Nanning is the capital city of Guangxi Province and as well as being the political, economic and cultural hub of the province, it is also a major economic player in the whole of southwest China.
It is strategically located, bordering Vietnam and Guangzhou and close to Macau and Hong Kong. It is this position which makes it a popular destination with anyone visiting Southeast Asia.
It enjoys a good year round climate which ensures that the land stays green and lush and that there are always flowers in bloom. It is actually known among the locals as ‘Green City’ because of its picturesque setting.
Within the rolling hills and forests, over 30 ethnic minority groups can be found living side by side. The Zhuang is the largest minority group in the whole of China and almost 90 percent of them can be found in Nanning and its surrounding areas. Their culture and history add a charm and uniqueness to this part of the country.
Nanning is en route to Guilin and Beihai and offers a wealth of attractions for everyone who visits. Popular natural attractions such as the De Tian Waterfall, Mount Qingxiu, Yangmei Ancient Town and the famous Huashan Mural can all be found within close proximity and there are also many parks to enjoy.
Shopaholics will be impressed with the selection of shops on offer and food fanatics will not have trouble finding something they like in the countless restaurants and eateries. As the sun goes down, the bars and restaurants turn on their lights and for those who like to dance well into the night, there is a selection of nightclubs available.
Nanning is a highly modern city with excellent facilities for tourists. Accommodation options are diverse, with everything ranging from five-star luxury hotels to budget guesthouses available.
Getting There & Away
Nanning is home to its own airport which has daily flights to and from the capital, Beijing taking approximately 3 hours. It also boasts a railway station which has services up and down the country although journeys are often long and arduous. A typical journey from Beijing takes over 24 hours. While there are sleeper trains, they are not the most comfortable - especially for tall people.
Things to Do
Nanning Attractions
- Guangxi Ethnic Relics Center
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An enormous outdoor exhibition center boasting a range of artifacts and relics from ancient china through until the present day. most of the exhibits are from the four main tribes
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zhuang, dong, yao, and miao.
- Qingxiu mountain range
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Is the focal point of the city. it can be found just outside the city center and is a must-visit. it boasts beautiful scenery, clear waters, hot springs and a wealth of small villages.
- Nanhu Lake Park
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Is located toward the southeast corner of the city. it is a beautiful park with a number of different water features and a big lake in the center. it is possible to enjoy a range of activities at the lake including fishing, boating and swimming. there are many restaurants and also beautiful gardens to walk round. for those who want to find more out about the culture and history of the area, there is also a museum located within the park grounds.
Side trips from Nanning
- Detian Scenic Spot
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This beautiful area can be found approximately 145kms away from the center of nanning and is well worth a visit if you have time. it is situated right on the vietnamese border and boasts a number of sights, in particular detian waterfall. this impressive waterfall crosses the border and is the second largest transnational waterfall in the world. the falls certainly impress every visitor and down below in the pool, there are many fish to catch. other attractions within the area include the heishui river, qiaomiao lake, shatun waterfall, stone sculptures and an abundance of wildlife.
Events
- Spring Bull Dance
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This dance is usually performed as part of the spring festival by farmers and is a must-see if you are in the area. it is performed by four people who pretend to be bulls and is an imitation of life as a bull. it is a great show and fascinating to see.