Taking high-speed train to Du'an for summer escape

Du'an, a picturesque Yao ethnic county in Hechi city in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is the kind of place that feels worlds away from the everyday.

Tourists can hop on a high-speed train to Du'an, a karst wonderland, to break away from conventional mountain getaways and experience the enchanting beauty of blooming aquatic flowers while boating on the pristine rivers.

Water‑spinach flowers bloom across the water surface during the wet season. [Photo/Guangxi Daily]

At the heart of Du'an lies Jiudun Skylight — a natural wonder often hailed as China's "Underwater Everest". Plummeting to depths of over 200 meters, its waters glow in a stunning jelly-blue, with visibility stretching up to 20 meters during the dry season. Beneath the surface, an ancient underwater forest adds to the spectacle.

Nearby, Jiuling Skylight offers panoramic views of a turquoise body of water cradled by forested peaks. During the wet season, the surface is dotted with blooming aquatic flowers, creating a the river into what locals call a "river that blooms".

Don't miss Xiangshui Pass, one of Du'an's eight ancient scenic spots. Here, a stone arch bridge dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) frames a quaint, cascading waterfall. Enjoy the mesmerizing sunset over lush banana groves and expansive farmlands.

For those looking to round out the experience, Du'an offers a taste of its local culinary heritage Du'an Rice Noodles, Du'an Pickles, and Dragon Sticks are well worth seeking out. Getting there is straightforward, with frequent train services from Nanning, the capital of the autonomous region and Hechi to Du'an.