Luzhai County: Tourism Paradise

By Chen Zhiying

Luzhai County is a stunning place located in the northeastern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. It is a county under the administration of Liuzhou City and covers an area of 1,366 square kilometers. This county is blessed with cute sika deer, breathtaking karst scenery, and rich cultural heritage, making it popular among animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to explore the rich Chinese culture and way of life. Here, you will encounter a tranquil world away from the bustling city life and have a glimpse of people’s lives in ancient times. 

Tips: It is about over 273 kilometers or about three hours’ drive from Nanning to Luzhai County. It’s suggested to take high-speed rail starting from Nanning for it only costs half of the time of self-driving. 

Have fun with sika deer 

The Sika Deer Park is a popular tourist attraction in Zhongdu Town, Luzhai County. It is a picturesque park surrounded by hills from three sides and covers an area of 110 mu. As its name implies, the park is home to dozens of sika deer and thus is reputed as “Nara in China”. Walking into the park, one can see that the deer roam freely around and find that they often nap in large groups. Such scenes can easily let tourists indulge in a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. One of the unique features of the park is the close interaction between the deer and tourists. The deer have become accustomed to humans and are not afraid to approach tourists in search of food. They are gentle creatures and often allow tourists to pet and interact with them. With docile temperament and graceful appearances, they easily win tourists’ hearts. In the park, there is also a small exhibition area that provides information about the history and cultural significance of the deer in Luzhai, which offers tourists an unforgettable trip that is not only entertaining but also educational. In addition to the deer, the park also features a number of walking trails, zip lines, barbecues, and gardens, providing a wide range of choices for tourists to spend their days. 

Tips: 1. It takes nearly one and a half hours from Liuzhou Railway Station to Sika Deer Park.

2. The opening time of the Sika Deer Park is from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entrance ticket is 15 yuan per person.

3. Tourists can walk among the deer and feed them special deer crackers sold in the park.

Get close to nature 

Covering an area of 139 square kilometers, Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark is home to breathtaking natural landscapes and unique geological formations. The geopark’s karst landscape is the result of millions of years of geological processes, such as erosion and dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone. As a result, remarkable karst formations such as caves, sinkholes, natural bridges, and underground rivers can be seen everywhere. One of the most iconic landform in the park is called Tiansheng Bridge, a natural arch spanning 40 meters across the underground river. The bridge is the largest natural arch in Guangxi and also the symbol of the park. Under the Tiansheng Stone Bridge is a man-made winding bridge for tourists to walk on. Crystal green river flows downstream, like a piece of jade embedded in the gorge. Here, you will find you are in the scene depicted in Liu Zonyuan’s The Small Tarn West of the Knoll: “There were about a hundred fish in the tarn, and they seemed to be gliding through empty space without support. In the sunlight which reached the bottom, casting shadows over the rocks, the fish would stay for a while motionless then suddenly dart far away. They scudded to and fro, as if sharing the visitors’ delight.” The water is so transparent that you can clearly see every movement of the fish. Covered by dense green forests, the park also gained the reputation of the natural oxygen bar.

Tips: 1. Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark is only four-minute’s drive from the Sika Deer Park. The ticket is 40 yuan for adults. 

1. Liu Zongyuan was a poet who lived during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

Bask in the old times

Zhongdu is an ancient town with a history of two thousand years and locates in the northwest of Luzhai County. Unlike the other commercialized ancient towns, Zhongdu is like a piece of raw jade, simple and unadorned. It is because not so many people know this place that it could keep its simplicity. Inside, the streets are paved with rectangular slates. Having been scouring for years, the slate is smooth and clean, like a mirror, witnessing the changes the town has undergone and reflecting the long time going by. Along the way, one can see many wellpreserved ancient residential buildings, which offer a glimpse into the daily life of the local people during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These buildings are characterized by their unique design and layout, with spacious courtyards, ornate doorways, and intricate decorations. There is also a wharf in the town.

From the lovely deer to the picturesque scenery and the Zhongdu Ancient Town, Luzhai County has something for everyone. A trip to Luzhai County is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lifelong memories.

Tips: 1. Zhongdu Ancient Town is nine kilometers from Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark, and it’s free of charge.

2. Visitors can take a boat to enjoy the scenery along the river in Zhongdu Ancient Town.