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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜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.
Soft morning light on river boats, mist rising between karst peaks, and scenes of fishermen and riverside life—excellent for atmospheric landscapes and portraits.
Short climbs to limestone ridges give sweeping views over patchwork rice fields and dramatic rock formations—great at golden hour.
Colorful traditional clothing, embroidered textiles, and lively market stalls provide rich cultural and street-photography opportunities—ask permission before photographing people.
A dramatic multi-tiered waterfall near the border with Vietnam; large cascades, rainbows and forested surroundings make for powerful landscape shots.
Scenes of cross-border commerce, old border bridges and bustling trade streets show the town's frontier character and daily life.
Food in Longzhou
Longzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A communal pot of river fish cooked with local herbs, chiles and sour bamboo shoots—served at riverside restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Glutinous rice often mixed with meat or beans, steamed or grilled in banana leaf—found at markets and street stalls for breakfast or snack.
Locally pickled mustard greens and bamboo shoots served with rice or in soups; a signature tangy flavor in local cooking.
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
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.
A lively evening area near the border-trade quarter with skewers, fried snacks, and cross-border specialty stalls reflecting Vietnamese-influenced flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people in conversation and seating. Public displays of impatience are frowned upon.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in ethnic minority villages; a small gift or polite conversation helps.
Remove shoes when entering private homes and some guesthouses or homestays—follow hosts' cues.
Avoid direct confrontation or public criticism; polite, indirect language and humility are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Longzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
September–November offers cooler, drier weather and clearer skies—one of the best times for hiking, photography and outdoor activities.
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.
March–May brings warming temperatures and the start of the rainy season; farmland turns green and festivals may occur—be prepared for occasional showers.
Longzhou at Night
Hiking in Longzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short ridge hikes near Longzhou offering panoramic views of rice terraces, river bends and limestone towers—suitable for half-day outings.
Easy walks along the riverbanks passing fishing communities, paddy fields and small groves—good for birdwatching and sunset photography.
Circuit walks and lookout paths around the falls providing multiple viewpoints; combine with riverboat rides and forest paths for a fuller day trip.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in the county with distinct language, dress and festivals; many rural communities maintain traditional customs.
Mainstream Han Chinese population often living in town centers and working in commerce, services and government.
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.
A popular recreational sport among youth and adults, with informal matches in villages and town fields.
Widely played indoors and outdoors—common recreational activity across age groups.
Held on rivers during festival periods, dragon-boat events reflect the area's river culture and draw local teams and spectators.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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.