01Tian'e County is locat…
Tian'e County is located in the northwest of Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in the upper reaches of the Hongshui River, serving as an important gateway at the border between Guangxi and Guizhou. The county covers an area of approximately 3,192 square kilometers, with a total population of about 170,000, of which over 80% are ethnic minorities, primarily Zhuang. Tian'e has a long history: it belonged to Guilin Commandery in the Qin Dynasty, was a Jimi Prefecture in the Tang Dynasty, established as Tian'e Prefecture in the Song Dynasty, and became a county in the Republic of China. Known for its unique karst landforms, abundant forest resources, and magnificent Hongshui River Gorge scenery, Tian'e is hailed as the 'Hometown of Chinese Pheasants,' 'Hometown of Chinese Tung Oil,' and 'Hometown of Chinese Golden Camellia.' The county features iconic attractions such as the Longtan Hydropower Station (the second largest in China) and the Longtan Grand Canyon National Forest Park, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and ethnic cultural tourism. Tian'e also preserves intangible cultural heritage such as the Zhuang Frog Festival and the Yao King Pan Festival, showcasing rich ethnic customs.
I. Core Attractions
1. Longtan Grand Canyon National Forest Park Located 15 km northwest of the county seat, covering about 600 km², featuring the Hongshui River Gorge and primeval forests. The park includes Longtan Hydropower Station (installed capacity 6.3 million kW) and Longtan Tianhu Lake (storage capacity 27.3 billion m³). Visitors can take boat tours to admire karst peaks and waterfalls along the gorge. Opening hours: 8:00-18:00, ticket 80 yuan, boat ticket 50 yuan extra. Suggested visit time: half to one day.
2. Longtan Hydropower Station Observation Deck Located 20 km northwest of the county seat, it is the second largest hydropower station in China, with a dam height of 216.5 meters, the world's highest roller-compacted concrete dam. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the dam and reservoir, providing insight into the hydroelectric engineering marvel. Free admission, reservation required.
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3. Tian'e Immortal Bridge Located in Liupai Town, 15 km south of the county seat, it is a natural karst stone arch bridge about 80 meters high with a span of about 40 meters, under which the Hongshui River flows. Legend says it was where the Zhuang song fairy Liu Sanjie sang. Surrounding areas have trails and viewing platforms. Free admission, suitable for photography.
4. Shuanglong Waterfall & Golden Camellia Reserve Located in Xiangyang Town, 20 km east of the county seat, it is a major distribution area of Guangxi golden camellia. Golden camellia is a national first-class protected plant, blooming from November to March. The waterfall group consists of two cascades with a drop of about 60 meters. Ticket 30 yuan, recommended to visit in the morning to avoid fog.
5. Zhuang Frog Festival Experience Site (Nazhi Township) Held annually on the second day of the second lunar month, the Frog Festival includes rituals such as frog worship, folk songs, and frog dances. Visitors can participate and experience Zhuang farming culture. Accommodation during the festival should be booked in advance.
II. Local Cuisine
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1. Tian'e Tung Oil Chicken: Local free-range chicken stewed with tung oil fruit, tender and fragrant. Recommended restaurant: 'Tong Xiang Lou' in the county seat (about 60 yuan per person). 2. Hongshui River Raw Fish: Made from wild grass carp from the Hongshui River, sliced and served with pickled bamboo shoots, perilla, chili, and other condiments. Recommended restaurant: 'First River Fresh' in Liupai Town (about 80 yuan per person). 3. Five-Color Glutinous Rice: A traditional Zhuang dish, dyed with natural plants, most popular around Qingming Festival. Available at the county farmers' market (10 yuan per serving). 4. Golden Camellia Honey: Honey made from golden camellia, with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. Sold at local specialty shops (100 yuan per bottle).
III. Transportation Guide
External Transportation: - High-speed rail: The nearest high-speed rail station is Hechi West Station (Jinchengjiang District), about 120 km from Tian'e county seat, a 2-hour drive. Buses run from Hechi West Station to Tian'e (50 yuan, 6 trips daily). - Highway: Tian'e Bus Terminal has buses to Nanning (330 km, 5 hours), Liuzhou (280 km, 4 hours), and Guiyang (250 km, 4.5 hours). Self-driving: Take G75 Lanzhou-Haikou Expressway then S317 Provincial Road. - Air: The nearest airports are Nanning Wuxu International Airport (about 350 km) or Guizhou Longdongbao Airport (about 300 km), then transfer to long-distance bus.
Internal Transportation: - Within the county seat, take three-wheeled motorcycles (5 yuan starting fare) or taxis (10 yuan starting fare). - To reach attractions, charter a car or self-drive; car rental available in the county seat (SUV about 300 yuan/day). - Longtan Grand Canyon Scenic Area has a tourist shuttle bus (county seat to scenic area, 15 yuan/person, departures at 8:00 and 14:00 daily).
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IV. Accommodation Recommendations - Tian'e Longtan Hotel (3-star): County center, standard room 200 yuan/night, tel: 0778-7825888. - Yungu Villa (boutique guesthouse): Near Longtan Scenic Area, standard room 300 yuan/night, including breakfast. - Nazhi Township Farm Stay: Provides accommodation during the Frog Festival, 50 yuan/person/night.