From Kansas to karst: Unpacking Guangxi's charms

A picturesque view of Pohao Lake in Donglan county, Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Guangxi's beauty is mirrored in the hearts of its people. I had the privilege of experiencing the local customs of the Zhuang people, a remarkably kind and musical people.

Adorned with intricate silver headdresses, they welcomed me with songs, dances and food. Their rituals mirrored the land itself: a shared drink flowed from bowl to bowl like a mountain stream — a living tribute to their local landscape.