Baise

Understand

Baise (百色市) is a prefecture-level city in southwestern China, located in the western part of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, near the borders of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. The city is characterized by mountainous and hilly terrain, river valleys, and karst landscapes, giving it a warm, humid subtropical climate and rich ecological resources. Baise holds an important place in modern Chinese history as the site of the Baise Uprising in 1929, led by Deng Xiaoping, which marked a key moment in the development of the Chinese revolutionary movement in South China. As an important revolutionary base area, Baise is often referred to as a major destination for “red tourism” in Guangxi. Visitors to Baise can explore well-preserved revolutionary heritage sites such as the Baise Uprising Memorial Hall, the Former Headquarters of the Seventh Red Army, and various historical residences and meeting sites associated with the uprising. These landmarks provide insight into the early struggles of the Red Army and the spread of revolutionary ideas in China’s border regions. Beyond its revolutionary heritage, Baise has sought to balance historical preservation with sustainable tourism and regional development. Surrounding counties and villages have integrated red tourism with ethnic culture and ecological resources, offering experiences such as Zhuang ethnic traditions, rural landscapes, and local handicrafts. Although Baise has developed as a regional hub in western Guangxi, its mountainous surroundings and dispersed settlements help preserve a sense of openness, natural beauty, and historical depth for visitors seeking both cultural reflection and scenic travel.

History The most defining period in Baise’s modern history occurred in the late 1920s, when it became the site of the Baise Uprising. In December 1929, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping and Zhang Yunyi, revolutionary forces launched the uprising and established the Right River Revolutionary Base Area. This marked a crucial step in expanding the Chinese Communist movement into southern and border regions. The uprising led to the formation of the Seventh Red Army and laid the foundation for revolutionary activities across Guangxi and neighboring provinces. Many historical sites from this period remain preserved today. The Baise Uprising Memorial Hall documents the political background, military strategy, and social reforms associated with the uprising, displaying original documents, weapons, and photographs. Former residences, meeting sites, and command locations used by revolutionary leaders illustra

Getting there

By plane 1 Baise Bama Airport (AEB IATA), Qilian Village, Baiyu Town, Tianyang District (40 km (25 mi) east from the city, 5 km (3.1 mi) east from Tianyang), ☏ +86 776-3233666. The airport is a dual-use military and civilian airport, mainly for military services, so the airport and terminal are relatively small and there are no jet bridges. The VIP lounge is also quite simple, providing only bottled water and some snacks, no beds. There are small convenience stores in the terminal, both landside and airside. (updated Nov 2025)

Airport bus There is one airport bus line in operate connecting the airport and the city, the fare is ¥30. Since flights are limited to a few days a week, with a maximum of two flights per day, the bus schedule is based on flight departure and arrival times. The bus to the city center picks up passengers at the airport at the time of each flight's arrival, while the bus from the city center to the airport departs two hours before flights departure. The airport bus departs from the Meng Zhi Yuan Hotel (梦之源大酒店) in the city center, stops at the Baise East Expressway tollgate, and takes about an hour to reach the airport. There is only one bus (with approximately 40 seats) to pick up passengers, so if the bus is full and you can't get on, you'll have to take a taxi. Due to the small number of flights, there are relatively few taxis. Taxis generally do not use meters but quote prices directly. The relatively reasonable price is within ¥150.

By train 2 Baise Railway Station (百色火车站), 103 Zhanqian Avenue, Youjiang District (右江区站前大道103号) (Bus 1, 3 and 8). It is located in the west of the city, at the end of Jinzhan Road. It serves as an important hub on the Nanning–Kunming railway (南昆铁路) and high-speed railway (南昆客运专线). Chief cities served include Nanning (1.5 hours by high-speed train), Guilin (4 hours by high-speed train, 7.5 hours by sleeper), Kunming (3 hours by high-speed train, 10 hours by sleeper) and Guangzhou (5 hours by high-speed train, 15 hours by sleeper). The exterior of the train station is divided into the arrival and departure levels. The arrival level has some convenience stores and fast food restaurants serving Guangxi cuisine, and the bus stop is on the arrival level. The entrance is in the middle of the departure level, with a ticket office on one side and a McDonald's on the other. The waiting hall in the station is divided into two floors, each floor has a different ticket gate. Please pay attention to which floor the ticket gate corresponds to on your ticket. The station is not big by modern Chinese standa

Getting around

The city has more than 20 bus routes, and are either ¥1 or ¥2 (with AC) per trip, basically covering three areas, you can use digital map of the city for the routes around the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available. E-bikes are very popular and are a good way to travel freely, you can find shared e-bikes on streets or rent from hotel or shops, but need to be careful to park in the marked parking spaces.

See

1 Chengbi Lake (Chengbi River Reservoir, 澄碧湖, 澄碧河水库) (Bus 2, 6 km (3.7 mi) north of the city). Recreational center with lakes, islands and mountains. Here you can sail and learn about the local ethnic groups. (updated Oct 2025) 2 Peninsula Park (半岛公园), Huandao 2nd Road, Youjiang District (右江区环岛二路) (in the northern part of the Longjing Area, it can be reached by shared e-bikes). At the confluence of the Chengbi River and the Youjiang River, it is surrounded by the Youjiang River at a 270-degree angle. Free. (updated Oct 2025) 3 People's Park (人民公园, 森林广场), 22 Xinxing Road, Youjiang District (新兴路22号) (in the heart of the old city, it is also known as Forest Park or People's Square.). The oldest park in Baise, it has children's playground and a small zoo. Free. (updated Dec 2025)

Revolutionary sights

4 Baise Uprising Memorial Hall (百色起义纪念馆). Baise Uprising Memorial Park is one of China’s most important Red Tourism sites. It commemorates the Baise Uprising of 1929 led by Deng Xiaoping. The park includes the Memorial Hall, monuments, former revolutionary sites, and exhibition areas. It serves both as a historical education base and a large public park with panoramic city views. 5 Yuedong Meeting Hall (粤东会馆), 39 Jiefang Road, Youjiang District (右江区解放街39号) (Take bus no. 11 and get off at the Jiefang Road bus stop). Here you can learn more about the Baise rebellion. 6 Baise Uprising Martyrs Monument (百色起义纪念碑), Houlong Mountain, Youjiang District.

Other attractions 7 Youjiang Museum of Nationalities (右江民族博物馆), 12 Houlongshan, Chengdong Road, Youjiang District (右江区城东路后龙山12号) (inside the Baise Uprising Memorial Park), ☏ +86 776 2932787, [email protected]. Tu-F 08:30-12:00, 14:30-17:30; Sa Su 09:00-16:30; closed M. Free. (updated Jan 2023)

Do

Festivals 1 March 3rd Ethnic Song Festival (三月三民族歌节) (insides People's Park). It is mainly celebrated by the Zhuang people, and usually held on the third day of the third lunar month. During the festival, there are activities such as antiphonal singing, folk song competitions, throwing embroidered balls, ethnic dances, traditional costume displays, and folk markets. (updated Dec 2025) Baise Uprising Commemoration Activities (百色起义纪念活动). To commemorate the 1929 Baise Uprising, Baise holds a commemorative ceremony and a series of red culture activities every December. These include a commemorative meeting, themed exhibitions, red-themed cultural performances, and patriotic education activities. This event has distinct local historical characteristics and is an important manifestation of Baise's "red culture." (updated Dec 2025)

Sport 2 Baise Gymnasium (百色体育馆), Wenti Lane 10, Youjiang District. Baise Gymnasium is a major indoor sports facility located in the old city of Baise. It serves as a key venue for indoor sports training, local competitions, and public fitness activities, supporting community-level sports development in the city. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Baise Sports Center (百色体育中心), Youjiang District. It is designed to host large-scale sporting events, professional training, and public fitness programs, playing a central role in Baise's sports infrastructure. (updated Dec 2025)

Cinema 4 Stars International Cinema (星星国际影城), Forest Center City, 117 Zhongshan 2nd Road (右江区中山二路117号森林中心城1层) (in the Forest Center City, you can take buses to get there.). The cinema is located in the bustling Forest Center City, is a very popular cinema in the old town. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Guangying International Cinema (广影国际影城), 16 Longjing West Road (龙景西路16号) (in the 5th floor of the Dream Island Shopping Center). The cinema is in the Longjing area. It is relatively new and large, with good screening rooms. (updated Dec 2025)

Buy

1 Forest Centre Center (森林中心城), 117 Zhongshan 2nd Road (右江区中山二路117号). The main shopping centers in the old city, it boasts a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities such as cinemas. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Dream Island Shopping Center (梦之岛购物广场), 16 Longjing West Road (龙景西路16号). One of the main shopping centers in the Longjing area, it boasts a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities such as cinemas. (updated Dec 2025) Zhuang Embroidery Ball (壮绣绣球). The Zhuang embroidery ball is a traditional handicraft from the Baise region. Made with colorful Zhuang ethnic embroidery techniques, these decorative balls feature intricate patterns and vibrant designs. They symbolize friendship and good wishes in local customs and serve as a cultural souvenir reflecting the artistic heritage of the Zhuang people. (updated Dec 2025) Mango Dried Fruit (芒果干). Baise dried mango is made from high-quality locally grown mangoes, processed using traditional and modern methods. With its sweet aroma and unique texture, it is one of Baise's signature agricultural souvenir foods. It is commonly purchased by visitors to share local flavors with friends and family. (updated Dec 2025)

Eat

1 Gui Xiao Chu Guangxi Cuisine (桂小厨广西菜), Shop D-11, 4th Floor, Dingsheng Central City Dream Island Shopping Plaza, No. 16 Longjing West Road, Youjiang District. Gui Xiao Chu Guangxi Cuisine (Baise Dream-Island Branch) is a well-liked local restaurant known for serving authentic Guangxi cuisine with a variety of regional specialty dishes. The restaurant features refined décor and diverse menu options highlighting the flavors of Guangxi and Zhuang ethnic food culture. It is popular among both residents and visitors as a representative dining spot for local culinary experiences in Baise (updated Dec 2025) 2 Golden Triangle Food Street (金三角美食街), Golden Triangle Food Street, Youjiang District. Golden Triangle Food Street is a well-known dining area in central Baise that hosts a variety of local food stalls and restaurants. Rather than a single restaurant, it offers a concentrated street-food experience where visitors can sample regional specialties and Zhuang ethnic cuisine. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists to explore Baise’s diverse culinary culture. (updated Dec 2025)

Drink & nightlife

Oil Tea (油茶). Similar to Gongcheng oil tea in Guilin, it uses fried rice puff balls as the main ingredient, which are then steeped in boiling water to create a bowl of oil tea with a rich aroma of oil and rice. (updated Dec 2025) Lingyun Baihao Tea (凌云白毫茶). Lingyun Baihao Tea is a famous Chinese tea from Lingyun County, named for the abundant white hairs on its leaves. It brews a light green, aromatic, mellow tea with a fresh, rich flavor and long finish. (updated Dec 2025)

Sleep

1 Wyndham Baise Resort (百色温德姆度假酒店), 8 Huandao Road, Youjiang District. integrating accommodation, conference services, dining, and leisure facilities. The hotel is positioned to serve both business and leisure travelers, providing comprehensive hospitality services. It plays an important role in enhancing Baise’s urban service capacity and supporting the city's tourism and business development. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Meng Zhi Yuan Hotel (梦之源大酒店), 5 Longxiang Road (龙翔路5号). Offering comfortable rooms and basic hospitality services, suitable for business and leisure travelers within the city centre. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Wanda Jin Hotel (万达锦华酒店), Chengdong Road, Youjiang District. A mid-range hotel in Baise's central business area near Dream Island Shopping Center and Sports Center, featuring elegant guest rooms, dining, fitness facilities, and professional service, ideal for business and leisure stays. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Ramada Encore by Wyndham (华美达安可酒店), Longjing Street, Youjiang District. Part of the international Wyndham hotel group's Ramada Encore brand, offering modern, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast, positioned as a mid-range business-friendly hotel. (updated Dec 2025)

Go next

Nanning：to the east of Baise, Nanning is the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the political, economic, and cultural center of the region. Known as the "Green City" due to its lush vegetation and subtropical climate, Nanning features modern urban development alongside strong ethnic Zhuang cultural traditions. Major attractions include Qingxiu Mountain, the Guangxi Museum of Nationalities, and Nanhu Lake Park. As a transportation hub and regional metropolis, Nanning plays a key role in connecting Baise with other parts of southern China and Southeast Asia. Hechi：to the northeast of Baise, Hechi is a mountainous city known for its rich ethnic diversity and well-preserved natural environment. The area is home to several ethnic groups, including the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao peoples, and is famous for its karst landscapes and rivers. Notable attractions include the Liujia Xiaosan Gorge, the Bama Longevity Village, and extensive rural scenery. Hechi offers visitors an authentic experience of ethnic culture and ecological tourism in northern Guangxi. Chongzuo & Detian：to the south of Baise, Chongzuo lies near the China–Vietnam border and is known for its border culture and dramatic natural scenery. The city is home to the Detian–Ban Gioc Waterfalls, one of the largest transnational waterfalls in Asia, as well as Zhuang ethnic villages and limestone mountains. Chongzuo’s location and landscape make it an important destination for border tourism, ethnic culture exploration, and cross-border trade. Wenshan：to the west of Baise, Wenshan is a prefecture-level city in Yunnan Province characterized by mountainous terrain and strong ethnic minority traditions, particularly among the Zhuang and Miao peoples. The region is known for its plateau scenery, traditional villages, and agricultural products. Wenshan serves as an important gateway linking Guangxi and Yunnan and offers a quieter travel experience focused on ethnic culture and highland landscapes. Xingyi：to the north of Baise, Xingyi is a city in Guizhou Province and the administrative center of the Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Surrounded by karst hills and rivers, Xingyi is famous for attractions such as Maling River Canyon and Wanfenglin (Ten Thousand Peaks Forest). With its cool climate and striking natural scenery, Xingyi is a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor exploration near Baise.