Liuzhou Is More Than Just Luosifen – A Treasure Trove That Even 5 Days Aren't Enough to Explore

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As usual, here's a short video summary of this travelogue – make sure to watch it!!

“I'm in Liuzhou on a business trip...”

“Oh, luosifen!”

“I'm heading to Liuzhou for a meeting.”

“Remember to eat luosifen!”

“I'm visiting Liuzhou for a few days...”

“Bring me back some authentic luosifen!”

“I'm... eating luosifen.”

“Oh, so you're in Liuzhou!”

Somehow, Liuzhou has become synonymous with luosifen, and luosifen represents Liuzhou. This trip to Liuzhou completely refreshed my understanding of the city – Liuzhou is far more than just luosifen! 🍜🍜🍜

Liuzhou is a city with deep cultural and historical roots, and it's also a famous industrial hub – one of China's top five automobile cities (🚗🚗🚗) and the only city home to all four major automotive groups. Its new energy vehicle development leads the nation.

Liuzhou enjoys a fantastic geographical location, surrounded by mountains and rivers on all sides. Everywhere I went in the city, I could spot unique natural scenery blending hills and waterways – simply amazing! The typical karst landscape has shaped Liuzhou's natural beauty of “verdant mountains, crystal-clear waters, peculiar caves, and exquisite rocks.” With green hills encircling the city and rivers flowing through it, it truly deserves the title “the world's largest natural bonsai.” That's why I call Liuzhou a cornucopia.

Liuzhou has its own theme park, Kale Planet, which rivals Disneyland and Happy Valley.

Here, classical and modern elements intertwine in Liuzhou's nightscape. You can stroll through the ancient Yaobu Ancient Town to enjoy a classical evening, or head up to the tallest Diwang Mansion for a panoramic modern view of the city.

High-rise buildings, ancient riverside charm, and dazzling light installations – at night it becomes a spectacular feast of lights. Liuzhou's nightscape is truly unique, never monotonous.

Liuzhou boasts profound historical and cultural heritage. To truly understand the city, you must visit its three major museums: Liuzhou Museum, Liuzhou Industrial Museum, and Liuzhou Bailian Cave Ancient Human Site Museum. After exploring these three modern museums, you'll definitely see Liuzhou in a new light.

The most iconic historical figure of Liuzhou is Liu Zongyuan, who once served as the city's prefectural governor. Liuhou Park was built in his honor and is also a renowned scenic spot in Guangxi. Every park in the city radiates the happiness of local residents.

And of course, luosifen is a must! When in the hometown of this famous noodle dish, you simply have to delve into its story.

Wherever I go, experience tells me to head for the highest point – the view there is never disappointing. In Liuzhou, that's the Diwang Mansion right in the city center. At sunset, the mansion looks every bit the regal landmark.

The Diwang Mansion is largely an office complex, with the hotel occupying floors 68 to 72, all offering panoramic high-rise views. The scenery is stunning, though the weather didn't cooperate fully, but you could still see Liuzhou as a city embraced by mountains – so beautiful!

The trendy Yunshang Restaurant sits on the 73rd floor, offering the best dining view in Liuzhou. People like me who show up on a whim never get a window seat, so remember to book ahead. We finished our meal early to catch the sunset from the rooftop without wasting any time.

Diwang Sightseeing offers a travel experience far beyond traditional high-rise viewing. It's a 1,000-square-meter open helipad – completely unobstructed observation. Unlike being cooped up in a glass room, the howling wind and 360-degree views let you truly feel the spirit of “mounting the summit to see all peaks dwarfed.”

Of course, the rooftop is an excellent spot for portraits, with many stylish ladies coming to strike a pose 😂. If only we could get perfect weather and a fiery sunset – how wonderful that would be. Just as we were wishing for it, the sky blushed for a moment after sunset 😂. Every angle offers a different facet of Liuzhou's beauty.

The highlight of Liuzhou's nightscape is its 20-plus bridges spanning the river and the faint silhouettes of distant mountains. Many have seen glittering urban nightscapes, but few have witnessed the charm of a mountain-water city after dark.

Hongguang Bridge is Guangxi's first suspension bridge and once held the record for the longest single span in Liuzhou.

Wenhui Bridge is Guangxi's first half-through concrete-filled steel tubular arch bridge. Its distinctive double-arched “twin sisters” design adds rich character to Liuzhou's bridge landscape.

If you crave more, Yunding Sightseeing also offers a glass skywalk. Under staff guidance and with safety measures in place, you can walk outside the building on a catwalk – about 100 yuan per person.

Back at the hotel, we could lie in bed and still enjoy the night view. Hahaha 😂 Gazing at a third-tier city's nightscape, I felt like I was in a first-tier city. Is Liuzhou really just a third-tier city?

If you want to catch the sunrise, wait at the Yunshang Restaurant. Sleep in too late, and there'll be no sunrise – only breakfast awaits.

This is a morning photo of Liuzhou's cityscape taken from my room. Many postcard shots of Liuzhou are taken from the opposite Ma’anshan Mountain. The weather was fine today, so we set off for Luzhai!

The 2019 World Cycling Tour was held in Guangxi, with one stage traversing Liuzhou–Luzhai–Guilin. The stretch from Zhongdu Ancient Town to Xiangqiao Geopark has been dubbed “Guangxi's Most Beautiful Cycling Route.” 🚲

Surrounded by mountains, this race route passes through countryside rich in natural beauty, offering a feast for the eyes. Along this short 10-kilometer stretch, there are several unmissable natural sights, which became my planned itinerary for the day 🚲🚲.

My route: Zhongdu Ancient Town – Hexiang Inn – Xiangshui Waterfall – Shilin – Xiangqiao Geopark – Lumingu Valley. Feel free to follow along if you're interested.

Aerial shot of Guangxi's most beautiful cycling route – green hills and clear waters, a scroll of picturesque landscapes.

Zhongdu Ancient Town Scenic Area, Luzhai County

Zhongdu Ancient Town, the cradle of Luzhai's civilization, has a history of nearly 2,000 years! With its deep historical roots, profound cultural heritage, and simple folk customs, it wins the hearts of many visitors.

It's titled a “National Historic and Cultural Town” and one of the first “Characteristic Towns of China.” Ancient gates, city walls, and old business plaques still stand, hinting at its bustling past as a commercial hub.

Willows by the river sway gently in the breeze. Standing here, you feel as if you've traveled back in time to old Zhongdu.

Zhongdu Ancient Town is a place full of poetic charm, preserving its original purity all this while.

When visiting Guangxi's landscapes, how can you skip a boat ride? The same goes for Zhongdu. Hop on a river boat to view the ancient town from a different angle and savor a unique flavor.

The scenery here is no less stunning than Guilin's iconic landscapes.

Local fishermen still use the most traditional bamboo rafts, living peaceful lives as if in a secluded paradise.

Green hills, clear waters, wharves, old bridges, ancient trees – everything retains its centuries-old original charm, tranquil and harmonious. Here you can not only enjoy unspoiled beauty but also receive a gift of nature's serenity.

This ancient residential complex dates back to the mid-Qing dynasty, nestled in the heart of Zhongdu Town. All the buildings feature gray bricks and tiles, wooden frameworks – quaint and classic. Wandering inside, you feel the timeless elegance everywhere. Unfortunately, some areas around the town were undergoing renovations, so I couldn't capture everything – a slight regret.

Zhongdu Ancient Town has also produced many literary figures, such as cultural celebrities Wei Xiaoping and Pan Wenjing. Breathtaking natural scenery, simple rural kindness, and profound cultural heritage together paint a picture-perfect scroll.

The villagers here are so blessed – living beside lotus ponds with mountains as their backdrop, every day is a happy one.

Just in time for lunch, we chose Hexiang Inn to dine, as they offer a unique local specialty – the Lotus Feast!

Right outside the door stretches a vast lotus pond.

On the second floor, there's a rocking chair and an excellent viewing deck. This lotus pond draws many tourists; occasionally you spot tourist buses, and people come and go in a lively bustle.

Can you guess why the dishes are passed through the window? At first, I thought it was a special ceremony, but the waiter told me it's because the plates are too big to fit through the door! Haha

Indeed, they were super-sized!! The Lotus Feast was incredibly lavish! Even spicy crawfish was included, not just visually stunning but also a feast for the senses.

After a hearty meal, strolling by the lotus pond was simply delightful.

Dressed in such vibrant red against all that green, were you channeling the boldest ethnic fashion today?

This is your runway – go ahead and strut your stuff, show us your moves 😂

Finally, a couple of lotus photos that I think turned out well.

Next stop: Xiangqiao Geopark. On the way, we passed Xiangshui Waterfall right by the roadside, so we popped in for a few shots. The moment we entered, we were stunned by its breathtaking beauty – it reminded me of the famous Blue Moon Valley in Lijiang.

You can also step onto the rocks to splash around and cool off – it's like nature's own waterpark! 🌊

Get close and feel the roaring force of the waterfall, so loud it gave the place its name – “Roaring Water” (Xiangshui).

Next, we arrived at Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark, acclaimed as “China's Most Beautiful Geopark.”

The park's most distinctive feature is the world-renowned Xiangqiao Natural Bridge.

The natural bridge was formed mainly by long-term erosion from an underground river. Most of the rock above the river channel collapsed under gravity and fell into the riverbed below; only this section of rock above the underground river remained intact, giving birth to a natural bridge.

The area combines peculiar rocks, secluded caves, and graceful waters – a natural legacy gifted by Mother Nature, hailed by karst geologists as “a natural museum of karst geomorphology.”

Guangxi had recently been hit by floods that damaged many river landscapes, so some scenery at the foot of the mountains was spoiled. What a pity. Truly, the earth's hidden wonders are disappearing one by one – we must cherish them.

Descending the hill to the natural bridge, we saw stalactites of various shapes and sizes. A gentle breeze swept through, and standing there, we couldn't help but marvel at nature's craftsmanship. Beyond the natural bridge lay yet another secluded paradise. How enchanting this place is – you'll have to experience it yourself to truly feel it.

Feel the fierce rush of water at this enormous cave mouth!

Up ahead, another surprise: a free RV campsite! There's also a vast natural stone forest! The uniquely shaped building in the photo below blends perfectly into the scenery – perhaps a visitor center?

An incredibly spectacular expanse of natural stone forest stretching as far as the eye can see!

This stone forest, combined with the rolling mountains, had a touch of magic – exactly the kind of atmosphere I love. Every discovery along the way felt amazing, all still undeveloped. It shows that the surroundings of Liuzhou are full of hidden gems.

Luzhai – the name itself contains “deer.” Not that the name came from deer, but because it's called Luzhai, deer are raised here. 🦌 Lumingu Valley not only has the Youyou Deer Park but also RV camps and hotels. That night we stayed at the Lumingu Hotel.

Just a short walk from the hotel is the adorable Youyou Deer Park, one of China's first open parks themed around deer 🦌🦌🦌.

Unlike typical parks, the sika deer here roam freely among visitors, unafraid of people and even keen to interact! Look, we spotted a deer strolling along the park path!

This concept is still quite novel in China. Everyone knows the deer in Nara Park, Japan, are famous – and they'll attack if you don't offer them treats. We'd been bullied by them before, so we were nervous at first. But we soon found the deer here to be much gentler, making it perfect for family outings – bring the kids!

The park itself is decorated in a cartoonish style, with real deer and fake ones blending together in a fairy-tale fantasy.

Don't forget to lure a deer onto Rainbow Avenue for a photo – it looks magical.

So many cute sika deer, sometimes a whole herd gathers around.

Tonight we stayed at Lumingu Hotel, a cozy room with a lovely view right outside the door.

In the morning, we were greeted by a beautiful and nutritious breakfast from the hotel, truly balanced and abundant. If time allowed, we could rent bicycles 🚲🚲🚲 to ride along the most beautiful cycling route.

The area also features an RV campsite.

Kale Planet – this name isn't as widely known domestically as Disneyland, Happy Valley, or Chimelong. But having visited three Universal Studios, three Disneylands, Happy Valley, Chimelong, and over a dozen amusement parks around the world, I think I can speak: Kale Planet is a seriously underrated theme park 🎠🎠🎠.

Maybe because Kale Planet operates only in two third-tier cities, Changde and Liuzhou, its influence hasn't reached first-tier cities yet. But Kale Planet is a rising star, and one day it will become as explosively popular as luosifen.

The entrance of Kale Planet, grand enough to overshadow other parks – even the famous Universal Studios pales in comparison. The castle stands across a moat, guarded by two giant black dragons 🦖🦖.

Here, every girl's princess dream can come true.

Spot us in the photo below? Haha

Wow!! The aerial view of the entire park instantly ignited our excitement!

Behind the main gate and before the actual entrance lies an enormous square. Kale Planet, here we come – take us back to our 18-year-old selves!

Once inside, every detail revolves around the planet theme. No angle ever breaks the immersion.

The big mouth on the left is the automated ticket counter. Today wasn't a holiday, so no queues – pure bliss.

Know what I love most about Kale Planet? A thoughtful amenity I've never experienced in any other park! It's a two-seat electric mini-car! Now you can stow your heavy backpacks, skip walking, and have shade. Oh My God!! I have to use it! Use it! Use it!

Driving this car around the park in summer was awesome – I was singing with joy the whole way, as if the ride itself was an attraction.

The park is divided into five themed areas: Mermaid Kingdom, Sun Tribe, Kale Town, Casino Street, and Cloud Tribe. It features 14 indoor high-tech rides including the world's first cinematic drop tower, phantom theaters, and more, plus 19 outdoor rides and a giant haunted house. With so many choices, we lost our bearings for a moment.

The roller coasters at any park are unmissable!! Head straight to Speed of Light – a super coaster hitting 90 km/h with a first drop of 20 meters! Combined with water explosion effects, it's speed and thrill that kick-start the excitement.

No trouble is too big that a thrilling coaster ride can't solve; if there is, go for another round! Haha

The second most popular ride is Canyon Rapids, a staple in every park but one you simply can't skip. Plunging from over 30 meters into a pool at high speed, you experience extreme surfing, weightlessness, and centrifugal forces.

Once again, I have to praise that little electric car – go wherever you want, Mom won't worry about me getting sunburned anymore.

Flame Dragon Mine Cart – not too thrilling, perfect for challenging kids' courage. Kale Planet is also great for families; many indoor high-tech experiences are excellent, though sadly they were closed due to the pandemic.

Kale Planet is full of photogenic spots for striking poses. Today, it was my turn – this is my stage.

This graffiti container area is an Instagram hot spot at Kale Planet; you can never take enough photos.

We also drove twin go-karts.

Eye of Dragon City – a Ferris wheel towering 88 meters high, set in the romantic Cloud Tribe. One full rotation takes about 15.5 minutes.

A theme park with mountains and rivers – that's the Liuzhou touch.

Due to time, we couldn't stay for Kale Planet's night session, when the whole park glows even more beautifully under lights. Kitty's princess dream wasn't finished... let her sit quietly and daydream a while.

Keliwan Water Park is right next door to Kale Planet, making it easy to enjoy both in one trip! With a Mediterranean theme, it combines water fun, cultural shows, and leisure facilities – currently the largest Mediterranean-themed outdoor water park in Guangxi.

Guangxi, a land of rivers and mountains, means locals grow up loving the water. Keliwan Water World is a favorite weekend hangout for them.

A strong Mediterranean vibe gave us the illusion of being in Greece.

The park is huge – the largest water park I've ever seen. It's divided into 12 areas: Center Plaza, Seabed City, Seabed Fantasy, Seabed Beach, Seabed Adventure, and more. No matter your age or gender, there's something for everyone.

This is my favorite wave pool, Keliwan's signature attraction.

FlowRider – stand on a surfboard as if in the ocean, riding the thrilling waves 🌊🌊. Of course, that's only after practice. My first attempt lasted barely half a minute, hahaha

Behind us is the distinctive Pirate Ship Restaurant – it's not just a water park, but also dining, barbecue, you name it!

My absolute favorite is the 8,000+ square meter Wave Beach, with modes ranging from gentle ripples to 1.5-meter giant waves, creating the most realistic ocean experience 😂. When visiting, keep an ear out for the wave schedule announced over the PA – don't miss it!

After tiring out at the water park, we rested at a nearby B&B, Simple Blossoms – a popular designer guesthouse. I never expected this place to be so multifaceted: combining lodging, dining, a book bar, barbecue, and even a water sports base! The overall decor is chic and tasteful; every detail shows the owner truly knows how to live a good life.

Tonight's Japanese-style room, complete with tatami and tea set, felt like being transported to Japan. Haha

Waking up in the morning, I saw the true charm of this place – an elegantly arranged little book bar.

The guesthouse is right by the riverside, ideal for morning strolls, reading, or cycling. Many bikes are available for rent. The host told us weekends here are bustling with cyclists; some families come for barbecues, with grills and all equipment provided, plus water sports.

The backyard is long and spacious, the owner clearly put heart into it – many lovely little scenes.

A beautiful spot to gather with friends for tea and chatter – a great choice!

The entire row of houses along this road shares a consistent design style, forming a cycling training base amidst natural beauty. Along the way, we saw many cycling enthusiasts – Liuzhou folks are so fortunate.

Today's main itinerary: Liuzhou's three major museums – Liuzhou Museum, Liuzhou Industrial Museum, and Liuzhou Bailian Cave Ancient Human Site Museum. To understand a city, museums are key. Liuzhou's museums are truly exceptional, because the city itself has such rich historical and cultural heritage that it's worth commemorating.

Liuzhou Bailian Cave Ancient Human Site Museum – just the name sparks intense curiosity!! My first impression is that it must be a mysterious place, all about exploration and archaeological science.

Arriving at the museum, the completely modern design with clean, sharp lines resembles a spaceship from outer space. Follow me as we peel back the mists of history and feel the excitement of tens of thousands of years!

I absolutely adore the museum's overall design. Compared to other domestic museums, it's far more contemporary and futuristic.

A museum's design essentially represents its caliber. Upon entering, the huge circular skylight above clearly suggests humanity's insignificance in the vast universe – everyone should approach learning and exploration with humility.

Small spotlights resemble countless stars in the sky.

This museum is not just a scientific treasure trove but also an Instagram-worthy photo spot – right up our alley! Let's start snapping away!

Inside, the exhibition area spans two floors, divided into two main themes: “Memories of Earth – The Exhibition of Biological Evolution” and “Cave Home – Prehistoric Culture of Liuzhou.” Over 2,000 cultural relics, mainly prehistoric artifacts and paleontological fossils, trace the origins of life and human evolution, especially the legacy of Liuzhou's prehistoric culture.

Clearly, there are dinosaur fossils here – perfect for kids!! Mom said she'll bring my younger brothers next time.

This exhibition hall is like a vivid textbook on human history. It covers topics kids naturally love: from the origin of life – the emergence of ancient organisms – the age of dinosaurs – to the eventual appearance of humans.

We felt like kids again, filling gaps in our knowledge from the very beginning. Kitty was completely absorbed; she'll be bragging to the kids when she gets back, haha

A mammoth!! Children would be thrilled.

The dinosaur fossil hall – so majestic! I never imagined Liuzhou had so many dinosaur fossils, a priceless treasure!

This exhibition hall was only completed around last New Year's Day, so it incorporates many modern technologies. On weekends, lots of parents bring their children here. It's entirely free, and far more enriching than a regular amusement park.

After the human evolution journey, we moved to the next hall – Cave Home. The sentence that left the deepest impression on me was: “Liuzhou is the heart of world karst.” Liuzhou was rapidly uplifted from the ocean 200 million years ago. Through eons of geological change, nature meticulously sculpted this land, forming emerald peaks and myriad caves.

Here, numerous fossils excavated from the Bailian Cave site are on display. Evidence suggests the Bailian Cave people lived over 20,000 years ago, already knowing how to collect, process, and eat snails – making them the earliest snail-eating group discovered in South China!

There are Gigantopithecus fossils offering crucial clues to human origins, as well as a walk-through of South China's Paleolithic era. These abundant ancient relics fully demonstrate historical continuity – perhaps Liuzhou has been a cradle and hearth for southern populations since ancient times! At this point, I felt deep respect for Liuzhou; it underscores the city's vital role in the long river of human history.

The exhibition also uses AR, VR, and other tech to bring relics closer to visitors. Kids showed intense curiosity about these new facts, sparking their desire to explore the unknown. A great city museum is the best textbook for children.

This museum shattered our preconceptions; we walked out still longing for more.

We continued to the next museum – Liuzhou Museum. Its galleries include History, Ethnic Cultures, Bronze, Fan and Calligraphy Painting, and Paleontological Fossils. With over 60,000 artifacts, the collections are incredibly rich. You'll need considerable time to see everything, so pick what interests you most.

Stepping into the lobby, you're greeted by a ceiling of pink paper umbrellas – pure Chinese elegance.

Liuzhou Museum surely holds many treasures; let's take a look.

There's a fossil exhibition here too.

This is the best-preserved dinosaur fossil in Guangxi – small but remarkably intact.

Dinosaur egg fossils!

Compared to Bailian Cave Museum, this place has even more fossils, covering a wide range. From Cambrian microorganisms 500 million years ago to Mesozoic vertebrates, and then to Cenozoic life 60 million years ago – flora and fauna are all represented. Too many names to remember! These fossils are extremely rare and precious; in my view, they're top-tier exhibits.

Next, the History Hall highlights Liuzhou's changes from the Stone Age through successive dynasties. Stone tools, scrapers, and polished implements unearthed from the Neolithic period show that agricultural civilization had already emerged in Liuzhou!

Below is a talcstone human mask – solemn yet slightly cute.

During the Tang dynasty, after Liu Zongyuan arrived in Liuzhou, he actively promoted culture and education, greatly advancing local culture. From ancient times to now, Liuzhou has maintained its status as a transportation hub and commercial center.

Liuzhou is home to Zhuang, Miao, Yao, and Dong ethnic groups. The museum displays their folk literature and arts including brocade, embroidery, ceramics, and bamboo weaving.

All kinds of silver ornaments from ethnic minorities.

If you want to see real treasures, head to the Ancient Bronze Gallery. It showcases 150 representative bronze artworks. The Han dynasty tomb pit and burial objects were relocated here for preservation. Each piece is innovative in design and intricate in concept – worth savoring one by one if time permits.

The patina of history exudes priceless value.

The Fan and Calligraphy Painting Gallery features over 200 exquisite fans from the Ming, Qing, and modern periods from the museum's collection.

These three are authentic works by Qi Baishi! Finally, I've seen the real thing.

Liuzhou Industrial Museum

Our third stop: Liuzhou Industrial Museum. Why recommend it? It's the nation's first comprehensive urban industrial museum! When we think of industry, cities like Shenyang, Dalian, Beijing, Tianjin, or Wuhan might come to mind – all first or second-tier. Surprisingly, Liuzhou holds a key position in China's industrial landscape.

Liuzhou's museums are not only treasure houses of humanities and science but also incorporate tourism features, making them local Instagram hotspots! First, we snapped photos outside the museum with these vintage trains.

There’s also an old green train – a must for ladies who love retro style.

This train has been turned into a 24-hour book bar – a brilliant idea, sadly closed due to the pandemic.

Besides trains, there are other large retired machines.

Entering the exhibition hall, the first thing you see is a double-action press – majestic! Clearly marked “Paris, France,” it was imported in the 1980s, symbolizing the solid weight of Liuzhou's industrial heritage.

As early as the Qing dynasty, Liuzhou's traditional handicrafts had already developed on a large scale – the embryo of early industry. The displayed old equipment aren't models; they're originals coated with a protective glossy finish.

A diorama shows the prosperous face of old Liuzhou.

Liuzhou's first manufactured airplane.

The entire hall exudes strong industrial vibes, feeling less like a museum and more like an art gallery inside a Starbucks. Some old machines, freshly painted, take on a whole new flavor.

Seeing these massive machines up close, even as retired relics of a bygone era, you can still sense their explosive power. Our nation missed the Industrial Revolution several times due to the closed-door policy of the Qing. Tiny European countries swept the globe with advanced industrial technology; a country's strength is inseparable from industry.

In spring 1928, the Liuzhou Machinery Factory broke ground. It not only produced grenades, explosives, and anti-aircraft guns, but an alcohol plant, smelter, and cement factory also went into operation. Liuzhou thus earned the title “the heart of industry.”

Next came Liuzhou's automobile era, evolving from heavy trucks to passenger cars. Liuzhou has unquestionably played a crucial role in China's automotive history. The legendary “magic car” – Wuling Hongguang – hails from Liuzhou; below is its first generation model.

This is a car worth commemorating, marking the start of an era.

Liuzhou-made heavy trucks rival Optimus Prime in appearance.

In the 1980s, when locals set up new homes, almost all household products were made in Liuzhou! As the saying went, “three spins and one buzz, forty-eight legs.” Many familiar old brands originated here: Shuangma electric fans, Liangmianzhen toothpaste, Dole refrigerators, and more.

The LIUGONG logo is indeed much more stylish than “Liugong,” hahaha 😂 – signaling the start of exporting overseas.

This CLG776A backhoe loader, produced by Guangxi Liugong in 2010, is nicknamed “busy at both ends.”

The very modern exhibition hall left a deep impression on me.

Near Liuzhou Industrial Museum lies Yaobu Ancient Town, a must-visit spot. Arriving near sunset, you can explore the town, dine, and then enjoy its breathtaking nightscape.

Yaobu Ancient Town, located in the CBD core, is a dazzling pearl along the “Hundred-Li Liujiang River,” boasting prime waterfront views – truly Liuzhou's urban reception hall.

The ancient town sits at the foot of Panlong Mountain. The scenery is perfect, with a constant stream of visitors.

Quirky little shops along the river are one of the big draws.

Seeing other cities' ancient towns, I can't help wishing my own city had such a beautiful spot. I'm genuinely envious.

At night, illuminated pushcart markets come alive.

Isn't this just a fancy version of street vending? But even street stalls can look this charming.

The lights of Yaobu Ancient Town come on – this is when it's most beautiful. Traditional architecture paired with lighting design gives you the illusion of strolling through Chang'an City under moonlight.

In the distance, you can spot pagodas on Panlong Mountain.

No wonder people joke: you come to Liuzhou not just for a bowl of luosifen, but for the nightscape of Yaobu Ancient Town, considered a must-see!

Yaobu Ancient Town isn't just a pretty face; it has substance. The shops here look anything but ordinary.

Every café has such a cozy vibe.

At night, dine by the riverside, sip tea, and soak in the stunning view. Across the water stands the towering Diwang Mansion.

An aerial night shot of Yaobu Ancient Town – launched a bit late, so the sky was already dim, but still stunning. Ancient town, skyscrapers, mountains, pagodas – that's the unique Liuzhou nightscape.

Tonight we stayed at Liuzhou Yard Juntin Hotel, right downtown for easy access. It's a Chinese garden-style hotel, everything feels new, quiet amidst the bustle, with great value for money.

The room has a small sitting area, making it a good choice for business trips.

An automatic coffee machine – made a cup to relax before bed. Today we explored several museums, a truly nourishing day.

What I especially liked was the hotel breakfast – not only varied but exquisitely prepared, easily matching five-star quality.

Called Yard Juntin, it indeed has a garden courtyard. Dining here, you feel like breathing nature right in the city.

Early in the morning, we first strolled through nearby Liuhou Park, wanting to soak up some local culture. Liuhou refers to the great Tang dynasty literary master Liu Zongyuan, who once served as prefectural governor of Liuzhou. This park was built in his memory.

A few steps in, we heard musical instruments playing. Following the sound, we found elderly men and women deeply immersed in performance. The sound of the ruan, a Chinese lute, pierced through the garden, pleasant and soothing. Music truly is a balm for the soul.

Hand in hand, growing old together.

We saw many playing cards and Chinese chess – life here is rich and colorful. Liuzhou's luosifen culture is really a reflection of the local lifestyle, still retaining the laid-back, hearty spirit of old Liuzhou.

All around, white-haired seniors practiced swordplay with crisp, nimble movements. Liuzhou must be a city blessed with longevity and livability.

Inside Liuhou Park is the Liuhou Shrine, recording some of Liu Zongyuan's deeds.

Liu Zongyuan was a Tang dynasty writer, thinker, and one of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song. He left over 600 literary works. His contributions to Liuzhou were immense, especially his efforts to free slaves, establish schools, and reclaim land.

Walking through Liuhou Park feels like an oasis in the urban jungle, a favorite spot for public holidays and leisurely strolls.

Over here, we heard a group singing mountain songs in a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere. Liuzhou is a multi-ethnic area, and everyone seems to be able to sing and dance.

Liuhou Park has an artificial lake, green water, curved bridges, shaded paths, pavilions, and rockeries – a delightful scene. If you have free time, it's a great place to escape the heat.

Let me recommend a great photo spot in Liuzhou: Utopia Music City. It's probably the local hipster hangout, right in the city center at Sunshine 100. The concept and design are so much fun – full of vintage charm.

Instant old Liuzhou vibes, so realistic – and there's air conditioning! Haha

This place looks especially amazing at night!! Lights only come on after 5 pm – we came too early without doing our homework.

You might not believe it! Luosifen Town doesn't actually have luosifen 😂 I confirmed with locals several times before I was sure this was the right place. Yes, I had indeed arrived at Luosifen Specialty Town.

Luosifen Specialty Town is actually a hub for luosifen raw materials. It's not the kind of town I imagined where luosifen is sold everywhere. A bowl of luosifen 🍜🍜 consists mainly of snails, rice noodles, pickled bamboo shoots, greens, peanuts, wood ear mushrooms, dried tofu sticks, and daylily. Here you can see these ingredients in their original form – quite interesting.

This is a thousand-mu snail breeding base, where rice and snails grow together. Look closely, and the water is teeming with snails. The scenery around Luosifen Specialty Town is charming, with pastoral views at every turn. The government seems to plan a scenic area with luosifen characteristics, but it's not fully developed yet – you get a purely natural experience.

Passing by a cowpea field – the pickled cowpeas in luosifen come from here.

This is Lylan Sunriver Ecological Park, where you can sip tea and dine while overlooking the town's scenery.

Behind it, a huge green field stretches out. Imagine playing a football match here – how beautiful! Abundant natural resources and stunning landscapes: Liuzhou is truly blessed by heaven.

The row of townhouses we passed by turned out to be resettlement homes for local residents. Oh my gosh!! So enviable! 😂 This shows how luosifen culture has boosted the entire local economy.

Everyone has a dream of flying. Facing such beautiful nature, I longed to become a bird and see the landscape from a divine perspective.

Ready to go! Each instructor has over five years of flying experience. Paragliding is a leisure sport, not an extreme sport – it's a sightseeing experience with strong visual impact. Unlike traditional parachuting, paragliding is quite safe, so even kids over four can give it a try.

Off we went!! I felt like a bird soaring through the sky. In that moment, the world seemed to belong to me.

Remember, you control the selfie stick, so adjust different angles to capture yourself. Manage your expressions and posture – you must look cool! And definitely wear sunglasses!! Actually, the paragliding isn't even the wildest part – the real thrill came later! I'll leave it as a cliffhanger; you'll find out once you land, hahaha.

You absolutely cannot miss tasting an authentic bowl of luosifen in Liuzhou!

This is a famous luosifen spot known mainly to locals – Tianqiao Luosifen!

Seeing that long line, I knew we'd come to the right place! Haha

The most authentic luosifen! Even before tasting, the rich aroma of the broth hit us!

Chili and luosifen are a match made in heaven!

The authentic luosifen paired with traditional cold jelly is simply the golden combo, and add some local braised snacks to make it perfect! After this meal, I know I'll miss Liuzhou even more when I'm back home. See you next time, Liuzhou!

Travelogue Directory

1. Day 1: Diwang Mansion – city’s highest night view

2. Day 2: Luzhai – the most beautiful cycling route

3. Zhongdu Ancient Town

4. Xianghe Rural Charm

5. Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark

6. Lumingu Valley

7. Day 3: Kale Planet – dreams set sail from here

8. Keliwan Water World

9. Simple Blossoms – a pleasant surprise

10. Day 4: Liuzhou’s museums are truly exceptional

11. Liuzhou Bailian Cave Ancient Human Site Museum