Day 79+80: Guilin to Baise
The route southward took a dramatic turn as the mountains began to dominate the landscape. Jagged peaks, winding valleys, and steep roads offered some of the most scenic driving conditions of the tour so far. Keen to explore more than just the expressways, the team took detours along local side roads, uncovering a quieter, more traditional side of rural China.
High Roads and Hidden Stops
In Hechi, a Volkswagen dealership stood tucked against a stunning mountain backdrop—a location unlike any other so far. The town itself felt distinct from previous stops, its geography lending it a more compact, grounded feel.
As the journey continued into the evening, the highway carved its way through the region in a series of tunnels. Roadside repairs on heavy trucks and open-air cotton processing offered snapshots of everyday life unfolding just metres from passing traffic.
Simple Moments, Strong Impressions
Short breaks revealed memorable encounters: a local shave at a small barber shop, perfectly chilled watermelon sold from roadside stalls, and a seemingly endless stream of electric scooters weaving through city and countryside alike. Each scene underscored the blend of tradition and progress that defines this region.
Next stop: Jianshui
