Hechi

Hechi is humid, hot, and rainy in summer, while its caves are relatively cool. Hechi is well suited to slow travel by self-driving. Karst mountains and rivers, underground rivers, cave scenery, and ethnic minority culture are concentrated here. Overall travel costs are fairly friendly, and visitor density is not very high.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Self-Drive Itinerary

This route connects some of Hechi’s most representative mountain, river, and cave landscapes. The pace is moderate and suitable for most travelers.

• Day 1: Arrive in Hechi and Explore a Water-Filled Tiankeng
  • Morning: After arriving in Hechi City, head to Sanmenhai in Fengshan County. You can take a boat through three natural karst caves in sequence and experience the shifting light and darkness of the cave waterways. The lake water is clear blue-green, and when light pours in through the skylights, the layers of the scenery become especially striking.

• Afternoon: Continue to Bainiao Cave and tour the cave by boat. Inside, the light changes with the waterway and rock walls, creating a strong sense of space.

• Evening: Stay in Fengshan County town, where you can try local flavors such as hempseed fish soup and five-color glutinous rice.

• Day 2: Underground Canyon and Ethnic Culture
  • Morning: Drive to Nandan County and visit Dongtian Shengjing. This is a large underground canyon. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C, and the walkways are relatively flat, making it suitable for family trips. You may consider buying a combined ticket that includes Baiku Yao Village and Geyasi Valley.

• Afternoon: Head to Baiku Yao Village to learn about the culture and daily life of this ethnic minority group, often referred to as a “living fossil of human civilization.”

• Evening: Stay in Nandan County and try Danquan liquor and local-style barbecue.

• Day 3: Wine Cave Wonder and Return Home
  • Morning: Visit Dongtian Jiuhai and see the world’s largest natural wine-storage cave, where wine cellar and karst cave spaces combine to create a distinctive landscape.

• Afternoon: Depending on your return schedule, you can stop by Luocheng Cotton Tiankeng on the way and look down over the 326-meter-deep sinkhole landscape. If time is tight, you can return directly.

Sights Worth Seeing in Hechi

In addition to the places included in the itinerary above, Hechi and its surrounding areas have many natural landscapes worth exploring further.

Hechi Food to Try

Hechi’s cuisine blends flavors from multiple ethnic groups, often featuring sour, spicy, fresh, and fragrant layers. Rice noodles, barbecue, and local snacks are all worth trying.

Practical Travel Tips

• Transport Advice: Hechi’s attractions are spread out, so self-driving or hiring a car is better for cross-county travel. Road conditions are generally acceptable, but there are many bends, so drive slowly. You can also take the high-speed rail to Hechi West Railway Station and rent a car from there.
• Where to Stay: Fengshan County town or Nandan County town are good first choices. Accommodation is relatively good value, and major scenic areas are usually within about 1 hour, making it easy to rest between stops.
• Ticket Reservations: During major holidays, boat tickets for popular scenic areas such as Sanmenhai can be in short supply, so it is best to buy them online in advance.
• What to Bring: Caves are cooler inside, so bring a light jacket. Boardwalks inside caves may be damp, so wear non-slip shoes. Also prepare mosquito repellent and sun protection.
• Notes: During the rainy season, from July to August, some scenic areas may close temporarily. Check the weather and scenic area announcements before setting out. When taking a boat, the water can be deep, so keep a firm hold on your phone and other belongings.