Liuzhou - Departing for Sanjiang Drum Tower (Plenty of Photos)

Speaking of Sanjiang, I didn't know about it before. As a Guangxi native, I can only say my knowledge is too narrow. I heard about it from my roommate. Originally, I planned to go with my college roommate in August, but due to work reasons, our schedules didn't align, so it kept being postponed. Thinking I could arrange time during the National Day holiday, I looked up information online and read some travel guides. I originally planned to take the train and had already bought tickets. Later, I passed by the bus station and asked, and found there were buses to Sanjiang, so I bought a bus ticket because the Sanjiang train station is quite far from Sanjiang county town. On October 4th at 14:45, I departed from Yizhou and arrived at Sanjiang at 19:20 (outside Sanjiang county town, all buses arrive at Hedong Bus Station). After leaving the station, I first found a hotel to stay. I don't have high requirements for accommodation; I'd rather spend money on food. There are many hotels near the station. A single room costs between 50 and 100 RMB, and a standard room between 70 and 140 RMB. After settling in, I went to find food. Sanjiang doesn't have any special local cuisine. Personally, I think there is nothing very distinctive and tasty within Guangxi. After exiting Hedong Bus Station, walk 100 meters to your right, and on your right is Guyi Bridge. Cross Guyi Bridge, walk straight another 100 meters, and on your right straight ahead is Hexi Bus Station. To go to Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, wait for the bus at that intersection. When you see a bus with 'Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge' written on it, ask the driver. The fare is 6 RMB (I recommend taking a minibus because vans drive fast and unsafe, the road is rough, and they tend to overcharge). There are both vans and minibuses. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge. After leaving Hedong Bus Station, walking straight along your right-hand side leads to Moonlight Street, which has nice scenery at night. Seeing a wooden-like road sign that says 'Moonlight Street,' walk another 30 meters, and on your left there are steps going up. That is the central square, where there is Sanjiang Drum Tower. After arriving at the square, follow Dongxiang Avenue (the direction toward Moonlight Street) for 1000 meters, and on your right is Sanjiang Wind and Rain Bridge. It's quite beautiful. If you take a taxi from Hedong Bus Station to Sanjiang Wind and Rain Bridge, the fare is 8 RMB. After boarding the bus to Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, you can ask the driver to remind you to get off at the Chengyang Eight Villages ticket office (it's right by the roadside; get off and you're there). During Golden Week, there are occasional ticket inspections inside the scenic area, but it's not a big deal; if you skip the ticket, you can also buy a make-up ticket. If you're not afraid of ticket inspection, you can walk straight along the road for 1000 meters (around a bend), and on your left there is a small bridge that leads into the village. There are also villagers who can take you in at half price, but these are uncivilized behaviors. The key is that you don't have a ticket; if you get caught, you'll still have to pay for a full ticket. Of course, it's only occasional. After buying a ticket, walk ahead and you'll see the famous Chengyang Yongji Wind and Rain Bridge. During Golden Week, there are different performances each day. One of them is that before crossing the Yongji Wind and Rain Bridge, you have to drink a cup of blocking wine (rice wine, a small cup). They sing to you first, then you drink. After entering, you can walk around freely and look around. Remember one thing: following the crowd is always right. You can also follow a tour group and listen to the guide. Inside, the village is building a new drum tower (next to the big stage), entirely made of wood without using a single nail. At noon, there are performances in the village, free of charge. There is also a hundred-family feast, which is self-funded at 50 RMB, and the food is not particularly good. Consider it an experience; participation is voluntary. The leisurely time feels really nice. The breeze on the bridge is extremely pleasant. Put aside those unhappy feelings and enjoy this moment that belongs to you. After exploring the entire village, if you want to take a photo of the whole village, you can go back to the mountain at the head of the Yongji Wind and Rain Bridge. You can climb up, but there is a landslide area here. Still, I went up; there is a path, and there is a pavilion at the top. Warm reminder: After returning to Sanjiang county town, if you are from out of town, you need to buy tickets at Hedong Bus Station. Hexi Bus Station serves Sanjiang county town and surrounding townships, while Hedong Bus Station serves long-distance routes, such as Guilin, Liuzhou, Nanning, and other provinces. If you have time, you can visit Sanjiang Wind and Rain Bridge during the day. Travel is an excuse you give yourself to change your mood. Pack your backpack and set off now!