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A recent journey through China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region offers global storytellers a vivid showcase of the region's timeless natural and cultural treasures.
The China's 20-yuan banknote ($2.78) blends into the landscape of the Lijiang River in Guilin. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
The region's karst peaks, ethnic traditions and innovative tourism experiences have become viral topics, as visitors rush to share their awe with global audiences.
The buzz stems from the "Next Station, Guangxi", a seven-day cultural and tourism campaign hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Air China and China Daily.
Morning haze gradually lifts, revealing the full view of Longji Terraces in Guilin. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
Running from Dec 2 to 8, the initiative brought a diverse group of global influencers and media representatives to explore key destinations including Nanning, Hechi, Liuzhou and Guilin, uncovering the soul of Guangxi's longevity culture, intangible heritage, folk customs and karst wonders.
Hechi, hometown of the "Song Fairy" Liu Sanjie, merged tradition and modernity. On the Longjiang River, Zhuang youth's impromptu mountain songs echoed through valleys.
Content creators pose at a scenic spot themed on Liu Sanjie, the beloved "Song Fairy" of the Zhuang people in Yizhou district, Hechi. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
The group joined singing challenges and wedding rituals, with sweet glutinous rice as a reward. "Only such stunning landscapes could nurture such beautiful music," said American influencer Gabrielle Renee.
High-tech surprises followed. At Donglan county's Pohao Lake National Wetland Park, Russian influencer Balbashova Victoria tried an AI-powered hiking exoskeleton. "I feel like Iron Man, and this changes mountain exploration," she said. The device, part of Guangxi's tech-tourism push, acts as a "second power system" for hikers.
Victoria experiences an AI-powered hiking exoskeleton at PoHao Lake National Wetland Park in Donglan county, Hechi. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
In Liuzhou's Chengyang Eight Villages, the Dong people welcomed influencers with a traditional gate-blocking ceremony. They painted local art, feasted by fire pits, and admired the Chengyang Fengyu (Wind and Rain) Bridge – built without a single nail. Luz Montanez from Panama, dressed in Dong attire, praised the remarkable craftsmanship behind the bridge.
Influencers enjoy a featured feast around the fire pit in Sanjiang Dong autonomous county, Liuzhou. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
Guilin impressed them a lot too. In Longsheng, they explored the Longsheng Hot Spring Resort and soaked in 1,200-meter-deep hot springs amid 95 percent forest coverage. Irfan Qaisar from Pakistan described it as a precious gift from nature, expressing a desire to return with family and friends.
Longji Terraces, with water-filled paddies reflecting mist and sunlight in early winter, presented a breathtaking sight. These content creators, who had once doubted the authenticity of online videos showcasing the Lijiang River – a landscape featured on China's 20-yuan banknote – were fully convinced of Guangxi's natural charm after seeing the river with their own eyes.
Content creators from different countries take a group photo at Longji Terraces in Guilin. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
Beyond the scenery, Guangxi's unique ethnic culture shone. Luz was captivated upon visiting Huangluo Yao Village, where the Yao women's signature long hair – shiny, black, and reaching well below the waist – lived up to its fame.
Influencers sing and dance with local Yao women in Huangluo Yao Village, Guilin. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
In Yangshuo, the group learned to cook local dishes like kumquat beer fish and stuffed snails, while Luke Farrell from Ireland developed a new fondness for local sweet corn.
The visit also included fruit picking, off-road driving and sculpture exhibits in Yanshan district, with Haneen Aldulmi from Iraq praising the seamless integration of art, sports and nature.
Irfan learns to cook kumquat beer fish with a chef in Yangshuo, Guilin. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
Elliot Maldonado from the United States compared a boat tour in downtown Guilin to Venice in Italy, noting the peacefulness of watching cormorants fish while listening to folk songs.
Iraqi Haneen celebrated her first "Major Snow (Daxue)" solar term here, enjoying lion dances and local snacks. "These Dong clothes are part of culture," she said, eager to share Guangxi's stories with her friends.
Coinciding with the "Major Snow" solar term, cultural and tourism influencers experience Guilin's unique intangible cultural heritage and solar term culture in Elephant Trunk Hill scenic area, Guilin. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
In Guilin's Chuanshan Cave, visitors experienced a feast of intangible heritage including Gui opera, traditional incense making and paper cutting. Influencer Max Carrera from Mexico, a repeat visitor to Guilin, described returning as "coming home" and shared that his social media posts had inspired followers to plan trips to Guangxi.
The group also explored the night market in Nanning and the Bainiao Cave (the Hundred Birds Cave) in the longevity town Bama.
Influencers learn Guiju Opera together and appreciate the profound cultural heritage of Guilin. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]
Alexander Short from the United Kingdom and Luke from Ireland, who reunited in Guangxi after 20 years, called the trip unforgettable and pledged to share Guangxi's beauty with the world.
As the campaign concludes, Guangxi's authorities vow to expand such cross-cultural initiatives. For the global storytellers, their posts and videos have already turned "Next Station, Guangxi" into an open invitation, which promises timeless beauty and vibrant culture for every visitor.
