Longhu Mountain Macaque Reserve sits in Long'an County, about 83 km (52 miles) west of downtown Nanning, and takes roughly 1.5 hours to reach by chartered car or DiDi; the public-transport route runs a long-distance bus to Long'an County followed by a local taxi for the remaining distance. The reserve protects a limestone hill range that is home to free-ranging troops of Chinese rhesus macaques, along with a reservoir at the foot of the mountain and a series of walking paths that climb through karst forest to viewpoints over Long'an County. A day trip typically arrives by mid-morning, when the macaques are most active around the lower paths and feeding areas, and spends the first stretch of the day observing troops at close but safe range along the marked trails before continuing up the hillside paths for views over the reservoir and surrounding limestone peaks. Afternoon suits a slower walk around the reservoir shoreline or a return to the lower macaque areas, where activity often picks up again as the day cools. Food options are limited within the reserve itself, so visitors typically bring supplies from Nanning or stop at a simple restaurant in Long'an County town on the way in or out. Because the reserve involves uneven hillside paths and a fair amount of walking to reach the better viewpoints, comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of fitness help; the humid summer months make both the hike and the macaque viewing less comfortable, so the cooler, drier months from October to April are preferred, when humidity drops and the macaque groups tend to stay closer to the main paths rather than retreating deeper into the forest.
| Distance | About 83 km (52 miles) west of downtown Nanning |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1.5 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Car or chartered vehicle from Nanning; long-distance bus to Long'an County followed by a local taxi is the public-transport route |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Longhu Mountain Scenic Area, Long'an County, Nanning, Guangxi |
How to get there
- Chartered car or DiDi from Nanning, roughly 1.5 hours each way
- Long-distance bus from Nanning to Long'an County, then a local taxi for the final 35 km to the reserve
- Organised small-group day tour, which removes the awkward final transfer
Location
Longhu Mountain Scenic Area, Long'an County, Nanning, Guangxi
22.9330, 107.6170 View on map
Highlights
- Free-ranging troops of Chinese rhesus macaques on the lower reserve paths
- Limestone karst forest trails climbing to viewpoints over Long'an County
- Reservoir at the foot of the mountain with a shoreline walking path
- Close but managed wildlife viewing distinct from Nanning's urban sights
- Quieter, less touristed alternative to larger Guangxi nature reserves
Tips for visiting
- Charter a car or DiDi for the roughly 1.5-hour drive each way to avoid the awkward bus-to-taxi transfer
- Consider an organised small-group day tour, which removes the final local-taxi leg from Long'an County town
- Arrive by mid-morning, when the macaques are most active around the lower paths
- Do not feed or approach the macaques directly, and keep food secured while on the trails
- Bring water and snacks, since food options inside the reserve are limited
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for the uneven hillside paths
When to visit
October-April brings lower humidity and keeps macaque troops closer to the marked paths; arriving by mid-morning gives the best chance of active viewing.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to view the macaques up close?
Marked paths keep a safe viewing distance; visitors should avoid feeding or directly approaching the animals to prevent aggressive behaviour.
How long does the trip to Longhu Mountain take from Nanning?
About 1.5 hours each way by chartered car or DiDi, longer by long-distance bus plus a local taxi transfer.
Is there public transport to Longhu Mountain Macaque Reserve?
A long-distance bus runs from Nanning to Long'an County, followed by a local taxi for the final stretch to the reserve.
What is the best season to see the macaques?
October to April, when lower humidity keeps the macaque groups closer to the main paths rather than deeper in the forest.