From Borderland to Biodiversity Haven: How Daxin County Is Redefining Eco-Tourism in Southern China

Francois' leaf monkeys in Daxin county, south China's

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

 (Photo/Huang Wenqiang)

Tucked along the China–Vietnam border in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Daxin County is quietly transforming itself into one of China PR’s most compelling eco-tourism destinations. Once known mainly as a short stop en route to the famous Detian Waterfall, the county is now attracting nature lovers, researchers, and slow-travel enthusiasts eager to experience its protected wildlife, dramatic karst landscapes, and community-driven tourism model.

A Karst Landscape Rich in Rare Wildlife

Daxin County’s identity is inseparable from its unique karst terrain and remarkable biodiversity. The region is a critical habitat for several species under China’s first-class state protection, including Francois’ leaf monkeys and the lesser pied hornbill. Recognising the value of these natural assets, local authorities have established a strong ecological protection framework, drawing an ecological protection red line covering 18.3 million mu, equivalent to around 1.22 million hectares.

Six protected areas have been set up, including the Guangxi Encheng National Nature Reserve. Regular ecological patrols are carried out by forest rangers and trained village volunteers, ensuring that key habitats are monitored and preserved. These measures have laid the groundwork for sustainable eco-tourism that prioritises conservation over short-term gains.

Community-Led Conservation with Measurable Results

Targeted actions to protect hornbill habitats have become a cornerstone of Daxin’s environmental strategy. Villagers are encouraged to reduce forest logging and adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices that minimise disruption to bird habitats. Fourteen video monitoring stations now operate in areas frequented by nationally protected species, supported by a joint protection mechanism involving research institutions, nature reserves, and local residents.

The results are striking. In Tuoya village, the lesser pied hornbill population has grown from just two individuals in 2019 to 13 today, with successful breeding recorded for seven consecutive years. Francois’ leaf monkeys have expanded their range across ten townships, and overall bird diversity has increased to more than 130 species, including silver pheasants. These ecological gains have become the foundation of Daxin County’s eco-tourism appeal.

Turning Nature into a High-Quality Tourism Experience

a lesser pied hornbill in Daxin county,

 south China's Guangxi Zhuang

Autonomous Region. (Photo/Nong Wei)

Rather than mass tourism, Daxin County has focused on integrated development that combines ecology, culture, tourism, and local industry. Carefully curated tourism routes now include bird-watching study tours, monkey observation experiences, and cross-border ecological journeys that highlight the county’s location and cultural diversity.

Local residents play a central role. Idle rural homes have been renovated into guesthouses, resulting in 12 boutique B&Bs in Tuoya village alone. Six villagers have been trained as professional nature guides, while cultural and creative products have emerged as new income sources. Local carpenter Huang Cheng, for example, earns over 10,000 yuan annually from hornbill-themed woodcarvings inspired by the county’s wildlife.

Smart Tourism and Nature Education

To enhance visitor experiences, Daxin County has introduced a smart tourism platform offering B&B bookings, route navigation, and real-time guidance on species identification and observation techniques. At major bird-watching and monkey observation sites, visitors can access practical information that deepens engagement while reducing disturbance to wildlife.

In 2025, the county launched nature education programs that attracted 21,000 study tour participants. Eco-tourism centred on the Guangxi Encheng National Nature Reserve generated more than 1 million yuan in revenue for the first time, helping lift average household income to over 10,000 yuan a year and expanding the number of local B&Bs from zero to twelve.

From Transit Point to Destination of Choice

Francois' leaf monkeys in Daxin county,

 south China's Guangxi Zhuang

Autonomous Region. (Photo/Zhao Jiaxin)

For years, most visitors passed straight through Daxin County on their way to Detian Waterfall. Today, monkey and bird watching experiences encourage travellers to slow down and stay longer, increasing spending on dining, accommodation, and local services. This shift reflects the county’s commitment to an all-for-one tourism model, where urban and rural areas develop together.

Currently, 32 villages across Daxin County offer eco-tourism services, directly creating jobs for more than 800 villagers. Additional income is generated through the sale of local specialties such as honey, dried longan, and nuts. The result is a tourism economy that supports rural revitalisation while safeguarding the very ecosystems that attract visitors.

Daxin County’s journey shows how ecological protection and tourism development can move forward hand in hand. By valuing wildlife, empowering communities, and encouraging longer, more meaningful stays, this border county in Guangxi is turning natural heritage into a sustainable tourism goldmine.

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