The karst rock formations then became scarce as I entered the Dayao Mountains, an area known for its dense subtropical forests and rich biodiversity. A nature reserve named after the mountain was established in 1982 and was upgraded to a national-level nature reserve in 2000.

Driving on the winding road, you still can see many sheer rock formations. They rise to form the countless peaks of the mountain range concealed within a veil of clouds.

The county town of Jinxiu, nestled in a breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains, is one of the smallest county seats in Guangxi. Jinxiu River runs through the town and pours into a lake at the entrance of the town.

After driving for nearly three hours, the sight of a lake encircled by a roofed plank road was reassuring to me. I drove onto the street along the Jinxiu River and saw stone pavilions on the banks and small bridges spanning the river. Most buildings on both sides of the river have a classical style featuring tiled roofs and flying eaves.

It's a truly beautiful hillside town.

I checked into the Pangwanggu Hotel at one end of the town. A five-star riverside hotel boasting hot springs, a lush garden and beautiful views of the mountains, it offers discounted standard rooms for just a little over 300 yuan ($42). Believe me, it's worth every cent.