Simple pleasures in Guangxi

Tourists take rafts through a natural mountain tunnel on the waters of Sanmen Sea in Fengshan county, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo By Yang Feiyue / China Daily]

Its well - preserved natural environment, mild climate and simple lifestyle make the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region a good choice for worn - out urban residents seeking a change of pace.

Guangxi is developing a healthcare tourism zone that will cover Donglan, Fengshan and Bama Yao autonomous county, in the hope of attracting health - conscious tourists from China and abroad.

The three counties are known not only for their lush forests and placid lakes, but also for the long lives of their residents.

There is no rail or air access at present, but visitors can take a four - hour bus ride to Donglan after first flying to Nanning, the capital city of Guangxi.

Donglan

When Donglan resident Wei Yongxiu greets us in a strong voice that echoes in her spacious living room, it is hard to believe she is 104 years old.

Wei insists on doing her own chores, including washing her own clothes and showering by herself, says Huang Haoye, Wei's granddaughter - in - law.

Wei's descendants believe her simple diet and healthy lifestyle contribute to her longevity.

In 2010, there were 146 people aged over 100 among the county's total population of 290,000, according to local government statistics. More than 1,000 of those were in their 90s.

Senior residents of the county rarely suffer from cancer or cardiovascular disease, a fact that attracts visitors to come and savor the area's fresh air, sunlight and clean water, according to local officials.

"We're now focusing on developing several themed travel routes, particularly healthcare and revolution - era tourism, to attract more visitors," said Liu Yongjun, an official with the local tourism bureau.

The Pohao Lake scenic spot, east of Donglan, looks like a landscape painting with its calm lake surface surrounded by hills covered in thick green foliage. Near the lake is the Pohao Academy resort, a courtyard - styled hotel complex that covers 1,000 square meters.

Each of the hotel's 24 guest - houses is decorated differently, all with handmade furniture.

"We're packed with tourists during holidays," says Ma Li, who built the resort with her husband in 2008. "Most come to recover from diseases, especially upper respiratory disease."