Our trip to Detian Falls is quite relaxing but the visit to Tongling Grand Canyon is more challenging.

Tourists first walk down 817 steps to the bottom of the canyon. The path is lined with lush tropical plants, such as huge gomuti palm trees and tree ferns, a rare species that have survived since the age of dinosaurs.

The walk is about 3 km, but because it is a winding path, it feels much longer.

At the end of the path, you will see Tongling Waterfall, which spreads 30 meters wide and drops 188 meters. Right below it is a stalactites cave with smaller waterfalls. You may experience water dripping from above in some parts of the cave, which feels a bit ghastly.

The next morning, we explore the surroundings of the resort using a river raft. The scenery along the river is amazing: round hills, floating clouds and tall bamboo trees on the bank casting reflections into the water.

Our Zhuang ethnic group guides even sing folk songs for us. After half an hour of rafting, we stop at a village to have a feel for local life and a taste of local snacks made of sugarcane and wild longans.

Then we continue exploring the countryside by bicycle, which to me is the best part of the trip.

We pass by sugarcane fields, and see ducks swimming in ponds, egrets feeding in wheat fields and a water buffalo working in the field.

Even the most stressed-out visitors will feel relaxed by breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beautiful scenery.