Things To Do
in Liuzhou

Liuzhou sits on the Liu River in Guangxi, blending industrial vitality with green hills and water. Known for Luosifen, a bold and aromatic snail noodle soup, it offers a tasty entry into Guangxi cuisine. The city is less touristy than Guilin or Yangshuo, yet it rewards visitors with riverside scenery, lively markets, and easy access to nearby nature.

Explore by bike along the river, sample street snacks, and experience a city that combines modern life with regional culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day in Liuzhou by visiting the Liuzhou Ancient City, where you can wander through historical streets lined with traditional architecture. Don't miss the iconic Drum Tower, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich past and stunning photo opportunities. Sip on a cup of local tea at a nearby teahouse to soak in the atmosphere before heading out for the day.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a traditional restaurant, explore the Liuzhou Museum to learn about the region's history and cultural heritage. The museum showcases fascinating artifacts and exhibits that highlight the unique aspects of local life. As you stroll through the museum, take time to appreciate the beautiful landscaping surrounding the building.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the riverside for a leisurely walk along the Liu River. The area comes alive with vibrant lights reflecting off the water, creating a picturesque setting. Enjoy dinner at one of the riverside restaurants, where you can savor local delicacies while taking in the stunning views.

day 2
Nature and Scenic Views at Yufeng Mountain
morning
:

Rise early and prepare for a hike up Yufeng Mountain, a popular spot for locals seeking nature and tranquility. The ascent offers various trails, each providing breathtaking views of Liuzhou and the surrounding landscape. Capture the early morning light as it illuminates the limestone karsts that make this area so unique.

afternoon
:

After reaching the summit, take a moment to enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon exploring the various temples and shrines located on the mountain, each offering a glimpse into the spiritual practices of the region. Don't forget to snap some photos at the iconic pagoda perched atop the mountain.

evening
:

As you descend, unwind at a local hot spring to soothe your muscles after a day of hiking. The warm waters will refresh you and prepare you for the evening ahead. Dine at a local restaurant known for its hot pot, where you can cook fresh ingredients right at your table.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🚇One-way public transport ticket$0.50-1
Coffee or tea at a cafe$2-4
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-70
🛍️Local souvenirs$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich river city with strong local cuisine
  • Less crowded than Guilin/Yangshuo, good for exploring at a slower pace
  • Good value for money and easy to navigate
  • Limited direct international flight connections
  • English is not widely spoken outside major spots
  • Traffic can be busy in peak hours
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "请问,厕所在哪儿?" - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
  • "多少钱?" - How much is this?
  • "我想要这个" - I would like this
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "可以刷卡吗?" - Can I pay by card?

Places to Visit in Liuzhou

Visit one of these nice places.

Liu River Waterfront at Night

City lights reflecting on the river create a moody panorama; best at blue hour.

Jiangbin Park Overlook

A vantage point along the river with the skyline framed by trees.

Nanxishan Park Summit

Panoramic views over Liuzhou’s skyline and river networks; great at sunrise.

Culinary Guide

Food in Liuzhou

Liuzhou’s cuisine is famous for Luosifen and bold flavors; expect sour, spicy, and fragrant profiles with regional rice noodles and fresh produce.

Liuzhou Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Luosifen (Snail Rice Noodles)

Noodles in a tangy broth made from river snails, pickled bamboo shoots, and crunchy toppings; best enjoyed with extra nori and chili oil.

Must-Try!

Beef Noodle Soup

Fragrant broth with tender beef, herbs, and hand-pulled noodles; common street staple with regional twists.

Grilled Skewers (Chuan)

Assorted meats and vegetables grilled over charcoal with a smoky, spicy glaze.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Liuzhou Night Food Market

Bustling street stalls serving Luosifen, fried dough sticks, and herbal teas in the evening by the river.

Climate Guide

Weather

Liuzhou has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. It experiences a monsoon-influenced pattern, with most rain in summer and spring. Spring and autumn are comfortable for outdoor exploration, while winter is mild rather than freezing. Humidity is high year-round, so light, breathable clothing is advised.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queue and politeness

Queue patiently; greet with a nod or simple 'nǐ hǎo'.

Respect for elders

Show deference in public spaces; avoid loud interruptions.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good for travelers; exercise normal caution against petty theft in crowded markets and protect belongings on public transport. Traffic can be hectic; cross streets carefully. Tap water is generally safe in hotels but rely on bottled water for drinking in markets.

Tipping in Liuzhou

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Not customary in most restaurants; rounding up is optional in touristy areas.

Payment Methods

Cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are dominant; cards accepted mainly at larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temps; occasional showers; best for city parks and street food markets.

Summer

Hot and humid with heavy showers; good time for riverfront cruises and cooling ramen stalls.

Autumn

Pleasant and dry; ideal for walking tours and countryside day trips.

Winter

Mild to cool; little chance of frost; warm foods and indoor markets are popular.

Nightlife Guide

Liuzhou at Night

Nightlife centers on riverside markets and casual bars; you’ll find street-food stalls late into the evening, plus a few cafes and karaoke rooms in the city center. In smaller neighborhoods, expect family-run snack shops that stay open until late. The vibe is relaxed rather than club-heavy, with people enjoying food, tea, and socializing.

Hiking in Liuzhou

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nanxishan Mountain Trail

Scenic hillside trails with city views; easy to moderate difficulty.

Louzhi Ridge Trail

Ridgetop paths offering panoramic views, a short drive from downtown.

Airports

How to reach Liuzhou by plane.

Liuzhou Bailongshan Airport (LZH)

Domestic and limited international flights; located north of Liuzhou and connected by bus and taxi.

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)

Major hub ~2–3 hours by high-speed train or road; convenient for onward trips to Guangxi attractions.

Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG)

Regional hub ~3–4 hours away by high-speed rail; frequent international and domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Liuzhou’s city center is fairly walkable with riverside paths and pedestrianized streets; some hills and river bridges require careful navigation. Most attractions are within a compact radius; signage is primarily in Chinese, with limited English. For longer distances, bikes and taxis are convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority ethnic group in Liuzhou and Guangxi.

Zhuang

One of Guangxi’s home major ethnic groups also present in Liuzhou.

Other ethnic groups

Minorities such as Yao and Miao are present in smaller numbers.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Popular in schools and community centers.

Football (Soccer)

Local clubs and pick-up games in urban parks.

Table Tennis

Common pastime in community centers and cafes.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport includes buses and taxis; road traffic can be congested during peak commuting hours. Ridesharing apps function in the city. The city is not yet fully served by a metro system, so plan for longer travel times during holidays or events.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Liuzhou.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many noodle broths are meat-based; ask for vegetarian broth or vegetable dishes; opt for tofu, mushrooms, and veggies.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible with public and private hospitals; major hospitals in the city accept foreigners and offer English-speaking staff in some departments. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuations if you plan remote trips.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide