Hidden Gem in Guilin: A Visit to Guilin Overseas Chinese Farm

Location & How to Get There

Guilin Overseas Chinese Farm sits in Daxie Town, Lingchuan County, just 40 kilometers southeast of Guilin city. This rural escape feels worlds away from the tourist crowds, nestled between rolling hills and the winding Li River. To reach it, you can:

  • Drive: Rent a car or take a taxi (about 1 hour from Guilin downtown). The scenic route passes rice fields and karst mountains.
  • Public transport: Take a bus from Guilin Bus Station to Lingchuan County, then transfer to a local minivan heading to Daxie Town.
  • Bike: For adventurers, cycling from Guilin along the riverside roads offers stunning views—though be prepared for a workout!

Guilin Overseas Chinese Farm is near the famous Yangdi-Xingping漓江精华段, so combining a visit here with a Li River cruise makes sense.

Natural Beauty: A Postcard-Perfect Landscape

The farm’s charm lies in its idyllic countryside vibes. Imagine endless green tea terraces sloping into mist-covered valleys, golden rice paddies that ripple like waves in autumn, and a silvery river cutting through the landscape. Here’s what you’ll love:

  • Tea fields: Walk among neatly lined tea plants, especially magical at sunrise when dew glistens on the leaves.
  • Wetland trails: A wooden boardwalk winds through reeds and wildflowers, perfect for bird-watching. Herons and kingfishers are regulars!
  • Fruit orchards: In spring and summer, peach and plump trees burst into pink and yellow blooms, followed by harvests you can pick yourself (with permission).
  • River views: The Li River’s quieter stretches flow nearby, ideal for a boat ride or riverside picnic.

Every season paints Guilin Overseas Chinese Farm differently: cherry blossoms in February, emerald hills in May, golden crops in October, and misty winter mornings straight out of a painting.

Culture & History: A Fusion of Traditions

This isn’t just any farm—it’s a living museum of overseas Chinese heritage. In the 1960s, Indonesian-Chinese families settled here, blending their culture with local Zhuang and Han traditions. Explore:

  • Vintage homes: Wander cobblestone lanes lined with colonial-style villas and traditional Chinese courtyards. Many buildings mix Southeast Asian design (tiled roofs, carved wood) with rural Chinese simplicity.
  • Tea culture: The farm’s tea processing workshop offers tastings of Shengzhou tea, a local green tea. Try pressing fresh leaves yourself—it’s meditative!
  • Festivals: During Chinese New Year, the community hosts lion dances and serves homemade rice cakes. In autumn, there’s a harvest festival with folk music and BBQ.
  • Art studios: Local artisans sell woven bamboo baskets, embroidered cloth, and woodcarvings—great for souvenirs.

What to Do: More Than Just Sightseeing

At Guilin Overseas Chinese Farm, it’s about slow travel. Here’s how to spend your day:

  1. Cycle the backroads: Rent a bike to explore hidden paths through rice fields and fruit groves. Stop at a riverbank café for coconut juice.
  2. Join a tea-picking tour: Learn how farmers harvest leaves before trying your hand at rolling tea balls (harder than it looks!).
  3. Picnic by the river: Pack snacks from the farm’s market (try their homemade jams) and relax under banyan trees.
  4. Stargaze at night: With minimal light pollution, the farm’s open spaces offer incredible views of the Milky Way.
  5. Try farm-to-table dining: The on-site restaurant serves organic dishes like stir-fried tea leaves, roasted sweet potatoes, and river fish hotpot.

Stay & Relax: Cozy Accommodations

For a longer visit, book a stay at one of the farm’s lodges or nearby B&Bs. Options include:

  • Farmhouse stays: Simple rooms in restored villas with shared balconies overlooking the tea fields.
  • Glamping tents: Luxe canvas tents with comfy beds, perfect for stargazers.
  • Homestays: Live with a local family to learn about daily farm life—they’ll teach you to cook bamboo rice or weave palm fronds.

Why You’ll Love Guilin Overseas Chinese Farm

This spot is off-the-beaten-path but not short on charm. It’s ideal for travelers who want:

  • Peace: Escape cities and crowds.
  • Authenticity: Interact with locals and taste home-cooked food.
  • Nature: Breathe clean air, hike trails, and spot wildlife.
  • Cultural depth: Learn about immigrant history without visiting a stuffy museum.

Bring your camera, comfy shoes, and a sense of curiosity—Guilin Overseas Chinese Farm is a slice of rural China that feels like a secret shared just with you