Things to do in Heshan
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Top 10 attractions in Heshan
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
The Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot is located on the upper reaches of the Guichun River along the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi. Here, the boundary river meets a cliff, cascading down in three tiers with a width of over 200 m and a drop of more than 70 m, facing Vietnam's Ban Gioc Waterfall across the cliff. During the rainy season, the two waterfalls nearly merge into one, and their roar can be heard across the valley. This site also served as a filming location for the TV series The Journey of Flower. The highlights of the visit mostly revolve around this border river: after passing through the Detian memorial archway, known as the "transnational gate," you can take a bamboo raft from the shore to the foot of the waterfall, looking up as the curtain of water crashes down from the cliff top, with mist spraying onto your face—effectively "traveling abroad" on the border river. On the river, you'll often encounter Vietnamese locals paddling small bamboo rafts to sell coffee, dried fruit, and other goods, and the haggling adds a fun cross-border market vibe. After disembarking, follow the waterfall-viewing boardwalk and multi-level observation decks to admire the waterfall's full panorama from different heights. Boundary markers No. 53 (erected during the Qing Dynasty and inscribed with "Guangxi, China") and No. 836 are popular photo spots. Along the boardwalk, you'll also find Detian Temple, built by villagers in the 1980s to commemorate the Zhuang historical figure Nong Zhigao—worth a quick visit. The waterfall view varies significantly with water volume: during the summer peak season, the water is torrential and awe-inspiring, while it appears more delicate in the dry season; the bamboo raft dock has long queues in peak season, so it's advisable to arrive early for a close-up view of the waterfall; the rafts get quite misty, so remember to waterproof your phone and camera.China · Daxin
Qingxiu Mountain
Qingxiu Mountain is one of the famous scenic spots in Nanning and is located on the banks of the Yongjiang River. Qingxiu Mountain has more than a dozen foothills such as Qingshan and Fenghuangling. Here, you can visit the Longxiang Pagoda, look out over the landscapes. Or you can stroll through the park and admire different kinds of flowers. In springtime, this is a great place to enjoy flowers blooming, especially peach blossoms on Peach Blossom Island.China · Nanning
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
The Elephant Hill Scenic Area is located in the heart of Guilin, at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River. It derives its name from its resemblance to a giant elephant stretching its trunk to drink from the sweet waters of the Li River. In his work "Records of Elephant Hill," Shu Shu, a Qing Dynasty official from the Ministry of Works, wrote: "The marvels of Guangxi lie in its mountains; the marvels of Guangxi's mountains lie in their rocks, and the elephant-shaped hill facing the provincial capital is the most marvelous of all." With its lifelike form, the attraction captivates visitors and stands as a quintessential representation of Guilin's landscape. In 1995, it was designated as the city emblem of Guilin. The main attractions in the scenic area include: Elephant Hill and Water Moon, Puxian Pagoda, Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Love Island, and Elephant Hill Scenic Area - Yunfeng Temple Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Exhibition Hall. Elephant trunk hill and water moon cave "Elephant trunk hill and water moon" is a spectacular wonder here, as described in the poem by Ji Bei Hermit of the Song Dynasty.Harmony of water, moon and caveThe poem reads: "The moon is beneath the water, the moon floats upon the water. The water flows but the moon stays, the moon departs yet the water still flows." On a moonlit night, visiting the Water Moon Cave at the Elephant Trunk Hill attraction presents a magical scene where the moon in the sky, the cave, and the water reflect each other beautifully. Inside the cave, you can find the "Poem and Preface of the Morning Sun Pavilion" by Zhang Xiaoxiang from the Song Dynasty and works by Fan Chengda.Inscription on the water and moon caveAnd over 50 precious cliff carvings including Lu You's poetry manuscripts. Xiangshan scenic area - Puxian pagoda Winding up along the rocky cliffs, you can see the Puxian pagoda standing tall amidst the greenery from afar. Built during the Ming dynasty, this 13.6m-high solid brick lama-style pagoda has a history of over 400 years. On the northern side of the pagoda, there is a line-engraved bluestone statue of a bodhisattva, with the mantra "Namo Puxian Bodhisattva" inscribed above it, hence the name Puxian pagoda in the Xiangshan attraction. Buddhist scriptures record that Puxian bodhisattva's mount is a six-tusked white elephant, making the pagoda's location atop Xiangshan mountain a perfect embodiment of this scripture. Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Guilin Sanhua liquor This is a natural wine cellar, with two-thirds of the mountain being hollow. It stays warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a constant temperature of 19°C and humidity above 90% year-round. Since the Song Dynasty, it has served as an official cellar for storing Sanhua wine. Sanhua wine is colorless and transparent, with a fragrant yet spicy taste. It drawsLi RiverWith the essence of the mountains and the soul of the Li River, it has become a representative of China's rice-aroma liquor. The cellar liquor was designated as a tribute to the imperial court as early as the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the three treasures of Guilin. To date, nearly a thousand tons of liquor are stored in the caves. Love island Love island is located on the north side of the attraction, adjacent toLi RiverIt is another scenic viewpoint for distant viewing. The island boasts a beautiful environment and lush vegetation, making it a popular dating spot for locals in the 1970s, hence the name "love island". Today, it serves as an outdoor photography base for wedding celebrations against the backdrop of Guilin's landscape, where couples make their vows of love under the witness of the elephant trunk hill and the moon reflected in the water.China · Guilin
Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
The Libo Seven Small Arches Scenic Area is located among the karst peaks south of the Libo County urban area. The attraction gets its name from a seven-arched bluestone bridge that crosses the noisy river there. The site incorporates all the beauty of mountains, water, trees, caves, lakes, and waterfalls. This natural splendor has combined with the authentic cultural flavor of the Tujia and Yao people of the area to bring fame to the area. Attractions like the ancient seven-arched bridge, the water forest, the crouching dragon pool, and Mandarin Duck Lake make the area like an earthly fairyland.China · Libo
Li River Three-star cruise ship
Basic information about the three-star cruise The Li River cruise has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, setting new standards for high comfort, aesthetics, and personalized service. With star-rated cruises now fully equipped with Wi-Fi coverage and real-time networked security monitoring, these high-tech and safety features cater to diverse traveler needs. The upgrades fully incorporate environmental and cultural elements, showcasing Guilin's quality as an international tourist destination. Layout structure and decoration The three-star cruise has been designed with careful consideration of visitors' sightseeing experience and expectations, implementing strict regulations for cabins, seats, dining table specifications, and deck space per person. While using high-standard materials to enhance visitor comfort, it also provides more activity space. The upgraded cruise presents a new "one cruise, one view" concept that harmonizes with Guilin's magical landscapes, offering visitors an experience of "sailing through paintings, touring within scenery, with beauty both inside and outside the cruise." This creates a lower‑carbon, comfortable, and fantastically beautiful sightseeing experience. The three-star cruise features double-deck cabins and double-deck promenade decks with spacious views, providing at least 0.9㎡ of space per person. The deck is equipped with a sunshade and surrounded by 1.2m-high aluminum alloy safety railings. Meal The three-star cruise ship meals meet the standards of airline or high-speed rail prepared meals, featuring standardized production from a central kitchen and cold chain logistics throughout transportation. After secondary heating, the meals are distributed to visitors, ensuring food hygiene with all tableware being recycled and biodegradable. By implementing unified meal distribution, this approach addresses the emission pollution caused by cooking on older Li River cruises and resolves the frequent visitor complaints about cruise dining quality over the years.China · Lingchuan
Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Rice Terraces are a large-scale terraced group in Guilin. The multiple tiers and curve lines are visually very impressive. The villages are inhabited by several ethnic minorities. There are ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang and the Yao. When you visit the Longji Rice Terraces, the main thing to do is go on foot and take photos. You can also take photos of the local farmhouse and experience the ethnic customs. In addition, sunrise at Longji Rice Terraces is very beautiful and well worth seeing.China · Longsheng
Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area
Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area, with a history dating back over 600 years to the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty, was originally built by Zhu Yuanzhang for his grandnephew Zhu Shouqian as a princely city. Today, it is a national 5a-level attraction in guilin, with the solitary beauty peak serving as its iconic landmark. The Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area showcases a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and historical cultural views, embodying the concept of "a city within scenery and scenery within a city." It serves as a microcosm of Guilin, a world-renowned city celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. The famous saying "Guilin's scenery is peerless in the world," known globally, originates from the stone wall of Solitary Beauty Peak. Encompassing Guilin's three major historical and cultural systems, the attraction stands as a quintessential representation of Guilin's heritage. Entering this scenic area is like stepping through the gateway to Guilin's history and culture, giving rise to the widely circulated phrase: "Guilin's scenery is peerless in the world, and to know Guilin is to explore Prince City." As early as the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, renowned scholar Yan Yanzhi studied and composed poetry at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, initiating the literary tradition of the Lingnan region. During the Tang Dynasty, the first official educational institution in Guangxi's history was established here. In the Song Dynasty, Wang Zhenggong engraved the timeless phrase "Guilin's scenery is peerless under heaven" on the peak, which became the city's most representative slogan. The Ming Dynasty saw military strategist Liu Bowen recognizing Solitary Beauty Peak's auspicious location, leading to the construction of the Prince of Jingjiang's Mansion. During the Qing Dynasty, the mansion was converted into Guangxi's imperial examination hall, becoming a major testing center in southwest China that produced 585 jinshi (metropolitan graduates) and 4 zhuangyuan (top scholars), including one who achieved the rare "triple first" honor. In the Republican era, Sun Yat-sen established his Northern Expedition headquarters here. In 1954, Guangxi Normal University relocated to this site. The Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area has not only nurtured exceptional talents but also served as Guangxi's political, economic, and cultural center throughout history. Solitary Beauty Peak Standing solitary in the center of Guilin, Solitary Beauty Peak rises abruptly from the ground as the king of all mountains in the area. Ascending to its summit offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Guilin, embodying the majestic sentiment of "overlooking all surrounding peaks." It has been honored as the "Pillar of Southern Sky." As early as the Southern Dynasties period, renowned scholar Yan Yanzhi praised its grandeur in his poem: "None rivals Duxiu's majesty, towering above the city walls." Solitary beauty peak prince city scenic area The prince of Jingjiang mansion is the best-preserved princely relic in china and serves as the core attraction within the Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area. The prince of Jingjiang mansion museum, also known as the "chengyun hall," was where ancient princes handled administrative affairs. Today, the museum showcases the history of the prince of jingjiang mansion and the transformation of guilin. Visitors can explore through high-tech holographic projections and 3d displays, and even experience the ancient art of rubbing at the "prince mansion rubbing workshop."Solitary Beauty Peak cliff carvings On the cliffs of Solitary Beauty Peak, there are approx. 200 cliff carvings preserved from various dynasties, including the famous ancient saying "Guilin's scenery is peerless in the world". The site also features numerous precious buddha and tai sui stone carvings, as well as the five blessings series which appeared on the 2017 cctv spring festival gala. It is now a nationally protected cultural relic. Secret rubbings of the prince's mansion The secret rubbing technique of the Prince's Mansion has a history of over a hundred years. It is a colored feng shui rubbing craft developed by Zhu Zaojing, the third-generation Prince of Jingjiang, and has now been listed as an intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can experience this ancient rubbing technique here. Learning to create the Prince's Mansion secret rubbings holds significant value for the inheritance and development of Chinese historical culture and folk art.China · Guilin
Tongling Grand Canyon
Tongling Grand Canyon is located in Jingxi, Baise, Guangxi, and is a natural attraction combining diverse views such as tropical rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, and karst caves. It is one of Jingxi's renowned attractions. Visitors can stroll amid the picturesque landscape and experience the refreshing forest air. Highlights include the 188 m-high Tongling Grand Waterfall, mystical cave waterfalls, fantastical karst formations, and ancient tree ferns dating back to the Jurassic period—all representing the essence of Guangxi's beauty, offering a feast for the eyes. A visit to Tongling Grand Canyon typically takes approx. 2–3 hrs. After entering the attraction, follow the boardwalk to explore the scenic area. The usual route starts from the main gate through Tongling Gorge to Tongling Grand Waterfall, where visitors can enjoy the waterfall and the Water Curtain Cave behind it. Then, travelers can return via Happiness Road or the couple path along Nianba Gorge, passing through picturesque landscapes of canyons, rivers, and trees. Along the way, there are views of an approx. 800 m underground river and ancient cliff burial sites. At the Nianba exit, shuttle vehicles are available to take travelers back to the main gate, or they can walk back in approx. 30 mins. From the attraction entrance to the Tongling Waterfall, there are about 800 stone steps. The descent is not too tiring, with spectacular canyon views, pristine tropical rainforests, babbling streams, and small waterfalls along the way, creating a refreshing and beautiful environment. Keep an eye out for unique trees like fig trees and towering palms, most with distinct tropical features. You can also spot ancient tree ferns dating back to the Jurassic period—worth a closer look. The Tongling waterfall lies deep in the canyon and serves as a key attraction view, with its mighty flow cascading through a geological fissure as if pouring from the crack's ceiling—creating a spectacular and surreal scene perfect for photography. Behind the waterfall is the water-curtain cave, featuring distinctive lava formations and a unique nine-tiered cave waterfall, offering sequential exploration opportunities.China · Jingxi
Dongnayuwan Scenic Area
Dongnayuwan Scenic Area is nestled along the Heishui River in Chongzuo, Guangxi, upgraded from the original Anping Fairy River attraction. Surrounded by karst peaks embracing an emerald bay with continuous mountain islets and bamboo-lined banks, it's hailed as the "Alternative Li River" and "Fairy River of Guangxi," serving as a filming location for TV dramas like The Journey of Flower. The main activity here is a boat cruise through the picturesque landscape, with painted barges gliding past mountain reflections before disembarking to explore stone forests and bamboo groves—offering distinct experiences by water and land. The highlight lies in the "Eight views of Dongnayuwan": Water illusion, Guantian Farm, Swallow Cave, Xiake Trail, Longbi Beach, Waterfall Market, Aquatic Stone Maze, and Puhuang Island. Guantian Farm divides fields according to Tusi (chieftain) land systems like water-carrying fields, horse-raising fields, and sedan-chair fields—each plot's name corresponding to the farmer's role in the chieftain's household. The staggered Xiake Trail provides prime views of Longbi Beach's tiered waterfalls, where heart-shaped rapids send white dragon-like streams through rocks into the river, their intensity varying with water levels. The Aquatic Stone Maze conceals a submerged stone forest with bizarre rocks encircling pools amid bamboo shadows. Puhuang Island allegedly gained its name when the Southern Ming Emperor Yongli stayed here with his empress, once serving as the backyard garden of Anping's Tusi. The area carries deeper Tusi cultural undertones. Daxin County is renowned as the "Hometown of Chinese Tusi Culture," with the scenic area located in Anping Village—the former seat of Anping Tusi Prefecture, where ruins of Ming-Qing dynasty Tusi offices still remain on the old street. In 1637, traveler Xu Xiake documented his visit to Anping Prefecture in his travelogue. Today, traditions like Tusi welcoming ceremonies, Bayin drum music, and the Nongdong Festival continue among local Zhuang communities, some adapted into performances that travelers might encounter unexpectedly within the attraction.China · Daxin
Yulong River Rafting
Yulong River Rafting is the classic way to experience the Yulong River in Yangshuo. The Yulong River, a tributary of the Li River in Yangshuo, is often called the "Little Li River," with clear waters and a gentle flow year-round. Unlike the motorized rafts on the Li River, here the traditional method of poling bamboo rafts by hand is preserved. The rafts drift slowly downstream without the noise of engines, so quiet that you can hear the soft sound of the pole dipping into the water. Along the banks, karst peaks roll endlessly, while rice fields, villages, and waterwheels unfold one after another—a real-life scene of "a boat gliding on emerald waves, people wandering in a painting." During the rafting journey, you'll pass by ancient stone bridges like Yulong bridge and Fuli bridge built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Fuli bridge features a single arch, with its reflection forming a perfect circle in the water—especially photogenic in morning mist. The Jiuxian village area retains old residences and ancient alleys. Multiple dams along the river create signature moments of excitement as rafts plunge over them, splashing water for brief seconds. The river offers two distinct sections: The upper section from Jinlong bridge to Jiuxian has more dams and pristine pastoral scenery, while the lower section starting from Jima and Shui'edi docks is closer to Ten-mile gallery, conveniently connecting with nearby attractions. Visitors can choose either half or full routes based on time and energy. When riding bamboo rafts through dams, clothes may easily get splashed, so remember to waterproof your phone and other personal items; during holidays, rafts get crowded—if you want to take serene landscape photos, consider setting off early.China · Yangshuo
Experiences you can't miss in Heshan
Featured Day tours in Heshan
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Free things to do in Heshan
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
China · GuilinImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
Zhong Guo Tian Yan Jing Qu
China · Pingtang
Bei Hai Silver Beach
China · BeihaiImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
The Museum of Guangxizhuang Autonomous Region
China · Nanning
Yangshuo West Street
China · YangshuoYulong River
China · Yangshuo
Sanniang Bay
China · Qinzhou
Ningming Huashan Rock Art Scenic Area
China · Ningming
Dalong Lake Scenic Area
Shanglin · 38.9km from Heshan
Xingping Ancient Town
China · Yangshuo
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What travellers say about Heshan
158***3917 October 2026
5.0
Although it wasn't the high-water season, the scenery was still beautiful. The core scenic area wasn't large, so it wasn't tiring to visit. However, the sightseeing bus ride was a bit long, and you felt like you might accidentally incur international roaming charges!
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
Anonymous user18 October 2026
5.0
I visited Qingxiu Mountain in Nanning during the Spring Festival. The weather was comfortable, and the scenery was beautiful, especially the bougainvillea area, which was incredibly photogenic. It was very crowded during the holiday, and there were queues for the sightseeing bus. After the performance, it was difficult to hail a taxi as you walked out with the flow of people. It's advisable to find a shared electric scooter nearby in advance, as it's faster.
Qingxiu Mountain
M45***4825 September 2026
5.0
When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting.
The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river.
The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.
Elephant Hill Scenic Area
程程for18 October 2026
4.0
The scenic area is quite large. Even with VIP service, it was still tiring. Be prepared to walk for a long time. The scenery was beautiful when we visited, and there were also places suitable for children to play.
Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Anonymous user17 October 2026
5.0
The scenery was truly beautiful, especially the view from the top deck. It was a pity we didn't manage the tour bus schedule well; we didn't have enough time to get to the pier, and after security there was still a long walk. There wasn't time to use the restroom, and it was tiring for the older folks, especially since there were many difficult steps leading down to the boarding area. We almost stepped right on the boarding line. Having an extra 10 to 15 minutes to get there would have been much better.
Li River Three-star cruise ship
嗯嗯呢12318 October 2026
5.0
Choosing this guesthouse was absolutely the right decision for my trip to the Longji Rice Terraces! The floor-to-ceiling windows in the room framed the entire terraced landscape, allowing me to see the golden waves of rice right from my bed. In the mornings, when the mist drifted over the mountainsides, the scenery was incredibly soothing and therapeutic. The guesthouse was in a great location, right next to hiking trails, making it perfect for families with dogs. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the restaurant in the common area served delicious food with fresh ingredients. Sitting by the window in the evening, watching the sunset over the distant mountains, feeling the mountain breeze, and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, it was the ideal place to stay during my Longji vacation. The owner's cooking was also excellent, and I'll definitely stay here again next time!
Longji Rice Terraces
Alexey Efremov11 October 2026
4.0
Good for short hope around and city view, but otherwise not so much to see
Solitary Beauty Peak Prince City Scenic Area
M26***1012 October 2026
5.0
Tongling Grand Canyon is a worthwhile attraction, boasting a diverse landscape including canyons, caves, streams, underground rivers, and waterfalls. The scenery is beautiful, and it's quite cool inside, noticeably cooler than outside, which is very comfortable. After walking a long way, we finally saw the waterfall, which was quite impressive. The best part was the cave beneath the waterfall; the scenery was unique. It's best to bring a disposable raincoat, as it gets very wet inside, like it's raining. I got completely soaked just taking a few photos.
Dongnayu Bay is also decent. The first part is for boat tours; it's a river with clear water typical of subtropical and tropical climates, but there's not much else to see. Further in by land, there are some nice views, making it suitable for rafting, although that activity hasn't been developed yet.
Tongling Grand Canyon
M28***6017 October 2026
4.0
The river water is a vibrant green, contrasting beautifully with the distant mountain peaks. The karst topography is evident, the waterfalls are small and exquisite, and the area is home to ethnic minorities with rich cultural traditions. The environment is serene, and the natural resources are well-preserved. Overall, it's a great place.
Dongnayuwan Scenic Area
A Wandering Soul18 October 2026
5.0
great experience! a must do in yangshuo especially with the views that you get to see!
Yulong River Rafting
