Bama Longevity Village

Chinese name: 巴马长寿村（Ba Ma Chang Shou Cun）
Location: Bama Yao Ethnic County, Guangxi.
Ticket: Free
Estimated time of tour: half day
Recommended time of visit: All year round.
Nearby attractions: Crystal Palace，Birds Rock, Baimo Cave, Panyang River, etc.

Bama is an autonomous county of Yao ethnicity in Guangxi Zhuang (Bourau) Autonomous Region in south of China. It is 250km south of Nanning City, the provincial capital of Guangxi. What made this county stood out from its neighboring towns is its longevity rate among its population. The census in 1990 showed that there were 1958 old people who were among 80-99 years old in its 200,000 population. On top of that, there were 69 centenarians. That means there are 30.8 centenarians in every 100,000 people, the highest ratio of this kind in the world.

A combination of factors contributed to the high rate of longevity in this region in Bama County including its geology, climate, environment, food and the way people live their everyday life.

The air in Bama and its surrounding is rich in negative oxygen ion (NAI) which is considered an indicator of high air quality. Some called it the vitamin of air. The famous scenic spots in Bama such as Crystal Palace and Bird Cave have 20,000-5,000 NAI units per 1 cubic centimeter. The banks of Panyang River have NAI content of 3000 units per cubic centimeter. Even the bustling downtown area of Bama has NAI content of 2000 units per cubic centimeter. Put thins into perspective; major cities in China have NAI content around 100-300 units per cubic centimeter.

The high content of NAI is the result of 57% of forest coverage. Bama region is a region with relatively strong magnetic field making it susceptible to thunderstorms. The thunderstorm is itself a facilitator in making NAIs in the air. Some said that NAI improves lung function. It also ameliorates and boosts the neural system and brain functions. It promotes the metabolism and improves heart function. A moderate content of NAI is said to be beneficial to elderly especially the ones with chronic disease.

All those healing features of Bama attract elderly visitors. They come to enjoy the pure air and tranquil life style.

Apart from air, water is another crucial factor which making this place famous for its longevity population. Bama is full of underground water and mountain spring water rich in minerals. The Ph value of waters in this region is between7.2-8.5. It is considered alkalescence water. High content of minerals and trace elements are also founded in local water. All these making the local water a healthy source of liquid of locals. That in turn improves their health and prolongs their life span.