancient Temples
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the ancient Long’e temples, where intricate carvings and serene surroundings await. Stroll through the peaceful gardens, absorbing the rich history and architectural marvels. Watch as the morning light casts a magical glow on the sacred sites.

afternoon
:

After a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, delve deeper into the spiritual significance of the area by engaging with knowledgeable guides. Experience a traditional tea ceremony nearby, learning about local customs and the art of tea preparation. This afternoon also offers the chance to mingle with locals and shop for handmade crafts.

evening
:

As dusk falls, enjoy a sunset hike along the scenic trails that overlook the valley and town below. Gather for a communal dinner featuring regional delicacies while sharing stories with fellow travelers. Wind down the day by watching a captivating local dance performance, celebrating the cultural heritage of Long’e.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing nature walk through Long’e's lush landscapes, surrounded by misty mountains and vibrant flora. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the melodic sounds of nature as you take in the breathtaking views. This invigorating experience sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to a nearby waterfall, where you can cool off in the crystalline waters and take stunning photographs. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the tranquility of nature, soaking up the serenity of your surroundings. Discover the local wildlife and flora during your exploration, guided by a knowledgeable local guide.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a peaceful boat ride on the nearby river as the sun sets, painting the sky with brilliant colors. Share a cozy dinner at a riverside restaurant, sampling traditional dishes with fresh ingredients from the region. As the stars fill the sky, enjoy stargazing from the riverbank, reflecting on your adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥗Vegetarian meal$8-15
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$25-60
🚕Short taxi ride (within town)$2-8
🛍️Souvenir or snack$3-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning karst scenery and relaxed pace of life
  • Delicious local Guangxi cuisine and easy access to nature
  • Limited nightlife in a small town
  • Some tourist facilities may be basic outside the city center
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
  • "厕所在哪里" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "多少钱" - How much is this?
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "可以刷卡吗" - Can I pay by card?
  • "请问有无线网吗" - Do you have Wi-Fi?

Places to Visit in Long’e

Visit one of these nice places.

Long'e Riverfront at Sunset

Golden light reflecting off karst silhouettes over calm water makes for classic Guangxi landscape photos.

Old Town Gate and Stone Lanes

Weathered walls, carved gates, and winding cobblestone streets provide character-filled compositions.

Karst Overlook near Xiao Mountain

A vantage point over limestone towers and green valleys, especially dramatic during dawn or dusk.

Limestone Caves at Dragon Gate Complex

Intricate cave formations with light beams and underground streams offer moody interior shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Long’e

Long'e’s cuisine reflects Guangxi’s distinctive sour, fresh, and aromatic profile, with rice noodles at the heart of most meals.

Long’e Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

桂林米粉 Guilin Rice Noodles

Soft rice noodles served in fragrant broth or dry with toppings like pork, pickled vegetables, and herbs.

Must-Try!

螺蛳粉 Luó Sī Fěn

A bold, spicy river snail noodle soup with pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, and lime.

酸笋牛肉 Sour Bamboo Shoots with Beef

Tender beef with sour bamboo, chili, and fresh herbs.

香煎银鱼 Pan-Fried River Fish

Lightly seasoned freshwater fish fillet pan-fried to a crisp, commonly enjoyed with garlic and greens.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Long'e Old Town Night Market

A lively lane of street stalls offering noodles, skewers, and snacks late into the evening.

Luo River Market

A daytime market where locals shop for fresh vegetables, herbs, and regional snacks.

Street Snacks

Grilled skewers, fried tofu, rice dumplings, and fragrant herbs typical of Guangxi street food.

Climate Guide

Weather

Long'e experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer, especially July–August, is hot and humid with frequent rain. Spring and autumn are pleasant and comfortable, while winter is cool but rarely cold. Rainy season runs roughly from May to September, influencing travel plans and outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and Respect

A polite nod or light handshake; address elders with formal terms and avoid loud talk in temples.

Dealing with Elders and Gift-Giving

Offer small gifts with both hands; receive items with two hands and a smile.

Temple Etiquette

Dress modestly, remove hats in temples, speak softly, and avoid pointing feet at religious icons.

Food Etiquette

Try shared dishes; wait for elders to begin eating; use chopsticks properly and avoid sticking them upright in rice.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety concerns include petty theft in crowded markets and road hazards in wet weather. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services; keep valuables secure, and watch traffic when walking near waterways. In typhoon or heavy rain seasons, monitor weather forecasts and heed local advisories.

Tipping in Long’e

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in most places in Long'e; round up the bill or give a small tip for exceptional service at tourist-oriented venues.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are common; some shops may not accept cards in rural areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers; great for outdoor walks and village visits.

Summer

Warm to hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; carry a light rain jacket and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Comfortable weather with clear skies and vibrant foliage; ideal for photography and outdoor activities.

Winter

Cool but rarely freezing; comfortable for city strolls and cultural visits without intense heat.

Nightlife Guide

Long’e at Night

Long'e’s nightlife centers on laid-back riverfront bars, tea houses, and lively night markets. In the warmer months you’ll find open-air performances and music near the waterfront; there are a few small live-music venues in town where locals share acoustic sets. For an evening out, a stroll through the night market followed by a dish of luosifen or Guilin rice noodles is common and enjoyable.

Hiking in Long’e

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dragon Gate Mountain Trail

A scenic hike with views of karst towers and forested valleys near Long'e.

Xiao Mountain Ridge Path

A ridge trail offering panoramic valley views and photo opportunities.

Shuanglong Gorge Trail

A moderate hike through gorge scenery with streams and rock formations.

Airports

How to reach Long’e by plane.

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport

Major gateway for international and domestic flights; connects Long'e to many Chinese cities and some international destinations.

Liuzhou Bailongjiang Airport

Smaller regional airport offering domestic connections and easy access to the Liuzhou area.

Getting Around

Walkability

The old town area is very walkable with narrow lanes and riverfront paths; however, the surrounding hills are hilly and stairs may be steep, so a daypack and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority in Long'e and Guangxi, with a mix of urban residents and farmers.

Zhuang people

A prominent minority group in Guangxi, contributing cultural festivals and traditional crafts.

Dong and other minority communities

Smaller communities that influence local music, dress, and cuisine in surrounding villages.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Dragon boat racing

A traditional water sport on local rivers, popular during festival seasons.

Table tennis

Widely played in schools and clubs; common in community centers.

Basketball and badminton

Popular court games among locals and visitors alike.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transportation consists of local buses and taxis; road travel is common with frequent traffic in peak hours. For longer trips, trains and high-speed rail connect to Guilin, Liuzhou, and Nanning; bicycles and walking are enjoyable for short local hops, but hills can be challenging.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Long’e.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be made vegetarian by requesting no meat broth; ask for 清炒蔬菜 or 豆腐菜 to avoid meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Long'e is available through local clinics and the county hospital in the nearby city. For specialty care or emergencies, expect a transfer to a larger city with English-speaking staff or family support; carry basic medications and travel insurance documents.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide