Huashan Cliff Paintings

The Huashan cliff paintings cover more than 60 hills along the banks of the Mingjiang and Zuojiang rivers, tracing numbers of settlements of the Zhuang ethnic group in Ningming County.

The paintings, depicting more than 1,800 human figures, are believed to have been created by ancestors of the Zhuang people more than 2,000 years ago. The largest painting is 45 meters tall and 220 meters wide. The umber-colored figures are exceptionally lifelike. Although the paintings have been subjected to wind and rain for centuries, most of them remain bright, with clear pigments.

The cliff paintings seem to look down on the river from about 110 meters above the water level, with the lowest part hovering at about 15 meters. Some of the human figures look like frogs swimming in water, squatting with their arms raised upwards.

It remains a mystery why these primitive figures were created. They might have been engraved to celebrate military victories or good harvests since they show scenes of military drills and hunting.

The clusters of fabulous paintings are monumental artworks, grandiose in scale and rich in content, and are an invaluable heritage left to us by Zhuang ancestors.

Tips for Tourists:

Ningming County is 160 kilometers from Nanning. It is accessible by both train and bus. To protect the cliff paintings, visitors are not allowed to get close on foot. Tourists need to take a boat at Tuolongqiao Wharf in Ningming and enjoy the paintings while drifting downstream.

Detian Scenic Zone

The Detian Scenic Zone lies in Daxin County, about 140 kilometers from Nanning. This area boasts more than 40 tourist attractions. Among them, the most notable is Detian Waterfall.

Straddling China and Vietnam, Detian is the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the second largest in the world. The Guichun River, which originates in Guangxi, flows into Vietnam before crossing back into China. The river becomes a waterfall as it plunges over a cliff at Detian Village. The water rushes down the three-tiered cliff with tremendous force. When gazing at the roaring water falling from 100-meter-high bluff, you may feel that the ground is shaking under your feet.

Detian Waterfall is a thrilling and majestic sight, testimony to the power of nature to summon a world of sensations.

Other scenic spots include:

Mingshi Pastoral Resort

This national scenic spot covers an area of 20 square kilometers with green hills, a tranquil river, and riverbanks dotted with bamboo groves. Tourists can take bamboo rafts past terraced fields and farmers' cottages.

Heishui River

The river glides through 45.5 kilometers with dense primitive forests and odd-shaped pinnacles along its banks. The reflections of the woods and knolls cast dark hues on the water surface, giving the river its name of Heishui (Black Water). The changing seasons transform the natural scenery throughout the year. In winter, the river is shrouded in fog while in summer it is cool and calm.

Shatun Terraced Waterfall

As its name indicates, the Shatun Terraced Waterfall flows down over seven terraces. Compared with Detian Waterfall, Shatun is not so grand and powerful. However, it inspires a mood of moderation and calmness. Sometimes fishermen on bamboo rafts can be seen near the waterfall – seemingly timeless vignettes.

Country views of Nabang

The nine-kilometer-long path between Shatun Waterfall and Na'an Power Station in Leiping Town is extraordinarily picturesque. Views of the slow-moving river, odd-shaped knolls, paddy fields and cottages look like an elegant ink and wash painting.

Qiaomiao Lake

The Qiaomiao Lake covers an area of about 824 acres and is surrounded by green hills. The surface of the lake is as calm as a mirror. Hills, trees and clouds are reflected on the lake surface and look like a beautiful painting. It is a great pleasure to boat on the lake and listen to folk songs while bathing in the light of the early morning sun. It is a natural heaven on earth.

Tips for Tourists:

The bus to Detian sets off from Nanning Bus Station at 8:30 every morning and returns from Detian at 3:00 p.m. A single trip takes four hours. Fine hostels and hotels are available in the scenic zone. It is strongly recommended to make reservations in advance during peak tourist seasons. For the souvenir-hungry there are many peddlers on the border between China and Vietnam selling goods imported from Vietnam. The famous green bean cake is a must for hungry visitors.