Hezhou, China
Region: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Geographic Coordinates: 24.416400, 111.548000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 2072600
Language: Mandarin
Hezhou is a city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. It is located on the Hongshui River and surrounded by mountains, Making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The city has a rich cultural heritage with many historical sites and traditional festivals that attract visitors from all over the world. One of Hezhou’s most famous attractions is Huangyao Ancient Town, Which dates back over 1, 000 years. Visitors can see well-preserved ancient architecture and learn about traditional Chinese life through various temples and shrines.
Another must-see attraction in Hezhou is Xiangshan Scenic Area, Offering stunning views of forests, Waterfalls and rock formations. Activities such as camping or fishing are available here. For history buffs, There are several museums worth visiting in Hezhou including the Hezhou Museum showcasing artifacts from various periods throughout Chinese history while Lingfeng Cultural Heritage Museum showcases local traditions like paper cutting and embroidery.
Hezhou also offers its own unique cuisine reflecting its location near both Guangdong Province and Hunan Province with dishes like spicy fish hotpot, Braised pork belly with taro root or bamboo rice cooked inside bamboo tubes. annual festivals celebrate local customs such as dragon boat racing during Dragon Boat Festival or lantern displays during Mid-Autumn Festival that make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Chinese culture outside major cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
- Luhua Hot Spring Resort
- Hezhou Xianglong Cave Scenic Area
- Huangyao Ancient Town
- Shuiyue Cave Scenic Area
- Guposhan National Forest Park
- Hailongtun Scenic Area
- Tongling Grand Canyon Scenic Area
- Dashiwei Tiankeng Group National Geopark
- Hezhou Yushi Forest Park
- Yizhou Ancient City
- Agriculture: Hezhou is known for its production of rice, tea, sugarcane, and fruits.
- Mining: The city has rich mineral resources such as limestone, granite, coal, and iron.
- Tourism: Hezhou has many scenic spots such as the Huangyao Ancient Town and the Gupo Mountain National Forest Park.
- Manufacturing: The city has a growing manufacturing industry that produces textiles, machinery parts, electronics components, and food products.
- Energy: Hezhou is home to several hydropower stations that generate electricity for the region.
- Service industry: The service sector in Hezhou includes finance, retail trade, transportation services among others which are essential to support other industries in the area.
- The Battle of Hezhou: This battle was fought in 1929 between the Chinese communist forces and the Nationalist government. It was a significant event in the Chinese Civil War.
- Huang Tingjian: Huang Tingjian was a famous poet from Hezhou who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). His poetry is highly regarded for its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth.
- Li Zicheng: Li Zicheng was a rebel leader who led an uprising against the Ming dynasty in 1644. He captured Beijing and declared himself emperor, but his reign was short-lived.
- The Hezhou Uprising: This uprising took place in 1911 during the Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty and established the Republic of China.
- Huang Gongwang: Huang Gongwang was a renowned painter from Hezhou who lived during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). His landscape paintings are considered some of China’s finest artistic treasures.
- The Long March: During this historic event, Mao Zedong’s Red Army passed through Hezhou on their way to Yan’an after being pursued by Nationalist forces in 1935-36.
- Guo Moruo: Guo Moruo was a prominent writer, historian, and politician who lived during modern times (1892-1978).
- Tao Yuanming: Tao Yuanming was a famous poet from ancient China (365–427) known for his pastoral themes that celebrated rural life away from court politics.
- The Qianlong Emperor: Qianlong Emperor visited Hezhou several times to go hunting or sightseeing at scenic spots such as Lushan Mountain Park, Yuhua Cave, and Huashan Mountain Park.
- The Hezhou International Tea Culture Festival is an annual event celebrated in May, showcasing the rich tea culture of Hezhou. It features tea tasting, cultural performances, and exhibitions.
- The Dong Minority Torch Festival is a festival celebrated by the Dong ethnic minority in Hezhou. It includes traditional dances, music performances, and a torch procession.
- The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually June) with dragon boat races on Liujiang River.
- The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September). It features moon-watching, lantern-making and traditional food such as mooncakes.
- Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is held in late January or early February with fireworks displays, lion dances, family gatherings and festive meals.
- The Hezhou International Marathon takes place annually in November or December attracting runners from across China to compete in a scenic course that passes through downtown Hezhou.
- Liujiang River Lantern Festival takes place during Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month), featuring colorful lantern displays along both banks of Liujiang River.
- Hezhou Rice Noodles (贺州米粉)
- Fried River Snails (炒河螺)
- Braised Pork with Taro (芋头扣肉)
- Spicy Chicken Hot Pot (麻辣鸡火锅)
There are also several popular restaurants in Hezhou, China, such as:
- Shangri-La Hotel Hezhou Restaurant
- Xiangjiang Chunqiu Restaurant
- Tianyi Restaurant
- Yijia Seafood Restaurant
- Hezhou People’s Park is a large park that features a lake, walking paths, and various recreational activities such as boating and fishing.
- Xiangjiang Safari Park is a zoo that houses over 10,000 animals from around the world.
- Hezhou Sports Center is a multi-purpose sports complex that hosts events and has facilities for basketball, volleyball, badminton, swimming, and more.
- Lianhua Mountain Scenic Area is a mountain park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Longshan National Forest Park is a forested park with hiking trails and camping facilities available to visitors.
- Hezhou Cultural Square serves as an open-air plaza used for public events such as concerts and festivals.
- Xingzi Lake Scenic Area offers picturesque views of the lake surrounded by mountains while providing boating and fishing opportunities to visitors.
- Hongshui River Rafting provides an exciting outdoor activity where visitors can go rafting on the Hongshui River while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way.
