Guangnan

Bamei, a real-life “Peach Blossom Land” reached by boat through a karst cave into a Zhuang village, is linked to Guangnan's old town and Tusi Office, the karst peaks and rice paddies of Babao, and the culture of the ancient Gouding Kingdom.

Guangnan County lies in the northeast corner of Wenshan Prefecture in southeastern Yunnan, bordering Guangxi to the east, and the Zhuang people make up the majority of its population. In the Western Han dynasty it was the seat of the ancient Gouding Kingdom, and in the Ming and Qing dynasties it was ruled by the hereditary Nong family of tusi (local chieftains); the county town, Liancheng, is a provincial-level historic and cultural city of Yunnan. This destination uses Guangnan town as its base, with Bamei to the north and Babao to the southeast; Bamei is about 40 km from town (1–1.5 hours by car), and Babao about 80 km.

Where to go: first, Bamei — take a boat through a karst cave into a Zhuang village enclosed by mountains on all sides, with the newly opened Xuantian Huanjing cave nearby; second, the old town — Lianhu Park, the Nong Tusi Office, Haotian Pavilion, the Confucian Temple, Dutian Pavilion and the Ethnic Museum are all within walking distance and can be covered in half a day; third, Babao — karst peaks, the Babao River and rice paddies once grown as tribute rice make up a “Little Guilin” landscape, and in the rainy season you can visit Sanla Waterfall. Also worth noting: Liulangcheng southeast of town is famous for its Dendrobium officinale orchids, the whole village of Fengyandong in Nanping Town lives inside a cave, and the Zhuang bronze drum dance of Guima Village in Nasa Town is listed as national intangible cultural heritage.

Seasons: In Mar–May, Bamei has rapeseed and peach blossoms; Sep–Nov brings ripening rice and cool weather; in the Jun–Sep rainy season, waterfalls are at their fullest, but mountain roads may see landslides. Getting there: Guangnan County Station is on the Yunnan–Guangxi high-speed railway, with bullet trains to Kunming and Nanning, and buses run from town to Bamei and Babao. The areas are far apart, so drive yourself or hire a car with driver. Allow 2–3 days: 1 day in Bamei (you can stay overnight in the village), half a day in town and 1 day in Babao. Local specialties: five-color sticky rice, Babao tribute rice, Guangnan rice noodle rolls and dendrobium banquets.

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