Hezhou sits in the northeast of Guangxi, close to the borders with Hunan and Guangdong, in a landscape of forested hills at around 800 metres average elevation. The climate is humid subtropical: mild, damp winters and hot, wet summers, so where you base yourself matters as much for shelter and shade as for convenience.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The built-up centre is made up of the Babu and Pinggui urban districts, and the city centre is compact enough that most of what you need is within a short ride of it. The railway station and the highway connections sit slightly outside the core, so the main choice is between staying in the commercial heart of the city or near the transport links. This guide covers those options and what each suits.
Best areas to stay in Hezhou
1. Hezhou city centre (Babu District)
This is the commercial heart of the city, with shopping, restaurants, banks and cinemas close at hand, along with He Jiang Beidi Park. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to meals and services rather than rely on transport for every errand.
You find tourist-scale hotels and larger properties here, including ones with restaurants, business facilities and meeting space. The practical advantage is that the centre puts you within reach of the city's everyday amenities; the trade-off is that it is a busy commercial area rather than a quiet one.
2. Near Hezhou railway station (Pinggui District)
The area around Yingbin Avenue, on the Pinggui side of the city, is oriented towards arrivals and departures. It suits travellers passing through by train, those with early departures, and anyone who values easy road access, since the railway station and the highway intersection are both a short distance away.
Accommodation here is of the modern, full-service kind, with parking and facilities aimed at people coming and going. The centre is only about 1.5 km away, so you are not cut off from the city's restaurants and shops, but you are not in the middle of them either.
3. Zhaoping County
Zhaoping lies outside the urban core and offers a quieter, more local base. It suits travellers who want to slow down, spend time in a smaller setting, and are not tied to the city centre for meals or evening entertainment.
What you find here is small-scale accommodation, including homestay-style places, rather than large hotels. The practical point to weigh is distance: basing yourself in Zhaoping means accepting that the city centre and its services are not on your doorstep, so plan your transport accordingly.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: modest rooms in the city centre and smaller guesthouse-style accommodation, including homestay options in the counties, where the emphasis is on a bed and a location rather than facilities.
- Mid-range: comfortable city hotels with restaurants on site, parking, and easy access to shopping and transport, suitable for most visitors.
- Splurge: larger full-service hotels in the centre or near the railway station, with multiple dining options, business and leisure facilities, and more space.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Hezhou city centre in Babu District. It puts shopping, restaurants, banks, cinemas and a park within easy reach, so you can settle in and get oriented without depending on transport for every meal or errand. If your trip is built around train travel, the area near Hezhou railway station is the more practical alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I am arriving by train?
The area around Hezhou railway station in Pinggui District is the most convenient, with the station roughly 3 km away and the city centre about 1.5 km beyond that.
Which area is best for shopping and restaurants?
The Hezhou city centre, in Babu District, is the commercial area, with much shopping nearby as well as restaurants, banks and cinemas.
Can I stay outside the city centre?
Yes. Zhaoping County offers a quieter base with small-scale accommodation, though you will need to plan transport to reach the city and its services.
What is the climate like through the year?
Hezhou has mild, damp winters and hot, wet summers, with rain spread across the year, so pack for damp conditions in winter and heat and rain in summer.
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