When much of China enters “barbecue mode,” Hechi—a small city nestled among the mountains in northwestern Guangxi—remains a true “natural air-conditioned sanctuary” with an average annual temperature of 16.9°C to 21.5°C and a forest coverage rate of 71.32%. Summer in Hechi is all about diving headfirst into the cool, refreshing landscapes.

Hechi Summer Escape, Hechi is all about “playing in the water”

A trip to Hechi in summer isn’t complete without getting soaked. Head to the Chengjiang River in Duan for a boat ride, where you can watch the “river that blooms”—the flowering Ottelia acuminata swaying on the water’s surface. Or make your way to Fengshan’s Sanmenhai (Three Gates Sea) , where you’ll boat through karst caves and emerge into a surreal turquoise “jelly water” often compared to a real-life Zelda landscape. For something more adventurous, go to Tian’e County and try paddleboarding on the Hongshui River—if you’re lucky, you might even swim alongside the legendary “blue knife fish” (a local fish species).

For thrill-seekers, Luocheng’s Mianhua Tiankeng (Cotton Sinkhole) features a transparent glass waterslide on the cliff edge—a screaming-good way to beat the heat.

Outdoor paradise: the “extreme playground” above ground

If Hechi deserves the title “outdoor paradise,” it’s thanks to the dramatic karst landscape that underpins it all. Luocheng’s Mianhua Tiankeng, plunging 326 meters deep, is an explorer’s dream—walk the glass plank path, try the cliff-side swing, or even stay overnight at the cliff-top hotel and “look at the sky from the bottom of a well.” In Donglan County, professional outdoor clubs offer ATV river-trekking experiences, where you drive off-road vehicles through streams and rapids. For cycling enthusiasts, the Longjiang Greenway in Jinchengjiang is a must—it’s car-free and follows the emerald river through fields and across suspension bridges, all the way to the Lesser Three Gorges scenic area.

Dahua

  • Manjiang “Wonang Piao” (local rafting experience) – A river fed by underground springs, perfect for drifting and rafting.

Gexian Mountain

  • Rows of matcha-green peaks—hikers, don’t miss this one.

Duan

  • Chengjiang River – Downstream from Jiudun, this “river of flowers” features icy-clear water with blooms floating on the surface.

  • Tunbang / Jiuling Tiankeng (with barbecue) – An enormous spring-fed pool where many people jump in for a swim.

  • Nongxiang Tiankeng – A cave where you can see the ethereal “Tyndall effect” light beams.

Tian’e

  • Hongshui River (upstream of the county seat) – Perfect for viewing blue knife fish, paddleboarding, swimming, and diving. You can enter the water at Pier 97 or 94 Lighthouse, or at the county pier (where many fish gather—bring some bread).

  • Chuandonghe Swallow Lake – A stream that flows through a huge cave, ideal for paddleboarding. After passing through the cave, the water becomes shallow and clear, great for wading or a gentle “human drift” experience.

Nandan

  • Yaowang Tiandia – The highlight here is Dongtian Shengjing, a cave with underground streams and, arguably, the most stunning cave lighting in all of Guangxi.

  • Yunguantian – Perched on a mountaintop, this spot offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets, with camping and accommodation available for stargazing at night.

  • Danlu Mountain – Features a real-life “QQ Speed” downhill cart ride and a fun, refreshing “Xiantang” canyoning experience—perfect for cooling off.

Fengshan

  • Sanmenhai (Three Gates Sea) – A boat tour through three sinkholes with alternating light and dark passages. In winter, the water is a dreamy blue, but in summer it’s unpredictable—during high water, the cave becomes inaccessible and the water turns murky like mung bean soup. Always check the opening status before you go.

  • Shegeng Chuandong & Wanshou Valley – Located next to Sanmenhai, these are great alternatives if Sanmenhai is closed. Wanshou Valley sees very few visitors but boasts spectacular stalactites.

  • JZ Underground Corridor – A raw, expansive cave with an awe-inspiring entrance. Note: it’s technically off-limits to the public (undeveloped).

Luocheng

  • Mianhua Tiankeng (Cotton Sinkhole) – A lesser-known gem. The cliff-side bookstore is especially charming at night—worth staying overnight for.

Jinchengjiang District

  • Lesser Three Gorges – Take a cruise between towering peaks that rise straight out of the water—it’s breathtaking. If conditions allow, paddleboarding here is also fantastic.