Guangxi

Three days in Nanning – the city’s green parks and night markets are decent, but it’s not what I’d call a tourist destination. The Guangxi Museum had some interesting bronze drums, but half the exhibits were closed for renovation. Felt like a stopover city rather than a destination. If you’re passing through, fine. Otherwise, head straight to Guilin.

I'm not usually one for group tours, but the bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River was pure magic. Our guide was this cheerful local grandma who sang folk songs the whole way – so authentic. The water was crystal clear, and we stopped for a simple lunch in a village where the tofu was the best I've ever had. Would go back just for that moment.

Honestly, I wanted to love Guangxi but the crowds ruined it for me. We went to the Reed Flute Cave and it felt like a human sardine can – no space to actually admire the stalactites. The ticket price didn’t match the experience at all (overpriced for a 20-minute shuffle). Yangshuo’s countryside was lovely in parts, but overall pretty disappointed for the hype.

Longji Rice Terraces were the highlight of my Guangxi trip. The hike from Ping’an village to the top was tough but worth every drop of sweat – the layered terraces glowing green at sunrise were unreal. That said, the steps are slippery after rain, and the local bus connection is a mess. If you're fit and patient, it's a must-see. I'd give it a solid four.

Visited Guilin and Yangshuo last week – absolutely blown away by the karst mountains rising out of the mist. The Li River cruise was surreal, like floating through a Chinese painting. We stayed in a family-run guesthouse near West Street, and the host made us fresh noodles every morning. The only downside? Way too many selfie sticks on the riverbanks. Still, 10/10 would come back.

Detian Waterfall on the border with Vietnam is truly impressive — the sheer volume of water and the mist rising up created a huge rainbow. However, getting there from Nanning took nearly five hours by bus, and the entrance ticket felt overpriced for what is essentially a quick walk along the viewing platforms. Beautiful, but not easy to reach.