Guiping

A county-level city where the Yu and Qian rivers meet; the Buddhist mountain of Xishan with its Ruquan tea, the Jintian Uprising site, Longtan National Forest Park and Datengxia Gorge make for a two- to three-day trip.

Guiping is a county-level city administered by Guigang in southeastern Guangxi. The Yu and Qian rivers merge in the city to form the Xun River. Known in the past as Xunzhou, it was one of Guangxi's oldest prefectural seats and the birthplace of the Taiping Rebellion. The climate is South Asian subtropical monsoon, with long, hot, humid and rainy summers; Mar–May and Oct–Dec are best for hiking and outdoor activities. Xishan Ruquan tea is one of Guangxi's famous teas, and when the spring harvest comes in you can head up the mountain to taste it. Sightseeing centers on the city: Xishan (West Mountain), 2 km west of town, is a national scenic area with Longhua Temple, Xishi Nunnery, Li Gong Shrine and the Ruquan Well; from the summit you look down on the confluence of three rivers and the city — the core sight, worth half a day to a full day. About 25 km north of the city, Jintian Town preserves the site of the 1851 Jintian Uprising of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (Rhinoceros Pool and the camp ruins) and an uprising museum. About 20 km northwest, Longtan National Forest Park is known for primeval monsoon rainforest, waterfalls and valley hikes. Datengxia Gorge on the Qian River is famous for a Ming-dynasty Yao uprising and is now home to the Datengxia Water Conservancy Project. Around Madong Town south of the city, Baishi Mountain is a Taoist mountain of Danxia landforms, and Madong lychees are well known too. Getting there: Guiping Station is on the Nanning–Guangzhou high-speed railway, reachable by bullet train from Nanning or Guangzhou; from the city to the sights you'll need a taxi or your own car. Allow 2 days: one for Xishan plus the city (East Pagoda and the riverside at night), and one for the Jintian Uprising site plus Longtan Forest Park; add Baishi Mountain if you have time. In summer there are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so guard against heat and bites. Local specialties include Luoxiu rice noodles, Ruquan tea and Madong lychees.

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