Guangxi is the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, with its capital at Nanning. It lies on the Gulf of Tonkin and borders Vietnam. It has the largest minority population of any Chinese province-level area, and its best-known destinations are the karst country of Guilin and Yangshuo, the Longji rice terraces and the Dong villages around Chengyang.
| Status | autonomous region; set up as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on 5 March 1958; current name from 12 October 1965 |
|---|---|
| Capital | Nanning; other main cities Liuzhou and Guilin |
| People | the Zhuang are the largest minority, about 31% of the population; Zhuang, Dong, Yao and others live here |
| Languages | Zhuang, Dong, Cantonese varieties and Guilin-Liuzhou Mandarin |
| Geography | latitude 20°54′ to 26°24′ N; the Tropic of Cancer crosses the middle |
| History | Qin conquest of the Baiyue peoples in 214 BC; became its own province-level unit in 862 under the Tang |
What Guangxi is
Guangxi and Guangdong together were once called Lingnan, the land of the ancient Baiyue peoples. The Qin sent armies in 214 BC to take the Xiou and Luoyue territories, and in 862 the Tang split Lingnan into east and west circuits, which is when Guangxi first became a separate top-level unit. The region was set up as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 1958, because the Zhuang are its largest minority group. The Zhuang spelling was changed in 1965 and the name changed with it. The present coastline came from Guangdong in the 1950s, when Qinzhou, Fangchenggang and Beihai were transferred to Guangxi.
Where to go
- Guilin and the Li River. The karst peak forest and Elephant Trunk Hill; see our Guilin page.
- Yangshuo. Cycling and boats in the karst countryside; see Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces. Terraces over 650 years old in Longsheng County; see Longji.
- Chengyang. Dong villages and the Yongji wind-and-rain bridge in Sanjiang County; see Chengyang.
Planning Guangxi
A typical trip runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, then Longji, and sometimes Chengyang, in four to six days. Guilin has the main airport and rail links, and Nanning is the regional capital. Spring and autumn are usually easiest for walking, and summers are hot and wet. See also our China tours.
Planning Guangxi with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. For Guangxi that means a driver between Guilin, Longji and Chengyang, a guide who knows the villages, and a homestay in the terraces. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. See our China tours or tell us your dates.
Sources (read in Chinese, Chinese Wikipedia): 广西壮族自治区. Last checked November 2026.
Guangxi: FAQ
What is Guangxi known for?
Karst scenery around Guilin and Yangshuo, the Longji Rice Terraces, and Zhuang, Dong and Yao cultures.
What is the capital of Guangxi?
Nanning. The other main cities are Liuzhou and Guilin.
Who are the Zhuang?
The largest minority group in Guangxi, about 31% of its population.
When was the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region set up?
On 5 March 1958. It took its present name on 12 October 1965.
How many days do you need in Guangxi?
Four to six days covers Guilin, Yangshuo, Longji and Chengyang.