Bama County

    In the remote and mountainous Bama County of Southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the ratio of centenarians is above 30 per 100,000, far exceeding the international average of 25 per 100,000.

    Studies have proven that the longevity of the centenarians in Bama is the result of many different elements in their lifestyle, heredity, and environment. Research has also found that the ratio of centenarians has been the same for decades.

    Bama, with an area of 1, 976 square kilometers, is inhabited by the Yao, Han and Zhuang ethnic groups. During the reign of Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the emperor is said to have presented a poem to a 142-year-old man of the Yao ethnic minority group.

    There is a lot for visitors to explore there. It is said that the water in its rivers and natural food are particularly healthy.

    Transport: Fly to Nanning in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, then take a bus to Bama County.

    Accommodation: Stay at the hostels there, or stay with locals to experience their lifestyle and food.

    Cuisine: Pork, chicken, tea and vegetables are recommended.

    Sanqing Mountain

    A sacred place for Taoists during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Sanqing Mountain in Jiangxi Province boasts beautiful scenery but is much less explored than other famous mountains in China.

    Like a natural Chinese painting, it combines the imposing view of Taishan Mountain, the steepness of Huashan Mountain, the clouds above Hengshan Mountain, the waterfalls of Lushan Mountain and the serenity of Emei Mountain. It is the perfect place to clear one’s head.

    Stay on the mountain for a day and one can understand why the ancient Taoist master Ge Hong (284-364) chose this spot for making medicine.

    Thanks to its 90-percent coverage of primeval forest, the mountain was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

    Transport: Fly to Nanchang in Jiangxi Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, or take a bus there, then take a bus to Sanqing Mountain.

    Accommodation: There is a selection of hotels and hostels there, or stay at the local’s to enjoy farm-produced food.

    Cuisine: Try farm-made dishes, wild vegetables, tea, beans and fish.

    Wuyi Mountain

    Wuyi Mountain is a mountain range located in Nanping, Fujian Province. It was placed on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, both natural and cultural, in 1999. It is the most outstanding biodiversity conservation zone in Southeast China.

    Numerous types of tea are produced around Wuyi Mountain. It is the origin of Dahongpao tea, one of the most famous and expensive varieties of tea in China.

    The most evocative scene at Wuyi Mountain is the stone slabs and boat-shaped rocks over deep gullies, a prestigious natural wonder. Viewed from above the water, two 6-meter-long stone boats appear to stand on several crisscross slabs on top of the cliff.

    Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere while.tasting a list of tea types produced there.

    Transport: Fly to Wuyi in Fujian Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, then take a bus to Wuyi Mountain.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels there.

    Cuisine: Try pork, fish, vegetables, beans and mushrooms. (Jane Lai)