GUANGXI: CHINA'S SOUTHERN GEM OF NATURE AND CULTURE

Nestled in the southern reaches of China, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region stands as one of the nation’s five autonomous regions for ethnic minorities.

Bordering Vietnam to the southwest, it is China’s only region linked to ASEAN by both land and sea — a geographic advantage that has shaped its role as a vital bridge between China and Southeast Asia.

At the heart of this connection is Nanning, Guangxi’s vibrant capital, which proudly hosts the annual China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) — now in its 22nd edition, held from Sept 17 to 21 this year.

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Home to twelve ethnic groups including the Zhuang, Han, Yao, Miao, and Dong, Guangxi offers a living mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. Its world-renowned karst landscapes, coupled with centuries-old customs, make it a destination where natural beauty and cultural heritage intertwine seamlessly.

As part of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, this writer joined fellow participants from across the globe on a six-day working visit to Guangxi last month. Our journey took us through three cities, combining working visits with immersive experiences in the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.

NANNING: CHINA’S GREEN CITY

Touring Nanning by bus, I couldn’t help but feel as if I were in one of the ASEAN capitals — perhaps because of its geographical proximity and familiar subtropical monsoon climate. The atmosphere felt both foreign and familiar, a reflection of the city’s role as a cultural and economic bridge between China and Southeast Asia.

Anchoring the city’s allure is Nanhu Lake, a tranquil body of water that lends poetic grace to Nanning’s skyline. From above — especially at sunset — the golden light shimmers across the lake and the cityscape in perfect harmony.

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 Beyond its natural beauty, Nanning also tells stories of history and heritage through its ancient streets and alleys. According to China Tourism, the city dates back 1,600 years, and its name, Nanning — bestowed during the Yuan Dynasty — means ‘peaceful south.’ It was chosen as a hopeful symbol for a region once scarred by wars, envisioned to finally embrace peace.

Today, Nanning, fondly known as China’s Green City, thrives as a key hub for China’s cooperation with ASEAN countries and serves as a vital link along the Belt and Road Initiative.

During our visit, much of our time in Nanning was spent on working engagements, including visits to Runjian Co. Ltd., the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Cooperation Centre, Beibu Gulf International Port Group Co. Ltd., the China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange, and the CAEXPO — where technology, trade, and regional collaboration converged.

LIUZHOU: A TASTE OF DRAGON CITY

After three days in Nanning, our group boarded a sleek bullet train bound for Liuzhou, fondly known as the Dragon City. The journey itself was a glimpse into China’s modern efficiency — smooth, swift, and scenic.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at a Dong ethnic restaurant, where dinner became more than just a meal — it was a cultural experience. Young women in vibrant traditional Dong attire served us with graceful hospitality, their smiles as warm as the dishes they presented.

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After dinner, we were invited to sit in a circle around a small fire — a ritual that symbolises unity and friendship — to partake in oil tea, a traditional beverage of the Dong and Miao communities.

 The tea, a hearty blend of fried glutinous rice, soybeans and peanuts, offered a unique taste both earthy and comforting. We learned that serving oil tea is a time-honoured way for the Dong people to welcome their guests. The evening came alive with ethnic Dong music, filling the air with rhythmic beats and a sense of shared joy.

The next day, after visiting several local industries, we found tranquility at Longtan Park, a serene oasis of greenery where a mirror-like lake reflected the surrounding karst mountains.

Within the park stood a showcase of traditional Dong wooden architecture — remarkable structures built entirely by memory, without blueprints or nails. Each beam and joint was held together using only tenons and rivets, a testament to generations of craftsmanship passed down through time.

GUILIN: A LIVING PAINTING

From Liuzhou, we took another bullet train to Guilin, the final stop of our journey. After dinner, we made our way to Xiaoyao Tower, where the night unfolded before us in shimmering hues. From its height, we gazed upon Guilin’s Mother River — the Li River (Li Jiang in Chinese, as jiang means river) — flowing gracefully under the city lights like a silver ribbon.

The next morning, we embarked on a 63-kilometre cruise along the Li River — a voyage often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. The river stretched before us like a green silk ribbon, winding between majestic karst mountains that rose like emerald hairpins.

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For four serene hours, it felt as though we were gliding through a living Chinese painting — cliffs,             waterfalls, and strikingly sculpted rocks forming nature’s own masterpiece. Standing on the deck, breathing in the fresh river breeze, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and wonder.

Lunch was served onboard, accompanied by the delicate notes of the guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument. Upon reaching Yangshuo County, we explored West Street, a lively pedestrian stretch framed by karst peaks, lined with street food stalls and souvenir shops — a charming blend of old and new.

In Yulong Village, whose name means ‘Meet a Dragon’ (yu meaning meet, long meaning dragon), we visited the 600-year old Yulong Bridge, built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty.

Like the Li River, the Yulong River meanders like a jade-green ribbon, with bamboo rafts drifting gently across its calm surface. Local guides explained that in Chinese culture, dragons symbolise power and positivity, while rivers represent fortune — a reflection of how water is cherished not only as a life source but also as a bearer of prosperity.

It became clear to me why rivers in China are so well-preserved and thoughtfully integrated into urban landscapes — flowing clean and vibrant, they form the heartbeat of communities and, increasingly, the lifeblood of tourism in the Land of the Great Wall.

Our final visit was to the Osmanthus Commune, dedicated to the fragrant flower that gives Guilin its name — literally ‘forest of osmanthus’ (Gui meaning osmanthus, lin meaning forest). Stepping into the commune felt like walking into an aromatherapy sanctuary, surrounded by golden-yellow blossoms and the sweet, uplifting scent of osmanthus.

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During a briefing, we learned that the osmanthus flower, often golden in hue, symbolises prosperity and joy in Chinese culture. It is also valued for its therapeutic qualities, believed to improve mood and health. The commune showcased a range of osmanthus-based products — from tea, soaps, and perfumes to face masks, cookies and even body lotions. At the cafe, we ended our tour with a delightful scoop of osmanthus ice cream, the perfect finale to our Guilin experience — fragrant, soothing, and unforgettable.

A LASTING IMPRESSION

As the sweet fragrance of osmanthus lingered in the air, our journey through Guangxi gently came to an end.

From the bustling streets of Nanning to the cultural warmth of Liuzhou, and finally the dreamlike landscapes of Guilin, each stop revealed a new layer of China’s southern charm — where nature, tradition, and modernity coexist in harmony.

Guangxi is more than just a gateway to ASEAN; it is a living gallery of heritage and humanity, where every mountain, river, and melody tells a story of resilience and connection.

It is a land that welcomes the world with open arms and leaves its visitors with memories as radiant as the golden osmanthus that perfumes its hillsides — memories to be cherished for a lifetime.