Mingshi Garden

Known for its Karst mountain and water scenery, with green bamboo surrounding the river, extending rice paddies, you can enjoy the reflection of maple leaves while boating on the green waves, ride through the fields to explore the Zhuang ethnic customs. It is a secluded paradise on the Sino-Vietnamese border, with ink painting scenery comparable to Yangshuo.

Mingshi Pastoral Scenic Area is located on the west side of Daxin County, Chongzuo City, about an hour’s drive from the famous Detian Waterfall Scenic Area. Tourists usually visit the two scenic spots together. Mingshi Pastoral Scenic Area has a unique Karst landform with beautiful mountains and surrounding streams, making the scenery extremely beautiful. In addition to the scenery of mountains and rivers, the scenic area also has fresh and simple villages, farmland and other scenery. Tourists can take bamboo rafts to drift, take photos and enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful pastoral life. The popular TV series “Hua Qiangu” was filmed here, making it even more famous. Mingshi Pastoral Scenic Area has a large area, mainly including the natural rivers and pastoral scenery in the upper reaches of the Mingshi River, and the Zhuang ethnic residential museum built in the lower reaches. There are two ways for tourists to visit: bamboo raft drifting and land sightseeing. It is generally appropriate to prepare half a day to visit. Many tourists also choose to stay in the scenic area for one night, leisurely feel the surrounding beauty, and experience the freshness and tranquility of pastoral life. Bamboo raft drifting is a popular way to visit the scenic spot. You can first reach the Zhuang Ethnic Residence Museum in the lower reaches, where you can buy rafting tickets. There is a sightseeing car that can take tourists to the starting point of the rafting. The rafting lasts for more than 1 hour, and the boat is equipped with a tour guide who can explain along the way. On the way of rafting, you can see the beautiful peaks reflected in the river, and the scenery is very similar to the Huangbu Reflection in Guilin; you will also pass through the criss-crossing farmland and quiet villages. The picturesque rural scenery is refreshing. The end point of the bamboo raft drifting is the Zhuang Ethnic Residence Museum, which has totem squares, artificial lake views, Zhuang villages, Tusi residences, and customs streets. They are mainly sculptures and residential buildings reflecting Zhuang customs, which can be simply visited. In addition, there are often Zhuang song and dance performances here. If you encounter them, you can stop and watch them. Another way to visit is land sightseeing. First, visit the Zhuang Ethnic Residence Museum, and then you can rent a bicycle here to ride around and sightseeing. Most of the bicycles are rented from local hotels or farmhouses. When renting, you will be given a cycling route map. Along the road next to the scenic spot, there are several routes to choose from. It is generally recommended to go in the northwest direction (that is, towards the upper reaches of the river), where you can see the beautiful Karst and pastoral scenery similar to bamboo raft drifting. Accommodation and dining The better accommodation place in Mingshi Pastoral Scenic Area is Mingshi Mountain Villa, which is located in the scenic area, with beautifully landscaped rooms and unique ethnic decorations. Outside the scenic area, there are express hotels such as Mingshi Art Hotel and Mingshi Express Hotel, as well as some local farmhouse residences. The environment is good. You can choose to stay according to your personal interests. Most of the meals are also in the place of accommodation. You can order some authentic farmhouse dishes and taste them to experience rural life.