Discover the Most Beautiful Beibu Gulf in Guangxi: A Self-driving Adventure and a Magical Sunset Encounter
Introduction
Every travel enthusiast has a self-driving dream. Compared to taking a plane or a high-speed train, self-driving offers a more immersive travel experience, allowing you to discover numerous surprises and beautiful scenery along the way. This time, I embarked on a self-driving journey to the Beibu Gulf in Guangxi. Starting from Nanning, I drove south through Fangchenggang and finally reached Weizhou Island in Beihai. Along this route, there are century-old streets, ancient buildings, beautiful bays, and azure islands. Driving on this road, you can enjoy your own tranquility and freedom while harvesting the beauty of the Beibu Gulf.
The Enchanting Sunset in Beihai and Weizhou Island
- Beihai’s Sunset: Strolling along the Beihai seaside at sunset, the sky is like being painted with a layer of orange-red pigment. Half of the sky is orange-red, resembling a beautiful and gentle silk ribbon. Above the horizon, there is a serene and magnificent setting sun. It shoots through the rosy clouds of the day with thousands of light arrows, and then the clouds of the day start to burn. They push and surge against each other. Beneath the setting sun is the sparkling sea. The sea water gradually churns and is dyed bright red. Gradually, the sun begins to sink, like a lovely and gentle girl shyly hiding behind the brocade clouds and disappearing beyond the horizon. One can’t help but sigh at the beauty of the setting sun, even though it’s approaching dusk.
- Weizhou Island’s Sunset: In the evening, the seaside of Weizhou Island in Beihai is resplendent and magical. As the sun sets, the sky is still ablaze with a sheet of orange-red sunset glow. The sea is also dyed golden by this glow. The glow reflected on the wave crests is like pieces of burning flames, shining, rolling, and wave after wave rising higher. Listening to the gentle swishing sound of the sea water and feeling the fresh and cool sea breeze, one instantly feels refreshed and in high spirits.
Weizhou Island is the highlight of this self-driving trip for its beautiful sunset. When I first stepped onto the island and saw the azure sea, I was deeply attracted. Although it didn’t seem large on the map, I found it quite big once I was on the island. Weizhou Island is located in the Beibu Gulf. It is the largest and youngest volcanic island in China, and it’s also a place where dolphins appear. This romantic island, with its charming scenery and pleasant climate, attracts numerous tourists to come and check in.
There are green plants everywhere on the island. It is recommended to rent an electric bike and ride towards your favorite places while enjoying the sea breeze. Walking along the seaside is very comfortable, with the gentle sea breeze blowing and the warm sun shining. It’s truly a great place to relax. There is bright sunshine, a wide, flat, and spotlessly white beach. The sea is calm, and the coconut trees sway gently. The air on the island is fresh and natural. Here, you can enjoy the sun, embrace the sea, and stroll along the seaside to watch the most beautiful sunset.
You can also walk on the shell beach made of coral debris, looking out at the boundless sea and letting your thoughts fly. Or you can go to Dishui Danping to feel the power of water dripping through stone, watch the sunrise at Wucaitan, and see the sunset at Shiluokou. It’s like a paradise, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to feel the peace and freedom here.
The Catholic Church on Weizhou Island is located in Shengtang Village. It is hidden among a grove of swaying banana trees and jackfruit trees. It was the most magnificent church in the “Leilian” area in the late Qing Dynasty and is one of the must-visit attractions on Weizhou Island. You can enter the church to visit. It is a Gothic-style building. Against the backdrop of the low-rise residential houses around, the tall and magnificent church looks large in scale and imposing. The bell tower at the top of the main entrance stands tall with a Roman-style spire, creating a sense of “heavenly mystery” and an illusion of “striking towards the sky,” which is truly unique.
The “Pamukkale” – Style Hot Spring in Fangchenggang
The so – called “Guangxi version of Pamukkale” hot spring is hidden deep in the mountains of Shangsi County, Fangchenggang. It is called Shiwan Dashan Butou Hot Spring. As we drove all the way into the mountains, when I got off the car, I felt as if I had entered a paradise. The hot spring is surrounded by green plants on all sides. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces water on one side, with lush forests. I couldn’t wait to walk up to the popular hot spring. From a distance, the cascading waterfalls looked like cotton was spread on a castle. Up close, I found that they were actually pools of blue hot spring water. This landscape in the scenic area is called the hot spring cascade. The cascading spring water is very spectacular. The hot spring water here is blue, so it is also called the Blue Spring. Soaking in the hot spring and enjoying the view of the hot spring cascade is really a pleasant experience and worth a visit.
The blue color of the hot spring water is so amazing that I initially thought it was because of blue tiles pasted in the pool. It was only after asking the staff that I learned the water itself was blue. The “Pamukkale” is a popular photo – taking spot in the scenic area, attracting many tourists every day. The road to the mountains is a bit winding but generally easy to drive. I think girls will definitely love this place. Wearing a bikini and taking beautiful photos in the cascade landscape is a great idea.
There is also a large swimming pool on the left side after entering the scenic area. The water in this pool is also blue hot spring water, which looks very inviting. When I went there, I saw some tourists specifically coming to soak in the hot spring here. There are several small and more private hot spring pools beside the large swimming pool. There are also various accommodations in the scenic area, such as guesthouses, water wooden houses, and RVs. If you arrive late, you can choose to stay here for a night, enjoying the hot spring and the tranquility at the same time.
Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area in Nanning
As you enter the Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area, lush green plants come into view. The climate here is pleasant, with strange mountains and rare flowers blooming all year round. There is a tall pagoda on the top of the mountain called the Longxiang Pagoda, commonly known as the Qing Shan Pagoda. It is known as the “giant lung of Nanning.” At this time, you can see more than 300 kinds of colorful orchids in the Orchid Garden, which are truly a sight to behold. Looking down from above, the Friendship Corridor is like a giant dragon coiling around the ridge of Qingxiu Mountain. The highest peak of Qingxiu Mountain is Phoenix Ridge. The dragon – shaped corridor and the phoenix – shaped peak looking at each other symbolize good luck and prosperity. No matter when you come to Qingxiu Mountain throughout the year, you will always see a green and vibrant scene.
The Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area includes Phoenix Ridge, Fengyi Ridge, and Qingxiu Mountain. The climate is pleasant, and there are strange mountains and beautiful flowers blooming all year round. An ancient poem says, “The green mountains remain ever – green throughout the year. Travelers feel the beauty of spring everywhere. I bring the spring scenery up the mountain, and the mountain flowers bloom to welcome the spring.” You can see different kinds of flowers here throughout the year. In summer, the most beautiful sight is a field of sunflowers. On the mountainside, there are patches of bright yellow sunflowers, shining brightly. The tall stems hold round sunflower heads, nodding slightly towards the sun. There are bees buzzing, butterflies dancing, and dragonflies flying among the flower heads, presenting a charming and lively scene.
The orchids in the scenic area are in full bloom in summer. They have a intoxicating fragrance. The blooming flowers have various postures. Some are simple, some are flamboyant, and some are delicate and elegant. They show the beauty of life. The colorful orchids add a touch of summer color to Qingxiu Mountain.
Looking at the pots of delicate orchids, they are charming and elegant, captivating people’s hearts. The orchids in summer show their unique personalities. They are like graceful young girls with beautiful faces and long, flowing hair fluttering in the seasonal wind. Their eyes are so charming. Without the decoration of gorgeous colors, they still have a noble and charming unique charm, making people love them and reluctant to leave. In summer, you can come to Qingxiu Mountain to see the flowers and plants and feel the lush greenery of summer.
A Night Cruise on the Yongjiang River in Nanning
Taking a night cruise on the Yongjiang River is a must – do activity when visiting Nanning. It has become a new way for Nanning people to enjoy their nightlife. In the evening, sitting on the cruise ship and sailing along the Yongjiang River with the gentle evening breeze, when you go to the top of the ship and look around, you can take in the magnificent light shows on the buildings and the beach greenery on both sides. Boarding the ship at Minsheng Wharf, the beautiful riverside scenery of the Yongjiang River unfolds slowly like a long scroll.
The night is charming. The Yongjiang River is surrounded by the colorful lights on both sides. The high – rise buildings along the river are illuminated by the lights, looking extremely beautiful. Bridges such as the Beida Bridge, Yongjiang Bridge, and Taoyuan Bridge span across the Yongjiang River. After being decorated with lights, they look even more graceful.
When night falls, the cross – river bridges project colorful lights, and the buildings along the river flash with colorful pictures. The Yongjiang River presents a magnificent and colorful scenery, which has become a new tourist attraction in Nanning. It provides tourists with a new way to spend their evenings. After visiting various attractions during the day, taking a walk along the Yongjiang River and then taking a boat to view the night scenery on both sides is a great choice.
Beihai Silver Beach: Enjoy the Sun and Sand in Summer
Beihai Silver Beach is a must – visit place when traveling to Beihai. In the early morning, when you enter the Silver Beach, the sun is shining brightly, and the blue sky merges with the sea. The beach is named “Silver Beach” because it is made of quartz sand. Under the sunlight, the white and delicate sand glistens like silver. Beihai Silver Beach is known as the “Number One Beach under Heaven” for its features such as a flat beach, fine white sand, clean water, gentle waves, and the absence of sharks.
Guangxi is proud to have “Guilin’s landscapes in the north and Beihai’s Silver Beach in the south.” As soon as you step on the fine – grained sand, you can see many tourists, especially parents with their children, playing on the beach. The gentle sea breeze blows on your face, making you feel very comfortable. The air here is extremely fresh. Looking down from the air, the waves are like long, white filaments. It’s a great place to visit in summer.
Early in the morning, the sea water at the Silver Beach is very blue, and the waves are not very big. The sand is very fine, making it a suitable place for swimming. You can see many children having a great time playing with the sand, fully enjoying the fun of the seaside in summer.
The beach here is different from others. It is very flat. The blue tides, white waves, and salty sea breeze create a scene like a movie, as if covered with a light filter. It always makes people fall in love with it at first sight, attracting people to come here to enjoy a wonderful holiday. The sea breeze blows gently. In Beihai in May, the fragrance of summer begins to permeate the air, waiting for you to discover a more colorful life.
The Mysterious Beihai Mangrove
The Beihai Mangrove is known as the “forest on the sea.” It is mysterious and grows by the sea, hiding when the tide rises and emerging when the tide recedes. It is a rare plant under national key protection. When you enter the mangrove area, you will find that it covers a large area. You need to take the shuttle bus in the scenic area to get inside. When we reached the final stop, we could see the local people going out for beachcombing. When the tide was out, an endless expanse of mudflats appeared in front of us. Along the road, we found a pink popular photo – taking spot, which attracted many tourists. The pink – colored castle – like pool with its appearance was really eye – catching.
There is a more than 2000 – mu “forest guard” – the mangrove in the area. There are also many kinds of birds, insects, shellfish, fish, shrimps, crabs, and other creatures living and breeding here. Looking down from the air, a green forest on the sea comes into view. Between the lush mangroves in Jinhaiwan and the vast sea and sky, there is an endless and charming beach, which is truly a sight to behold.
Surprisingly, there is a pink popular photo – taking spot in the scenic area. You need to take the shuttle bus to the final stop and then walk back about twenty meters. It is by the sea and can also be seen from the shuttle bus. The pink – colored small castle – like photo – taking spot is entirely pink. You can really take beautiful photos here. When we arrived at noon, we saw several girls taking pictures there.
Against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds, the pink house looks like a beautiful painting. It is very photogenic, giving a feeling similar to the pink Santorini. No wonder so many people come here to visit. There are also some other photo – taking spots near the pink house that are worth checking out. If you go there in summer, remember to protect yourself from the sun. It’s very sunny by the sea, and I even got tanned.
Nanning Fangte ASEAN Mythology
Entering Nanning Fangte ASEAN Mythology is like being instantly transported to Southeast Asia. As someone who hasn’t been to Southeast Asia for a long time, I was surprised to find that I could experience it right here in Nanning. This is a theme park dedicated to showcasing the cultures of the ten ASEAN countries. The park includes a Southeast Asian – style street, five theme restaurants, eleven indoor theme projects, and more than thirty outdoor amusement projects. It is a theme park suitable for people of all ages, whether it’s for family – friendly leisure travel or for young people seeking adventure.
I have been to Thailand many times. When I saw the Thai – style buildings in this park, I was extremely excited, as if I had suddenly arrived in Thailand. The architectural style of the Grand Palace is always worth checking out. There are many popular photo – taking spots in the park. You can see the buildings of Southeast Asia without going abroad. In addition to the beautiful buildings, there are also wonderful shows. The show “Song of the Thousand Islands” is very exciting, so don’t miss it. You can spend a whole day in Nanning Fangte ASEAN Mythology. It’s a must – visit place in Nanning.
Once you enter the park, you will find many fun projects. You can’t even finish them in one day. There are so many places to take photos and check in. I think this is one of the most fun parks in Nanning. You can go there as soon as it opens in the morning and keep playing until evening. You can have lunch inside the park so that you can visit every corner of the park.
There are really too many interesting places in the park, and each one is worth visiting. Since I haven’t been to Southeast Asia for a long time, it’s really a great choice to experience Southeast Asia in one day in Nanning. Each area in the park has a theme. You can not only take photos but also experience many fun projects. For example, the roller – coaster is very exciting. As long as you are brave enough, you can give it a try.
Sanjie Liangxiang in Nanning
Sanjie Liangxiang in the center of Nanning was built in the Song Dynasty. It is one of the historical and cultural blocks in Guangxi and has the only remaining residential complex from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China era in Nanning. When you come here, it’s like passing through a “time tunnel.” Everywhere you look, there are imitation – ancient buildings with blue – brick walls and black – tile roofs. Walking on the cobblestone – paved paths, you feel as if you have returned to the long – gone days of ancient Nanning. The bustling noise in the market and the shouts of the street vendors make you feel the strong neighborhood atmosphere described in books.
There are attractions such as Jinshi Alley, the City God Temple, and the Deng Yingchao Memorial Hall, which attract many tourists. This beautiful and meaningful place is also a paradise for food lovers. There are all kinds of delicious food on both sides of the alleys. These places carry the common memories of many old Nanning people and exude a warm and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
After years of protection and renovation, Sanjie Liangxiang reopened to the public in December 2018 and has since become a local “internet – famous” attraction, attracting numerous tourists to visit and take pictures. Whether you come here during the day or at night, you will see many tourists checking in. There are many food stores in Sanjie Liangxiang. You can stroll around and enjoy the delicious food at the same time.
The buildings in Sanjie Liangxiang are made of blue bricks and stone tiles, with red lanterns hanging everywhere. Although it is close to the busy downtown area, the quiet and ancient alleys have less of a commercial atmosphere compared to the outside. Instead, they give people a strong sense of culture. Each store has its own unique features, and the scattered buildings also have their own attractions. It is connected to the nearby pedestrian street, so it is often one of the popular tourist destinations.
Lashan Ancient Fishing Village
Lashan Ancient Fishing Village is located on the southeast side of Qisha Peninsula in Fangchenggang, about 25 kilometers from the city center. In front of the village is a shallow beach area covering dozens of square kilometers. The village has a quiet grove, magical reefs, and imposing watchtowers. It is a natural village with unique forests, ancient castles, blue seas, and a long – standing historical and cultural heritage. It is one of the relatively well – preserved ancient fishing villages in Guangxi, with a profound historical and cultural background from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As
