Things To Do
in Longzhou

Longzhou is a county-level town in southwest Guangxi, China, near the border with Vietnam, set along the winding Zuo River and surrounded by lush karst hills. The area blends Zhuang ethnic culture with cross-border influences, creating lively markets, traditional festivals, and distinctive local food. Agriculture, river transport and cross-border trade shape daily life, while rural villages and terraced fields offer scenic escapes from urban bustle.

Longzhou is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers who enjoy nature, ethnic culture, and low-key local life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Cultural Immersion at Longzhou Ancient Town
morning
:

Begin your day wandering through the winding alleys of Longzhou Ancient Town, absorbing the architectural charm of traditional Zhuang-style houses. Visit local markets bustling with villagers selling fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with friendly locals to learn about their customs and daily life in this historic setting.

afternoon
:

Explore the Longzhou Museum to discover the region’s rich ethnic heritage, including exquisite Zhuang embroidery and ancient artifacts. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby eatery specializing in Guangxi cuisine, sampling dishes like sour bamboo shoots and river fish. Spend time photographing the vibrant murals and historic temples that tell stories of the town’s past.

evening
:

Attend a traditional Zhuang folk music and dance performance held at the town square, where colorful costumes and lively rhythms bring the culture to life. Dine at a riverside restaurant offering views of the sunset over the lush karst hills. Conclude the evening with a peaceful stroll along the Longjiang River, enjoying the tranquil night air and illuminated scenery.

day 2
River Exploration and Bamboo Rafting Adventure
morning
:

Start your day with an invigorating bamboo rafting trip along the crystal-clear waters of the Longjiang River. Drift past dramatic limestone karst formations and verdant hills, immersing yourself in the serene natural beauty. Along the banks, glimpse farmers tending to rice paddies and fishermen casting nets in traditional ways.

afternoon
:

Disembark near a riverside village and enjoy a hearty lunch featuring locally sourced river fish and fresh vegetables. Visit the village to observe traditional Zhuang agricultural practices and sample homemade rice wine. Take a guided walk through nearby bamboo groves, learning about their ecological importance and uses in local crafts.

evening
:

Return to town and unwind with a foot massage using herbal remedies native to Guangxi. Savor a dinner of spicy Longzhou-style hotpot, perfect for sharing with new friends. End the day by sitting around a bonfire with villagers, listening to stories and legends under a star-lit sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Street meal / simple bowl of rice noodles$1-3
🍱Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$20-50
🚌Local bus/minibus fare$0.20-1
💧Bottled water / soft drink$0.50-1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich ethnic culture and cross-border flavor
  • Beautiful karst scenery and quiet riverside landscapes
  • Very affordable for food, transport and lodging
  • Good for off-the-beaten-path travelers seeking authentic local life
  • Limited English signage and few tourist services
  • Infrastructure and accommodations are basic compared with major cities
  • Rainy season can disrupt outdoor plans and road travel
  • Border area regulations require care and can limit spontaneous crossing
  • "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "请问 (Qǐngwèn)..." - Excuse me / May I ask...
  • "不要辣 (Bù yào là)" - Not spicy, please
  • "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
  • "厕所在哪里? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Longzhou

Visit one of these nice places.

Zuo River Riverside at Sunrise

Soft morning light on river boats, mist rising between karst peaks, and scenes of fishermen and riverside life—excellent for atmospheric landscapes and portraits.

Karst Ridge Lookouts

Short climbs to limestone ridges give sweeping views over patchwork rice fields and dramatic rock formations—great at golden hour.

Ethnic Villages and Markets

Colorful traditional clothing, embroidered textiles, and lively market stalls provide rich cultural and street-photography opportunities—ask permission before photographing people.

Detian Waterfall (day trip)

A dramatic multi-tiered waterfall near the border with Vietnam; large cascades, rainbows and forested surroundings make for powerful landscape shots.

Border Area and Trading Streets

Scenes of cross-border commerce, old border bridges and bustling trade streets show the town's frontier character and daily life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Longzhou

Longzhou's cuisine is Guangxi in character—rice-based, savory, and influenced by ethnic Zhuang and nearby Vietnamese flavors. Expect river-fresh fish, pickled and sour vegetables, sticky rice preparations, and bold umami from fermented sauces. Meals are centered on rice or rice noodles, with plenty of leafy greens, bamboo shoots, and pork or freshwater fish. Street food and small family restaurants are the best places to taste authentic local flavors.

Longzhou Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Zuo River Fish Hotpot

A communal pot of river fish cooked with local herbs, chiles and sour bamboo shoots—served at riverside restaurants and family eateries.

Must-Try!

Sticky Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaf (Nuomici/Grilled Sticky Rice)

Glutinous rice often mixed with meat or beans, steamed or grilled in banana leaf—found at markets and street stalls for breakfast or snack.

Suan Cai (Sour Pickled Vegetables) Dishes

Locally pickled mustard greens and bamboo shoots served with rice or in soups; a signature tangy flavor in local cooking.

Zhuang-style Cold Rice Noodles

Chilled or room-temperature rice noodle preparations with savory sauces, minced pork or tofu and pickled vegetables—great on warm days.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Longzhou County Market

The daily wet market where you can sample breakfast rice noodles, steamed buns, sticky rice snacks and freshly grilled river fish; ideal for trying local sweets and preserved products.

Border Trade Street / Evening Market

A lively evening area near the border-trade quarter with skewers, fried snacks, and cross-border specialty stalls reflecting Vietnamese-influenced flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Longzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate: hot, humid summers with ample rainfall, mild and damp winters, and a distinct rainy season from spring into summer. Annual temperatures are moderate compared with northern China; the best weather for visiting is typically autumn when skies clear and humidity drops.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect Elders

Show deference to older people in conversation and seating. Public displays of impatience are frowned upon.

Photography Etiquette

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in ethnic minority villages; a small gift or polite conversation helps.

Shoes and Homes

Remove shoes when entering private homes and some guesthouses or homestays—follow hosts' cues.

Politeness and Saving Face

Avoid direct confrontation or public criticism; polite, indirect language and humility are valued.

Safety Guide

Safety

Longzhou is generally safe for travelers—violent crime is rare. Take normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded markets and on buses. Be cautious on rural mountain roads and during night driving; river currents can be strong so avoid unsupervised swimming. As a border county, respect border controls and carry your passport/ID at all times when near crossing points. Bring travel insurance and basic first-aid supplies.

Tipping in Longzhou

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in small-town China; it may be appreciated at tourist-oriented establishments but is generally not expected. For exceptional service, a small tip or rounding up is fine.

Payment Methods

Cash (CNY) is widely used in markets and small restaurants. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are increasingly common—however, foreign cards and mobile wallets may not always work. Carry some cash and a UnionPay or Visa/Mastercard for larger hotels and travel services.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms (June–August). Expect lush green landscapes and high humidity—carry light rain gear, insect repellent and stay hydrated.

Autumn

September–November offers cooler, drier weather and clearer skies—one of the best times for hiking, photography and outdoor activities.

Winter

December–February is mild compared with northern China but can be cool and damp; bring a light jacket for evenings. Few tourists and lower prices make it peaceful for cultural visits.

Spring

March–May brings warming temperatures and the start of the rainy season; farmland turns green and festivals may occur—be prepared for occasional showers.

Nightlife Guide

Longzhou at Night

Longzhou's nightlife is low-key: evening markets, teahouses, small bars and local KTV lounges. Expect modest venues rather than large clubs; nightlife centers on eating, chatting and occasional live folk or pop performances. Border-town trading areas can be livelier at night with food stalls and late shopping.

Hiking in Longzhou

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Karst Ridge Trail

Short ridge hikes near Longzhou offering panoramic views of rice terraces, river bends and limestone towers—suitable for half-day outings.

Zuo River Riverside Trail

Easy walks along the riverbanks passing fishing communities, paddy fields and small groves—good for birdwatching and sunset photography.

Detian Waterfall Trails

Circuit walks and lookout paths around the falls providing multiple viewpoints; combine with riverboat rides and forest paths for a fuller day trip.

Ethnic Village Loop

A network of trails connecting nearby Zhuang and Yao villages through terraced fields and minor forest tracks—best experienced with a local guide to learn about customs and landmarks.

Airports

How to reach Longzhou by plane.

Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG)

The main regional airport serving Guangxi, located in Nanning (~3–4 hours by road from Longzhou). Regular flights connect to major Chinese cities; long-distance buses or private transfer services connect Nanning to Longzhou.

Baise Youjiang Airport (AEB)

Smaller regional airport in Baise, approximately 2.5–3.5 hours by car depending on route; useful for travelers coming from west Guangxi or nearby provinces. Ground transfers by bus or taxi are available but less frequent than from Nanning.

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)

Further away (4–6 hours), Guilin's airport is an alternative if combining a Guangxi itinerary focused on karst scenery; connecting buses or trains link Guilin to Longzhou with longer travel times.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and riverside areas are highly walkable with short distances between markets, restaurants and sights. To reach scenic karst ridges, outlying villages or waterfalls you will need a bike, scooter, taxi or organized transport; roads can be narrow and hilly.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Zhuang

The largest ethnic group in the county with distinct language, dress and festivals; many rural communities maintain traditional customs.

Han

Mainstream Han Chinese population often living in town centers and working in commerce, services and government.

Yao and other minorities

Smaller populations of Yao and other ethnic groups live in surrounding hills and villages, contributing to cultural diversity and handicraft traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

A popular recreational sport among youth and adults, with informal matches in villages and town fields.

Badminton

Widely played indoors and outdoors—common recreational activity across age groups.

Dragon Boat Racing (seasonal)

Held on rivers during festival periods, dragon-boat events reflect the area's river culture and draw local teams and spectators.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Longzhou is generally light compared to large Chinese cities; narrow streets and agricultural vehicles are common. Expect slow-moving trucks and scooters on rural roads; exercise caution when driving after rain. Public transportation consists of local buses, minibuses and intercity coaches to Nanning and neighboring counties. Taxis and shared vans are available but may be limited at night.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Longzhou.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited—ask for tofu, vegetable stir-fries, and egg dishes, and request no meat stock. Use the phrase 'bu chi rou' (不吃肉) to say you don’t eat meat and be aware that many dishes use fish sauce or meat stock.

Vegan

Vegan choices require care—many broths and seasonings contain animal products. Carry a translation card explaining restrictions in Chinese and ask vendors about fish sauce and stock.

Gluten-free

Rice-based staples are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for soy sauce and wheat-based seasonings. Carry a brief Chinese note explaining gluten intolerance when dining out.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Longzhou has county-level clinics and a general hospital providing routine care and emergency stabilization. For advanced medical treatment, hospitals in Chongzuo or Nanning (higher-tier facilities) are better equipped—expect several hours' travel. Carry prescription medications, a basic first-aid kit and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed.

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