Chongzuo: An Underrated Fairyland

🏞️ Must-See Attractions 📍Detian Transnational Waterfall: The largest transnational waterfall in Asia, spanning the China-Vietnam border. The 70-meter drop creates a silvery curtain of water, with the largest water volume during the rainy season (May–October) and a clearer, more transparent appearance in winter. Take a bamboo raft to feel the mist up close and admire Vietnam's Ban Gioc Waterfall across the river. 📍Mingshi Pastoral Garden: A pastoral paradise surrounded by karst peaks and forests, and the filming location for "The Journey of Flower." Cycling or bamboo rafting here feels like stepping into an ink painting. The light is best in the evening. You can also experience Zhuang ethnic song and dance performances, rice paddy cafes, and stargazing camping. 📍Taiping Ancient Town: A rebuilt ancient town in the Ming and Qing style. The illuminated blue brick and black tile buildings at night are perfect for taking photos in Hanfu. The street-side shops offer Zhuang embroidery and handmade brown sugar. 📍Huashan Rock Paintings: Red ochre rock paintings on the banks of the Zuojiang River, a World Heritage Site, record the sacrificial scenes of the Luoyue ancestors 2,000 years ago. Take a boat tour and listen to the guide tell the mysterious legends of the "Frog God" and "Bronze Drum." 📍Friendship Pass: One of China's nine famous passes. The mottled city walls have witnessed the history of Sino-Vietnamese border trade. Climb the pass for a panoramic view and experience the grandeur of "one pass spanning two countries." You can also touch the Qing Dynasty cannons, check in at the "South Gate of China" boundary marker, and stroll along the Sino-Vietnamese border trade street. 🌼 Food Recommendations ✅ Sour Porridge Duck: Duck stewed in fermented rice porridge, sour and appetizing, even more authentic when paired with taro stalks. ✅ Chongzuo Sand Cake: Steamed glutinous rice flour with brown sugar, soft, sweet, and the top choice for souvenirs. ✅ Grilled Pig Eyes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a bursting flavor. ✅ Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Thin rice paper wrapped with fresh shrimp and mint, dipped in fish sauce for a refreshing taste. ✅ Grilled Pork in Fruit Leaves: Barbecue pork wrapped in banana leaves, a mix of fruity and meaty aromas. ✅ Sour Soup Fish: Wild tilapia in tomato sour soup, sour and spicy. 🚗 Transportation Guide 🚗 External Transportation: You can first fly to Nanning Wuxu Airport, then transfer to Chongzuo by bus or high-speed train. You can also take the high-speed train directly. The Nanning-Chongzuo section is now open, departing from Nanning Station or Nanning East Station. 🚌 Internal Transportation: The bus hub is on the right-hand side of the Chongzuo South Station exit, where you can take a bus to most scenic spots in the city. The tourist distribution center is 200 meters to the left, where you can take a tourist direct bus to various scenic spots. In addition, renting a car is also a good choice for convenient and free travel. 💡 Tips 1️⃣ The water volume of Detian Waterfall is the largest from 12:00–14:00, making it ideal for taking pictures. Mingshi Pastoral Garden does not allow cars to enter; you can only ride a bicycle or take a tricycle. 2️⃣ Huashan Rock Painting boat tickets are only available at 10:00 and 14:30, so plan ahead. 3️⃣ Be careful of fake goods when shopping at the border, and don't overindulge in sour snacks to avoid stomach discomfort. 4️⃣ If you want to see white-headed langurs, you need to make an appointment 1–2 days in advance. The best viewing times are before 10:30am or after 4:30pm.