Things to Do in Guangxi, China for Volunteers

Volunteering in Guangxi, China is an experience more authentic. While many travellers flock to major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, Guangxi offers something more ‘real’, more rooted in tradition, and closer to nature. Nestled in southern China, bordering Vietnam, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is famous for its dramatic karst mountains, rich ethnic culture, and serene countryside.

For volunteers spending time here—whether you’re teaching English in rural schools, or joining our culture week no shortage of exciting things to see and do during your free time. This guide will take you through the top activities, cultural highlights, hidden gems, and nature-based experiences to explore while volunteering in Guangxi.

Why Guangxi is a Great Volunteer Destination

Before diving into what to do, let’s set the scene. Guangxi is one of China’s most picturesque provinces, known for its laid-back lifestyle, lush green hills, winding rivers, and warm-hearted locals. It’s also one of China’s most ethnically diverse regions, home to many minority groups, including the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong people, who still preserve their languages, dress, and customs.

As a volunteer, you won’t just be visiting—you’ll be living like a local, learning about regional cultures firsthand and forming meaningful connections. Many volunteer placements are in small towns or rural villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of life in southern China. And when the weekend arrives? Time to explore.

1. Explore Yangshuo and the Li River

When you think of Guangxi, Yangshuo and the Li River are probably the first images that pop into your mind—towering limestone peaks reflected in mirror-like water, bamboo rafts drifting past ancient villages, and farmers walking with their water buffalo through rice fields.

Even if you’re based elsewhere in Guangxi, Yangshuo is a must-visit weekend getaway. You can rent a bicycle and ride through the countryside, go rock climbing (Yangshuo is a world-class climbing destination), or take a traditional bamboo raft along the Yulong River, a quieter alternative to the Li River.

Don’t miss:

Impression Liu Sanjie Show: A stunning outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou, using the Li River and surrounding mountains as a stage.
Moon Hill: A short hike with breathtaking views.
West Street: Great for food, souvenirs, and people-watching.

2. Visit Longsheng and the Longji Rice Terraces

Located north of Guilin, Longsheng is famous for the Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces, which have been carved into the mountains over centuries. The views are incredible any time of year—lush green in spring and summer, golden in autumn, and misty and mystical in winter.

Many minority villages dot this area, particularly of the Yao and Zhuang ethnic groups. You can stay in a traditional wooden guesthouse and witness daily life in the rice terraces.

Activities include:

Hiking between villages like Ping’an, Dazhai, and Tiantouzhai.
Learning about traditional dyeing, weaving, and embroidery techniques.
Trying local dishes like bamboo rice and sour fish soup.

3. Discover Guilin’s Natural Beauty

Guilin, the capital of Guangxi, is a city surrounded by karst mountains, rivers, caves, and lakes. It’s a hub of activity and a great base for weekend explorations.

Top things to do in Guilin:

Reed Flute Cave: A colourful underground world filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Elephant Trunk Hill: A famous rock formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the river.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise: A scenic night boat ride through the city’s waterways.
Seven Star Park: Home to caves, gardens, pandas (at the zoo), and more.

4. Volunteer-Friendly Cultural Immersions

While sightseeing is a major draw, Guangxi also offers deep cultural experiences. Many of these can be accessed through your host community or as short day trips. Here are a few ideas for deeper cultural immersion:

Join a Traditional Festival

The ethnic minority communities in Guangxi celebrate colourful and lively festivals throughout the year. These events often include music, dance, costumes, food, and games.

Zhuang’s San Yue San Festival (March 3rd lunar calendar): Singing competitions and matchmaking events.
Yao’s Panwang Festival: Celebrating the mythical ancestor of the Yao people.
Dong’s Kam Grand Choir performances: Incredible multi-part harmony with no conductor or instruments.

Take a Chinese Cooking Class

Why not learn to cook some local Guangxi cuisine? Dishes tend to be less oily and spicy compared to Sichuan, and include a mix of sour and savoury flavours. Try making:

Luo Si Fen (snail rice noodles – Guilin’s famous dish!)
Steamed fish with sour pickled bamboo shoots
Stir-fried river shrimp

Cooking classes are available in larger towns like Yangshuo and Guilin and are a great way to connect with locals.

5. Go Hiking in the Countryside

One of the best ways to enjoy Guangxi’s natural beauty is by foot. The region is filled with off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, many of which pass through remote villages, terraced fields, and tea plantations.

Recommended hiking spots:

The Yulong River Valley: Gentle paths, great for biking and walking.
The Longji Terraces: Steeper but incredibly rewarding.
Detian Waterfall: One of Asia’s largest transnational waterfalls, on the Vietnam border.
Bajiaozhai National Forest Park (in Ziyuan County): Known for its red sandstone peaks and lesser crowds.

Many of these hikes can be done over a day or two, making them perfect weekend excursions.

6. Learn the Local Language (or a Dialect!)

While Mandarin Chinese is spoken in most urban areas, many parts of Guangxi use regional dialects or minority languages. The Zhuang language, for example, is widely spoken in rural areas. While your volunteer placement may not require you to learn these languages, making an effort to pick up a few phrases will go a long way with locals.

7. Take a Trip to Detian Waterfall

Located in Daxin County, right on the border between China and Vietnam, the Detian Waterfall is the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and one of the most beautiful in the world. The area is relatively remote, but if you have a long weekend or holiday break from your volunteer work, it’s well worth the journey.

You can:

Take a bamboo raft to the base of the falls.
Visit nearby ethnic villages and markets.
Cross over to Ban Gioc Waterfall in Vietnam (passport permitting).

8. Try Unique Guangxi Foods

Food is a huge part of any travel experience, and Guangxi doesn’t disappoint. Each ethnic group has its own culinary traditions, and even common Chinese dishes are prepared with a local twist.

Some dishes to try:

Guilin Rice Noodles: Served dry or in soup, often with pickled vegetables, peanuts, and chili.
Luosifen: A love-it-or-hate-it noodle dish with a pungent smell but devoted fanbase.
Sticky Rice Dumplings: Often wrapped in banana or bamboo leaves.
Bamboo Grilled Fish: Freshly caught and cooked inside bamboo stalks.
Mifen Guo: A type of spicy rice noodle hotpot popular in the region.

Don’t forget to try the locally made rice wine, often offered in tiny cups during festivals and celebrations.

9. Explore Minority Villages

Guangxi’s true soul lies in its minority communities. Whether it’s the Dong people in Sanjiang with their drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges, or the Yao women of Longsheng known for their incredibly long hair, each village has unique stories and customs.

Volunteers often have the chance to interact with these communities directly, especially if your project focuses on education or cultural exchange. Take the opportunity to:

Learn traditional crafts like embroidery or silverwork.
Attend a local wedding or festival.
Hear ancient legends and folk songs.

These experiences can be life-changing and give depth to your volunteer journey.

10. Relax

Lastly, don’t forget to take some time to simply soak it all in. Guangxi has a slow pace of life that allows for reflection. Whether you’re sitting by the Li River watching water buffalo graze, or enjoying tea at a quiet countryside guesthouse, Guangxi offers the perfect backdrop for mindfulness and gratitude.

Volunteering in Guangxi isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about personal growth, cultural exploration, and adventure. This unique region of China offers something for everyone: breathtaking nature, welcoming communities, deep traditions, and unforgettable moments.

So if you’re considering a volunteer placement in Guangxi or are already packing your bags, get ready for the experience of a lifetime. And remember: the more you immerse yourself in the local culture, the richer your journey will be.

Want to volunteer in Guangxi? Be prepared for a slower, more rural lifestyle, but one that’s deeply rewarding and incredibly authentic.

Join IVI’s Guangxi programs: