Ziyuan County (资源) is located in the heart of the northern mountains of Guilin and serves as the northern gateway to Guangxi. The area is known for its beautiful mountains and clear waters, unique rock formations, and serene forests. Ziyuan boasts the Bajiao Zhai Scenic Area, which holds the prestigious titles of “World Natural Heritage,” “National Forest Park,” and “National Geopark.” It also features the Zijiang Scenic Area, celebrated as “the number one rafting destination in South China,” and the Wupai River Adventure Rafting area, recognized as “China’s best rafting spot.” Together, these attractions create a vibrant tapestry of natural beauty in Ziyuan.
Travel Information about Ziyuan County
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Bajiao Zhai adult ticket: 100 yuan
- Wupai River rafting adult ticket: 235 yuan
Opening Hours:
- Bajiao Zhai: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wupai River Resort: Three daily departures at 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
All seasons are suitable for visiting, but the best time is from mid-May to early September when water sources are abundant, making it ideal for rafting.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Ziyuan County, Guilin City.
Transportation: Direct shuttle buses to Bajiao Zhai Scenic Area are available from both Guilin Railway Station and Guilin North Railway Station.
Attraction Star Rating
- Beautiful: ★★★★
- Exciting: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Romantic: ★★
- Cultural: ★★
- Distinctive: ★★
Highlights of Ziyuan County
Wupai River Rafting Resort (五排河漂流度假区)
The Wupai River Rafting Resort is located at the foot of Mao’er Mountain, the highest peak in South China. It is renowned as Guilin’s “Hukou of the Yellow River” and “Tiger Leaping Gorge.” The entire scenic area is famous for its “dangerous waters, unique rocks, tranquil forests, and beautiful waterfalls.”
The Wupai River features approximately 30 kilometers of rafting segments with a drop of over 200 meters. The entire rafting stretch is free of hidden currents and whirlpools, with local drops not exceeding two meters, making it both thrilling and safe. As a result, Wupai River is not only suitable for general tourism and rafting but also provides natural conditions for conducting white-water kayaking competitions and training.
The most adventurous rafting section is the 1,300-meter stretch from Chetian, where the local government is located, to the riverside town of Hekou. Here, the gorge is deep and secluded, with treacherous rapids and steep mountains adorned with unique rocks. The scenic beauty along both banks, along with rich local customs, makes drifting down the river on bamboo rafts or inflatable boats feel like a journey into a hidden valley. All worldly noise disappears, and the river transports people into a pristine and ancient natural realm.
Zijiang River (资江)
Zijiang River originates from Mao’er Mountain, the highest peak in South China, and flows northward into Dongting Lake, making it the largest river in Ziyuan County. The riverbanks are well-preserved with lush vegetation, and its flow and speed remain relatively stable, resembling a jade ribbon weaving through the majestic mountains. Besides its primitive, rustic, and secluded characteristics, Zijiang is also rich in dynamic beauty and elegance.
The Zijiang Scenic Area is located north of Ziyuan County and features over 60 attractions along the river, showcasing bizarre and unique formations that are breathtaking. Notable sights include “Sailing Stone,” “Divine Elephant Drinking Water,” “Torch Mountain,” “General on Horseback Guarding the Gate,” and the “Zijiang Giant Buddha,” each presenting remarkable shapes and forms that hold great aesthetic value.
However, the most appealing aspect of Zijiang is its thrilling yet safe rafting experience. Dubbed the “Number One Rafting in South China,” Zijiang rafting spans approximately 22.5 kilometers, featuring 45 rapids and 31 turns. Whether on wooden boats, bamboo rafts, or inflatable kayaks, the experience is both exhilarating and safe. Throughout the journey, various scenic spots emerge, making it feel like stepping into a landscape painting. Particularly in the spring, when flowers bloom along the riverbanks, the surroundings come alive with vibrant colors, leaving visitors enchanted and mesmerized.
Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area (天门山景区)
The Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is located in Chetianshan Village, Zhongfeng Township, Ziyuan County. Tianmen Mountain is a typical Danxia landform wonder, embraced by surrounding mountains, creating a fantastic landscape with peaks upon peaks and mountains within mountains. The entire scenic area boasts a wealth of attractions, including the impressive natural mural “General on Horseback Guarding Tianmen,” which is even more spectacular than the “Nine Horses Painting Mountain” along the Li River.
Another highlight is the “Medicine Emperor Shennong,” a Danxia sculpture standing approximately 16.3 meters tall, recognized as the largest Buddha in Guangxi. The area also features the “World’s First Medicine Valley,” renowned for its rich variety of wild medicinal herbs, and the scenic Xianrenzhai, which is the smallest contiguous area of primary forest at a low altitude in Guangxi.
These stunning and captivating sights are diverse and vibrant, complemented by villa-style stilted hotels that reflect strong ethnic minority architectural features and unique local cuisine. Together, they create a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a fairyland.
What to do:
- Longevity and Health Journey: Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is home to the “World’s First Medicine Valley,” where a group of statues commemorating famous physicians throughout history is sculpted. Among them stands the Medicine Ancestor Shennong, towering at 16.3 meters, adding a touch of mystery and opening up a unique longevity and health journey for visitors.
- Climbing Xianrenzhai: Within the scenic area, Xianrenzhai rises to an elevation of 630 meters, featuring rare primary forests on its sheer cliffs. The summit is home to over a hundred ancient and unusual trees. Upon reaching the peak, visitors can gaze upon a “natural Buddha,” with mist swirling around, while overlooking bamboo groves below. The lush sea of green bamboo conveys a sense of ancient charm and mystery, providing a refreshing and inspiring experience.
- Leisure and Vacation: The Shenlong Villa within the scenic area is built along the mountains and rivers, harmonizing with the landscape. It features bamboo fences and wooden houses nestled among the verdant bamboo, with flowing water and winding paths creating a serene and beautiful retreat. This tranquil haven is an excellent escape for relaxation, where guests can enjoy climbing, heavy lifting, and barbecuing in this idyllic paradise.
Guilin Danxia · Bajiao Zhai (八角寨)
Bajiao Zhai, also known as Yuntai Mountain, is located in the heart of the Yuechengling Mountain Range at the boundary of Hunan and Guangxi, characterized by its typical Danxia landform. Surrounded by towering mountains, Bajiao Zhai emerges dramatically, with its peak resembling eight “horns,” which gives it its name. It is one of the rare Danxia peak forest landforms in China and even the world, earning the title of the “Soul of Danxia.” Here, all stone peaks tilt almost 45 degrees in the same direction, creating a strikingly unique landscape.
Bajiao Zhai combines the natural features of danger, steepness, grandeur, peculiarity, elegance, and tranquility, seemingly sculpted by divine forces. One of its prominent features is called “Dragon Head Fragrance,” which rises dramatically, resembling a giant dragon poised to soar, connecting heaven above and descending into the abyss below. The mountain’s imposing and perilous stance is truly remarkable.
The most enchanting aspect of Bajiao Zhai is its misty scenery. Ascending to the top of Bajiao Zhai in the early morning, visitors can find themselves enveloped in thick fog that reaches to their toes, extending to the horizon—boundless and serene like a fairyland. As a gentle breeze stirs, the mist rolls in like thousands of troops, merging and dispersing, creating a vibrant spectacle with fluttering banners as if concealing and revealing the landscape. The mountains, shrouded in swirling white mist, rise and fall, sometimes hidden and at other times visible, presenting a breathtaking scene where the peaks seem to dance amid the sea of clouds.
What to do:
- Temple Fair: At the summit of Bajiao Zhai stands the Sky Temple, which began construction during the Song and Yuan dynasties. On the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth months of the lunar calendar, the temple fair attracts a bustling crowd. As night falls, visitors camp out in the mountains, creating a spectacular scene of people gathering in the forest.
- July Half River Lantern and Song Festival: From the 13th to the 15th day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, local residents spontaneously gather in the county to participate in various activities such as chicken and bird fighting, dragon and lion dances, song competitions, and showcasing local agricultural products. As night falls, fireworks light up the sky, and thousands of lanterns float on the Zijiang River, creating a breathtaking and awe-inspiring spectacle.