Characterized by marvelous seaside scenery and full-bodied ethical customs, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is blessed with colorful resources and is an imposing region for sightseeing.

Guangxi, called "Gui" for short, is situated in the southern part of China and is adjacent to the provinces of Yunnan to the west, Guizhou to the north, Hunan to the northeast and Guangdong to the southeast. Bordering Vietnam, Guangxi is convenient for tourists crossing overland into Vietnam or vice-versa. With an area of about 230,000 square kilometers (88,780 square miles), topography of Guangxi is basin-like and the limestone distribution occupies half of the total area. Unique topography forms natural sights. You can breathe fresh air and relax yourself by enjoying wonderful landscape everywhere.

History

Guangxi has history dating from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770BC ~ 221BC). From the Qing Dynasty (1644 ~ 1911), the region was named "Guangxi". In 1958, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was established, and it is now one of the five Minority Autonomous Regions in China.

Ethnic Minority Groups

People in Guangxi are multinational, and the total population is about 45 million. Besides the Han nationality, there are ethnic groups of Zhuang, Yao, Miao, Tong, Maonan, Yi, Shui and others. Various cultures are one of the important characteristics of China; therefore, face-to-face communication with various cultures will bring you unexpectedly pleasant surprises.

Guilin, a popular tourist venue in China, is famous for its beautiful landscape. The picturesque Karst scenery along the Li River down from Guilin to Yangshuo has meant the city has become well known to foreigners. The cruise is an unforgettable experience. In addition, attractions in the city are well worth a visit. Among them, Reed Flute Cave, Seven Stars Park and Fu Bo Hill are very impressive.

Yangshuo, the end of the Li River cruise, is a small but peaceful town with stunning country scenery. The town's West Street, lined with western cafes, restaurants and hotels has welcomed countless foreigners from all over the world and is known as "the Earth Village in China". The city is an excellent place for bicyclists and backpackers. Small villages hide behind paddies, water buffalos patrol the fields while fishermen boat on the river. Each provides a feeling of tranquility far removed from the cement jungle of the large cities. You can rent a bicycle to visit the Moon Hill and the Big Banian Tree.

Longsheng and Sanjiang are known for their Dong and Zhuang minority villages. You will have a chance to taste the local food and appreciate the traditional singing and dancing performances. Do not miss the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces in Longsheng and the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge in Sanjiang.

Nanning, the green bright pearl in China, is the capital of Guangxi Province.

When to go

Guangxi lies in a subtropical region: rainy, warm and wet. It is fit for traveling all year round. July is the warmest and average temperature is 23 C to 29 C; the coldest is in January, and average temperature is about 6 C to 16 C. In Guangxi, 80 percent of the rain occurs from April to September. Annual average rainfall is 1250 to 1750 millimeters (49.2 to 68.9 inches) in the most areas.

If you want to enjoy the fabulous natural scenery, visit the numerous cultural and historic sites and taste the traditional customs, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is your best choice. There you will see unique traditional handicrafts: brocades of Zhuang minority, embroideries of Yao Minority and colorful shell carvings.