Bama

Bama came to national attention for the number of residents reaching very great ages relative to its population, which drew researchers and then a large wave of visitors, mostly older Chinese, who come to stay for weeks or months in villages along the Panyang river believing the air, water and magnetic conditions to be beneficial. Baimo Cave and the river valley are the centre of it, with guesthouses built for long-stay health tourists and crowds gathering in caves to sit and breathe. The underlying landscape is fine karst country with a green river, terraces, Yao villages and caves, worth seeing on its own terms.

What you actually see

• The Panyang river valley - green water between karst hills.
• Baimo Cave - the cave at the centre of the health tourism.
• The long-stay villages - guesthouses full of visitors staying for months.
• The Yao countryside - terraces and villages through the county.

When to go

October to April for mild dry weather; summers are hot and humid. Health tourists concentrate in winter, when the valley is busiest and accommodation tightest.

Honest expectations

Health claims made locally are commercial and not established; treat them as marketing. The scene of crowds sitting in caves surprises visitors. Facilities are basic and roads slow.

Nearby

Leye tiankengs lie north; Baise is west.