Guangxi Chongzhou Travel Guide

Chongzuo is a prefecture level city in southwest of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in south of China. It neighbors Nanning, the regional capital and largest city in this region, to its west. The city of Qinzhou is to its southeast. The city of Baise is to its west. It is a border city. It shares a long borderline with Vietnam to its south and west. This city is now home to around 2.5 million people among which 90% are ethnic Zhuang. Administrative wise, this region consists of 1 district (Jiangzhou), 5 counties (Daxin, Fusui, Longzhou, Tiandeng and Ningming), 1 city (Pinxiang). The nowadays Chongzuo region was the ancestral land of Luoyue people, an ancient group of people thought to be the ancestors of many ethnic groups in south of China. Luoyue people were themselves part of much larger Baiyue group, the largest ethnic group which shaped the demographics of south costal region of China. The name Chongzuo first appeared in early 1950s when the two counties, Chongshan and Zuo merged. The much larger Chongzuo city is relatively new, it was established in 2003. It is now an important economical power house in China’s Beibu gulf (Tonkin gulf) area, a thriving border town with dynamic trades with Vietnam. 

● What to do & where to go

Chongzuo is a place full of Zhuang ethnic vibe. It is the city with highest Zhuang percentage; with almost 90% of its total population are ethnic Zhuang. Zhuang cultures are feathered in the local language, culinary and folk customs. So this is an ideal place for those who are interested in ethnic culture in southern China. Chongzuo is also a place full of natural wonders thanks to its diverse karst landscape. The place of interests worth mentioning are de tian pu bu (Detian waterfall) and you yi guan (The Gate of Friendship) near Vietnam border.

De tian pu bu(Detian waterfall)

This waterfall is the largest transnational waterfall in Asia, and the fourth largest waterfall in the world. Detian Waterfall is also listed as one of the six most beautiful waterfalls in China. Detian Waterfall lies along the upper reaches of Guichun River, and was only 50 meters away from the China-Vietnamese border. It is coupled with the Banyue Waterfall (as Bản Giốc & Đức Thiên” in Vietnamese) on the Vietnamese side of the river. The Detian Waterfall is over 200 meters wide and has a drop of more than 70 meters. Its water rushes down a three-tiered cliff with tremendous force. It is not the biggest waterfall in China, but it is awe-inspiring, and its thunder travels far away. The water rushes down over 60 meters into the pools below, where is a great place for swimming.

You yi guan (The Gate of Friendship)

This is a border gate between China and Vietnam. It lies 18km southwest of Pingxiang, Chongzuo city. It played an important role in 17-19th century. For over 2000 years it served as gate and getaway to south China. It was renamed several times in history. In Ming dynasty, people called it Zhengnan guan (meaning, the gate to stabilize the south border). It became the forefront during the struggle to keep out French colonists from then Indochina peninsula in 19th century. The gate and tower were destroyed by warfare several times over. The current ones standing were rebuilt in 1960s. It was renamed you yi guan in commemorating the long standing friendship between China and Vietnam, forged during the bloody Vietnam war. 

● What to eat

The culinary culture is that typical of Guangxi, people tend to enjoy food with sour and spicy taste. The Chongzuo suan zhou (sour porridge) is a typical one. It is a kind of food which challenges people palate. Not everyone enjoy the strong sour flavor, but locals surely like it. Kao ru zhu (roasted suckling) is another noticeable Chongzuo delicacy. It is actually a popular meal in south part of China, and among Zhuang ethnics. The suckling pigs are roasted to a degree that their skin became crispy. It is a treat to your taste bud when the fragrance of the pork is coupled with the crunchy texture

● Access

The nearest airport to Chongzuo is the Nanning Airport which is about 100km away. 

Chongzuo is linked by highway networks with Nanning and neighboring cities. Visitors could also take a high speed train from Nanning. For international travelers, it is possible to move across the China-Vietnam border and enter Chongzuo through Tinh Lang Son in Vietnam. 

● Climate 

Chongzuo region sits at the south of the Tropic of Cancer. It is in the subtropical climate zone, with relatively long summer and short winter. That indicates a warm and wet weather pattern all year round. The average temperature of this region is around 20-22 degree. This region enjoys many sunny days in each year. Chongzuo is suitable to visit all year round, but summer time is suggested for its clear sky days and visibility.