The City of Snails and Rivers, globally famous for Liuzhou Luosifen (river snail rice noodles), a viral internet food sensation, surrounded by karst mountains.
Liuzhou sits on the middle reaches of the Liujiang River in central Guangxi, surrounded by classic karst peaks that give the city one of China most striking urban landscapes. The river winds through the city in a dramatic S-curve, flanked by limestone mountains that rise directly from the water edge.
For most of the 20th century, Liuzhou was known as a gritty industrial city — home to SAIC-GM-Wuling, one of China largest auto manufacturers, and Liuzhou Iron and Steel. But in the 2010s, a humble street food began to change its reputation: Luosifen, or river snail rice noodles. The dish went viral on Chinese social media, then conquered the world, becoming a symbol of modern Chinese food culture and turning Liuzhou into a culinary pilgrimage destination.
Today, Liuzhou is a city of contrasts: heavy industry and viral food culture, karst mountains and factory smokestacks, all bound together by the Liujiang River.
Liuzhou history dates back over 2,100 years to the Han dynasty. The city was known as Tanzhong during the Qin dynasty and became an important administrative center. Its location on the Liujiang River made it a critical transportation hub connecting Guangxi with Guizhou and Hunan.
The Tang dynasty poet Liu Zongyuan (773-819) is Liuzhou most famous historical figure. Exiled to Liuzhou as a prefect, he wrote many of his most important works here and implemented reforms that improved local governance. The Liuhou Temple was built in his honor shortly after his death.
During the 20th century, Liuzhou industrialized rapidly. The establishment of Liuzhou Iron and Steel in 1958 and SAIC-GM-Wuling in 2002 transformed the city into a manufacturing powerhouse. The recent Luosifen phenomenon, starting around 2012, added a new chapter to Liuzhou identity.
Liuzhou is one of Guangxi's industrial powerhouses. The automotive industry, anchored by SAIC-GM-Wuling, is the city's largest economic driver, producing millions of vehicles annually including the Wuling Mini EV, one of China's best-selling electric cars.
Liuzhou Iron and Steel (Liugang) is another major employer. The steel group has been a pillar of the city economy for over 60 years. In recent years, Liuzhou has also developed machinery manufacturing and chemical industries.
The Luosifen industry has become an economic phenomenon worth over ¥10 billion. The city now has a dedicated Luosifen industrial park, with over 200 companies producing instant noodles, restaurant chains, and ingredient suppliers. The dish has been exported to over 30 countries.
Tourism is growing, with the karst landscape and ethnic minority culture in Sanjiang county attracting increasing numbers of visitors. GDP reached approximately ¥310 billion in 2024.
Discover the culinary treasures of Liuzhou, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Day one: taste Luosifen at multiple shops, visit Liuhou Temple, climb Ma'anshan. Evening: river cruise. Day two: Longtan Park and Duleyan Caves.
Day one: Liuzhou city. Day two: drive to Sanjiang for Dong villages and the Chengyang Bridge. Day three: return to Liuzhou for a Luosifen cooking class.
Liuzhou Bailian Airport (LZH) with direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other major cities.
Liuzhou Railway Station serves high-speed trains to Nanning (~1h), Guilin (~1h), Guangzhou (~3h), and many other cities on the Guizhou-Guangzhou high-speed rail corridor.
No metro. Liuzhou has a bus rapid transit (BRT) system covering major routes. Taxis and ride-hailing are widely available. River ferries are a scenic transport option.
Mar - May
Warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall. The karst landscape is lush and green. Ideal for outdoor activities and countryside exploration.
Jun - Aug
Hot and humid with significant rainfall. The rivers are full and the landscape is at its greenest. Indoor food tours are comfortable.
Sep - Nov
The best season — cool, dry, and clear. The Liujiang River is calm and the karst peaks are sharply outlined against blue skies. Perfect for photography.
Dec - Feb
Mild and dry. Daytime temperatures are comfortable but evenings can be chilly. A hot bowl of Luosifen is the perfect winter warmer.
The smell is strong and distinctive — you may love it immediately or need a few tries. Start with mild spice level.
The Liujiang River cruise at night is the best way to see the city. Ferry tickets are available at the main piers near the center.
Sanjiang county is 2-3 hours from downtown Liuzhou. Hire a car or join a tour for the Dong village experience.
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