Bama Longevity Village​

​​Overview​​
​​Bama Longevity Village​​ (Chinese: 巴马长寿村), originally named Pingan Village, is a globally celebrated wellness destination in ​​Bama Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi​​. Recognized as one of the ​​"World’s Top Five Longevity Zones"​​, it boasts ​​30.8 centenarians per 100,000 people​​—far exceeding international standards. The village’s fame stems from its ​​"five longevity secrets"​​: unique geomagnetism, mineral-rich water, high negative oxygen ions (up to ​​50,000/cm³​​ in caves like Baimo Cave), clean air, and a plant-based diet.

​​Key Attractions​​

1. ​​Panyang River​​

   • The "Mother River" of Bama, its ​​magnetized, hexagonal-structured water​​ (pH 7.5–8.5) is linked to longevity. Locals bathe here year-round, a tradition depicted in Qing Dynasty records.
   • ​​Geomagnetic Field​​: At ​​0.58–0.9 gauss​​ (vs. global 0.25), it enhances blood circulation and sleep quality.

2. ​​Baimo Cave (百魔洞)​​

   • A ​​AAAA-rated​​ karst cave with ​​healing stalactites​​ and an "ion therapy zone." Migratory visitors practice qigong here for its ​​20,000–50,000 negative ions/cm³​​ air.

3. ​​Centenarian Homestays​​

   • Meet locals like ​​116-year-old Tan Shisong​​, who attributes longevity to ​​corn porridge, hemp oil, and daily mountain hikes​​. Homes display age plaques; tourists gift red envelopes for blessings.

4. ​​Longevity Cuisine​​

   • ​​Dietary Secrets​​: Low-salt, low-meat meals of ​​wild vegetables, sweet potatoes, and "five-color sticky rice"​​ (rich in selenium/manganese).
   • ​​Bama Tea Seed Oil​​: High in zinc, used by centenarians for cooking.

​​Visitor Experience​​

• ​​Activities​​:
  • ​​Wellness Retreats​​: Stay with "migratory birds" (long-term health tourists) in ​​Yuepo Village​​.
  • ​​Magnetic Therapy​​: Soak in Panyang’s ​​17–18°C mineral springs​​.
  • ​​Cultural Tours​​: Attend ​​Yao drum dances​​ and visit the ​​Longevity Museum​​.
• ​​Access​​:
  • ​​From Nanning​​: ​​4-hour drive​​ or shuttle (¥150); entry fee ​​¥80​​.

​​Scientific & Cultural Significance​​

• ​​Research Hub​​: Since the 1960s, scientists have studied Bama’s ​​low cancer rates​​ and ​​high telomerase activity​​ in residents.
• ​​UNESCO Recognition​​: Listed for its ​​sustainable eco-tourism​​ and ​​biodiversity​​ (e.g., spinulose tree ferns).

​​Nearby Attractions​​

• ​​Crystal Palace​​: A glittering ​​underground karst cave​​.
• ​​Detian Waterfall​​: Combine with a ​​2-day nature tour​​.

​​Pro Tips​​

• ​​Best Time​​: ​​April–October​​ (avoid typhoon season).
• ​​Etiquette​​: Ask permission before photographing elders; ​​red envelopes​​ (¥20–50) are customary.

Bama’s blend of ​​science-backed wellness​​ and ​​Zhuang-Yao traditions​​ makes it a bucket-list destination for global travelers.