During WildChina’s annual leisure team travel week in January, our colleagues gathered from across China — Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong — to bond as a team and deepen our understanding of a destination. This year, we ventured to Chongzuo, a lesser-known treasure that has only recently begun to attract local travelers, located along China’s southern border with Vietnam.
Our journey was guided by Michael, a WildChina guide with extensive local knowledge. With his expertise, we uncovered the multifaceted allure of this special region, immersing ourselves in its natural wonders, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences.
Here’s a closer look at the highlights that made our journey so memorable, and that we believe travelers will love experiencing for themselves.
White-Headed Langur National Nature Reserve
Our adventure began at the White-Headed Langur National Nature Reserve, one of China’s most important conservation areas. This site plays a crucial role in protecting the endangered white-headed langur, one of the rarest primate species in the world. WildChina can arrange this visit, offering travelers the chance to experience wildlife conservation firsthand.
We were struck by the serene beauty of the reserve, where towering karst mountains rise above abundant fields of sugarcane. Equipped with binoculars, provided by the reserve to avoid disturbing the langurs, the team set out on a quest to spot these rare primates, known for their striking golden fur and elusive nature. After some patient searching, our efforts were rewarded when we caught sight of a mother langur leaping from treetop to treetop, her baby clinging tightly to her chest.
Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat reinforced for us the importance of preserving such landscapes, ensuring that wildlife can continue to thrive. This mission is at the heart of WildChina’s values, as we work to protect natural environments and promote sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
Zuojiang Huashan Cliff Paintings
Next, we journeyed to the Zuojiang Huashan Cliff Paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage site that brings the ancient past to life. We boarded a boat and drifted down the Zuojiang River, basking in the warmth of the sun as its rays illuminated the karst mountains, casting shimmering reflections on the turquoise water. Along the way, anglers skillfully cast their nets along the riverbanks.
As we neared the site, the ancient rock paintings revealed themselves. These 2,000-year-old murals, painted in crimson ochre by the ancient Luo Yue people, depict scenes of daily life, rituals, and ceremonies. The scale of the paintings took us by surprise, stretching across cliff faces for up to 100 meters. Michael, our guide, pointed out human figures with arms raised in a gesture of worship or ritual. Some of these figures, reaching up to three meters in height, likely represent important societal figures.
WildChina local guides can take travelers to this extraordinary site, where they can engage with the region’s ancient history and interpret the cliff paintings up close.
A musical evening with Mr. Li and family
After a day of exploration, our guide introduced us to Mr. Li and his family, members of the Zhuang ethnic group who live in a small rural village in Chongzuo. We were warmly welcomed into their home and greeted with a melodic song. Their voices harmonized with the gentle strums of the tianqin, a traditional Zhuang stringed instrument that the family are masters of. A bonfire crackled outside, its warm glow inviting us to gather around.
The evening unfolded with a feast of home-cooked local delicacies, followed by an outdoor buffet of sweet treats, including fresh sugarcane to chew. We savored the meal while Mr. Li and his family continued to perform traditional songs. Their smiles showed just how much they enjoyed sharing their music. In a beautiful gesture of hospitality, Mr. Li and his family handed us several of their treasured instruments, giving us the chance to try playing the tianqin ourselves. This is the kind of experience that WildChina can offer and is passionate about — the opportunity for travelers to experience a place’s culture by connecting with its people.
Tongling Grand Canyon
Another highlight of our Chongzuo travel week was our visit to the Tongling Grand Canyon, a place that feels like stepping into a prehistoric world. At the entrance, a local vendor prepares fresh passionfruit juice, a refreshing treat made from fruit grown right in the region. The tangy flavor is the perfect pick-me-up for a hike. Passionfruit, we learned, is a local specialty. During the week we also savored passionfruit chicken, a dish that captures the region’s distinct blend of Chinese and Vietnamese flavors — a local favorite and a must-try for visitors.
The canyon is adorned with emerald trails that wind through the landscape. Our guide highlighted diverse types of flora along the way, including 260-million-year-old ferns — living remnants from the age of dinosaurs.
As we ventured deeper into the canyon, we explored caves and passed through waterfalls, feeling the cool mist on our faces. Our guide shared stories of the “Bear Foot Doctors,” local herbalists renowned for their profound knowledge of the region’s medicinal plants. These traditional healers have spent generations harvesting herbs and roots from the canyon, using them to create remedies to treat ailments and promote wellness. Along the way, we encountered local vendors selling these herbal remedies, giving us a glimpse of the region’s living traditions.
Cycling and yoga in Chongzuo’s countryside
On our last day in Chongzuo, we hopped on charming vintage bicycles and followed our guide to explore the picturesque countryside — an experience WildChina can arrange for travelers seeking an active way to connect with the land. We pedaled through postcard-worthy landscapes, passing verdant hills and vibrant banana trees, with winding paths leading us through fields and rural terrain. The fresh air filled our lungs as the peaceful surroundings invited us to slow down and take in the beauty around us.
After an active cycle, we unwound with a private yoga class led by a local instructor. Under the warm sun, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the tranquility of the countryside, we practiced mindful stretches and deep breathing. This is another WildChina exclusive experience we can arrange for travelers, offering a memorable way to recharge and connect with the environment.
Lux* Hotel Chongzuo
The final stop on our journey was the Lux* Hotel Chongzuo, a luxurious retreat that left a lasting impression with its warm hospitality. Dressed in traditional attire, the team greeted us by draping xiuqiu (embroidered balls) around our necks, a gesture believed to bring good luck and fortune. We were then introduced to Guangxi oil tea, a local specialty made by frying tea leaves in peanut oil with garlic, salt, ginger, and chili, followed by boiling the mixture with water. The strained tea was warm and earthy, and we added green onions, peanuts, and puffed rice for extra crunch.
After our refreshment, we explored the hotel’s stunning surroundings. The property features expansive open spaces, with a design that maximizes natural light and opens up breathtaking views of the Mingshi River and the surrounding mountains. The team agreed that it is one of the most romantic places in China for travelers to experience, with the perfect blend of luxury, local culture, and natural beauty.
These are just some of the unforgettable and exclusive experiences that WildChina can arrange for travelers in this remarkable region. For those interested in exploring Chongzuo, get in touch with our team to discover more of what this destination has to offer.
By Gabrielle Keepfer
