Nanning Voyage Tips and guide

Nanning (南宁; Nánníng) is the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south-west China. It is a large, modern city and a transport gateway for travellers to and from Vietnam.

Officially known as Nanning City (南宁市, Nánníng Shì), it is the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. Nanning is often called the "Green City" because of its abundant tropical vegetation and many parks.

Nanning lies in a hilly basin in middle Guangxi and has a humid subtropical, monsoon-influenced climate. Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the city has evolved into an important political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub in the region, especially serving as a gateway for China–ASEAN cooperation.

Metropolitan (1.Qingxiu District, 2.Xingning District, 3.Jiangnan District, 4.Xixiangtang District, 5.Liangqing District, 6.Yongning District) Nanning's urban area is a vibrant modern city with green parks, bustling markets, and rapid development.

Counties (7.Wuming District, 8.Hengzhou City, 9.Binyang County, 10.Shanglin County, 11.Long'an County, 12.Mashan County) Nanning's surrounding counties feature rural charm, traditional culture, and picturesque landscapes. Notable products include jasmine flowers and their derivative, jasmine tea.

	Note: Although Wuming is listed as one of Nanning's urban districts, in fact it is a county several dozen kilometres away from the Nanning city centre.
	(Information last updated 25 Sep 2025)

The older people around the Yongzhou Ancient City speak Cantonese, while those in the suburbs speak Pinghua (平话), but the younger generation mainly speak Mandarin (普通话 pǔtōnghuà). As an increasing number of people speaking different languages (e.g. Zhuang, Hakka and Hokkien) have moved into Nanning, they have chosen Mandarin as their common language of communication, after that Nanning is regarded as one of the most successful cities in China in terms of popularizing Mandarin or 'common language'. So it is a very good place to learn Putonghua.

Universities offering Chinese courses are many, including Guangxi University for Nationalities and Guangxi University. However, be aware that Nanning people, like virtually all Chinese in the south, have a non-standard pronunciation for many of the basic sounds of Mandarin (which comes from the northern Han people). The local dialect of Cantonese has a distinctive accent that is noticeably different from standard Cantonese, though it will still be largely comprehensible to fluent speakers of standard Cantonese.

Nanning, as the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, embraces the Zhuang ethnic language, and virtually all public building signs in Guangxi display the Zhuang written text alongside Chinese. It is not to be confused with pinyin, the romanized phonetic transliteration of Mandarin.

Portals of Nanning

• 22.610833108.1803461 Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG  ^IATA 南宁吴圩国际机场), ☏ +86 771-2881111. Serves domestic and international flights, though the latter feature is only offered on a few destinations on a non-daily basis. Since Nanning City is China's gateway to Southeast Asian countries, the local government is putting a lot of emphasis on connecting Nanning to the capitals of every Southeast Asian country. (updated Sep 2025)

There are 5 airport bus lines in operate connecting the airport and the city, all prices are 20 yuan.

Taxis and ride hailing services are also available. A taxi from the airport to urban area may cost ¥100-130, ride-hailings are usually cheaper. The taxi drivers might refuse to use the meter but the price is not exorbitant as it may even cost more with the meter.

The airport is also connected to a high-speed railway station: Wuxu Airport (Jichang) Railway Station, enabling swift access to downtown Nanning.

There are two major train stations in Nanning. Countless travellers have gone to the wrong station and missed their trains, so carefully check your ticket.

• 22.829306108.311252 Nanning Railway Station (南宁火车站, 南宁站, Nanning Station), 82 Zhonghua Road, Xixiangtang District (西乡塘区中华路82号) (Metro lines  1  &  2 ). It's at the north end of Chaoyang Road just north of old downtown. Most of normal trains and some high-speed trains connecting to the west will stop at here. Chief cities served include Beijing (23 hours by sleeper), Shanghai (29 hours by sleeper), Baise (1-2 hours by high-speed train), Kunming (5 hours by high-speed train), Chengdu (18 hours), Pingxiang on the border with Vietnam (3-4 hours by high-speed train), and Hanoi in Vietnam.
  Although it has high-speed trains, this is a small old-fashioned station by modern Chinese standards. There's no catering or ticketing within the transit / waiting area, you'll have to go out to the station precinct, or better still completely out of the station into the underground food mall, with no catering on train, along the route or on arrival. But then you need time and documentation to get back in through the gates. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.8445108.413 Nanning East ("Dong") Railway Station (南宁东站, Nanningdong Railway Station), Fengling Road North, Qingxiu District (青秀区凤岭北路) (Metro line  1 ). At the east-end of Metro Line 1, in an residential area known as Fengling North, also served by several urban freeways. Most high-speed trains and some normal trains connecting to the east also stop at here. The vast majority of high-speed trains depart from here, including many routes to destinations both within and beyond Guangxi. Chief cities served include Beijing (11 hours by high-speed train), Shanghai (12 hours by high-speed train), Guangzhou for Hong Kong and Macau (3-4 hours) and Chengdu (6 hours).
  This is Nanning's largest railway station and also one of the larger stations by modern Chinese standards. The station interior features numerous retail services, including convenience stores, fast foods, and vending machines. Like other exceptionally large railway stations in China, it has many ticket gates, so care must be taken not to proceed through the wrong one. (updated Sep 2025)

	Note: The following are some railway stations that belong to Nanning but are outside the city. You will rarely depart from or arrive at these stations. When booking your tickets, please pay attention to the station you choose.
	(Information last updated 30 Sep 2025)

• Nanning North ("Bei") Railway Station (南宁北站), Wuhua Avenue, Wuming District (武鸣区武华大道) (Between Wuming Urban Area and Nanning ASEAN Development Zone, 39 km north of Nanning city centre). Located in Chengxiang Town, Wuming District, part of the Guiyang-Nanning high-speed railway, high-speed trains connecting to north may also stop at here. Nanning North's primary service area is Wuming District, especially Chengxiang Town and Nanning ASEAN Development Zone, not for Nanning Urban Area. (updated Sep 2025)
• Nanning West ("Xi") Railway Station (南宁西站), Tandi, Tanluo Town, Xixiangtang District (西乡塘区坛洛镇群南村坛地坡) (4 km south of Tanluo Town, 36 km west of Nanning city centre.). Primarily serving Tanluo Town, there is only one pair of high-speed trains running daily to and from Nanning, basically no visitor will come here. (updated Sep 2025)
• Wuxu Airport ("Jichang") Railway Station (吴圩机场站), Airport Avenue, Jiangnan District (江南区机场大道) (Just outside the Terminal 2 of Nanning Wuxu International Airport). Wuxu Airport Railway Station is part of the Nanning–Pingxiang high-speed rail, provides direct high-speed connections to Nanning in about 16 minutes; the fare for a second-class seat from Wuxu Airport Station to Nanning Station is around ¥16. Visitors arriving by airplanes in Nanning can also travel swiftly to other cities such as Chongzuo via this route, without needing to enter the city centre to transfer. (updated Sep 2025)

Nanning has several bus terminals, you can book tickets on the correspondding Wechat media platform online:

• 22.8146108.41514 Langdong Coach Station (埌东汽车站), east-end of Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District (Metro line  1 ), ☏ +86 771 5508333. It's at the east end of Minzu Avenue just east of new downtown, operated by Yunde (运德) Group, and the biggest bus terminal in Nanning. This bus terminal mainly serves counties and cities (like Yulin) in eastern Guangxi, cities in Guangdong, some cities in Hainan, Xiamen, Hunan and other provinces, as well as buses to and from Hanoi. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.8344108.21475 Xixiangtang Coach Station (西乡塘客运站), 63 Daxue West Road, Xixiangtang District (西乡塘区大学西路63号) (Metro line  1 ). It's at the west of urban. This bus terminal mainly serves counties and cities (like Baise) in western Guangxi, some cities in Guizhou, Yunnan and other provinces. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.8812108.29546 Anji Coach Station (安吉客运站), 42 Anji Avenue, Xixiangtang District (西乡塘区安吉大道42号) (Metro lines  2  &  3 ). It's at the north of urban. This bus terminal mainly serves counties and cities (like Hechi) in northern Guangxi, some cities in Guizhou and other provinces. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.7673108.30837 Jiangnan Coach Station (江南客运站), 236 Xingguang Avenue, Jiangnan District (江南区星光大道236号) (Metro lines  2  &  4 ). It's at the south of urban. This bus terminal mainly serves counties and cities (like Beihai) in southern Guangxi, some cities in Guangdong and other provinces. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.8668108.38258 Jinqiao Coach Station (金桥客运站), 68 Kunlun Avenue, Xingning District (兴宁区昆仑大道68号) (Metro line  5 ). It's at the north-west of urban. This bus terminal mainly serves counties and cities (like Wuzhou) in east Guangxi, some cities in Guangdong and other provinces. (updated Sep 2025)

	Note: There are not many passenger buses at the following bus terminal. Many buses depart from other bus terminals and stop here. The schedule may not be accurate, and the buses may not necessarily stop here. It is mainly for the convenience of transfer at Nanning East Railway Station.
	(Information last updated 30 Sep 2025)

• Fengling Coach Station (凤岭客运站), South Square of Nanning East Railway Station (Metro line  1 ). On the eastern side of Nanning East Railway Station's South Square, there are few departures, primarily comprising tourist coaches and some services to counties surrounding Nanning. Tourist coaches operate dedicated routes to Detian Waterfall and Qingxiu Mountatin. (updated Sep 2025)

Local buses serve the city, and are either ¥1 or ¥2 (with AC) per trip, you can use digital map of the city for the routes around the city.

Taxis are also convenient for getting around the city, and most rides within the city should cost under ¥20. Fares start at ¥9 for the first 2 km and are based on time and distance afterwards.

Share bikes, share e-bikes and share cars also operate in the city.

Portals of Nanning

Nanning's Metro (南宁轨道交通, Nanning Rail Transit) began operation in 2016 and has been expanding quickly ever since. Most places of interest in Nanning are now within walking distance of a metro station. The metro offers an unbeatable combination of convenience and affordability. Most signs announcements are biilingual (Chinese + English), and some signs might have Zhuang in addition. During morning and evening rush hours, trains may become very crowded, especially on busy transfer segments.

The fare varies by distance, from ¥2 up to higher amounts depending on length. You can buy tickets from vending machines in stations. These accept ¥5, ¥10 and ¥20 bills and ¥1 coins, giving change; if the machines refuse certain bills (e.g. worn ones), you can break them or change them at the customer-service counters. The ticket is usually a small plastic token, which you tap on a reader at the gate to enter the platform, and surrender upon exit.

If you have a Nanning Citizen Card (南宁市民卡) QR-Code on Wechat or Alipay, it's easier to use and often gives a 10% discount on fares. As is standard in Chinese cities, you'll be screened when entering metro stations — i.e. your bags pass through X-ray machines, and you might go through a metal detector. Security is generally strict.

As of now, there are 5 lines in operation in Nanning:(Updated Sep 2025)

•  1  runs roughly west to east, from Shibu (石埠) to Nanning East Railway Station (火车东站). It runs along the northern bank of the Yongjiang River (邕江) through the city centre, making it very useful for accessing central commercial areas and tourist spots. It passes through Xixiangtang District, Xingning District and ends in Qingxiu District.

•  2  runs generally north to south, from Xijin (西津) to Tanze (坛泽). It crosses major hubs including Nanning Railway Station and Chaoyang Square, and traverses the Yongjiang River, passes through Xixiangtang District, Xingning District, Jiangnan District and ends in Wuxiang New Area (Liangqing District).

•  3  runs roughly northwest to southeast, from Keyuan Avenue (科园大道) to Pingliang Overpass (平良立交). It crosses major CBD including Jinhu Square and Advance Business Park, and traverses the Yongjiang River, ends in Wuxiang New Area (Liangqing District).

•  4  runs from Hongyun Road (洪运路) to Longgang (龙岗). Its runs along the southern bank of the Yongjiang River, passes through Jiangnan District, Liangqing District and Yongning District.

•  5  runs southwest to northeast, from Guokai Avenue (国凯大道) to Jinqiao Coach Station (金桥客运站).

• 22.815142108.3312411 The Museum of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区博物馆, Guangxi Museum), 34 Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District (青秀区民族大道34号) (Just outside Exit B of the Minzu Square (民族广场)  3  Metro Station), ☏ +86 771 2707027. 09ː00-17ː00, no entry after 16ː30, closed on Mondays (public holidays excepted). The only national-level museum in Guangxi, it has quite an eclectic exhibition. The museum's large collection of pottery and porcelain is displayed on the first floor, while on the second floor, there are exhibits on the early culture of Guangxi, including a collection of bronze drums, prehistoric tools and metalwork. There is also an open-air exhibition, with performances, and has houses of some of the minorities. An self-assist audio guide may be rented out for ¥10 (¥200 deposit required). Free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.777209108.3977742 Anthropology Museum of Guangxi (广西民族博物馆), 11 Qinghuan Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区青环路11号) (Bus route 69. You may catch bus 69 from Nanning Bridge North (南宁大桥北) bus stop, which is just a few hundred metres south of Qingxiushan (青秀山)  3  Metro Station), ☏ +86 771 2024599, +86 771 2024322. 09ː00-17ː00, no entry after 16ː15, closed on Mondays (public holidays excepted). The museum houses over 50,000 items (sets), including bronze drums, garments, silver ornaments, textiles and embroidery, stone tools, bamboo and wooden objects, ceramics, and fossil specimens. Notably, it houses 346 ancient bronze drums, making it the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of such artefacts. Its textile collection comprises 18,600 items (sets), representing all 12 indigenous ethnic groups of Guangxi with distinctive characteristics and a complete system. Additionally, it holds 3,758 items (sets) of ethnic and folk cultural relics from 31 countries and regions. Free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.8005108.39163 Guangxi Natural Resources Museum and Archives (广西自然资源档案博物馆), 2 Zhongma Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区中马路2号) (The museum is just across from the north gate of Qingxiu Mountain, you can find the routes to the North Gate of Qingxiu Mountain to get there.), ☏ +86 771 5388049 +86 771 5635883FORMAT. 09ː30-16ː30, no entry after 16ː00, closed on Mondays (public holidays excepted). The museum has eight major exhibition halls: the Earth Hall, Palaeontology Hall, Mineral Resources Hall, Geological Environment Hall, Land Resources Hall, Marine Resources Hall, Geodetic Surveying Hall, and Jewellery and Gemstone Hall. It also houses auxiliary facilities including a cinema, a science popularisation library, and a geological science experience centre. Free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.747084108.3645464 Guangxi Art Museum (广西美术馆), 22 Qiuyue Road, Wuxiang New District (五象新区秋月路22号) (Bus route 99. You may catch this bus on Qiuyue Pingle Cross (秋月平乐路口) bus stop, which is just a few hundred metres south of exit C of Qingge Lu (庆歌路)  3  Metro Station), ☏ +86 771 2529211, [email protected]. 09ː30-16ː30, no entry after 16ː00, closed on Mondays (public holidays excepted). Free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.757399108.3703295 Guangxi Planning Exhibition Hall (广西规划馆), 8 Songxiang Road, Liangqing District (良庆区宋厢路8号) (Take bus no. 15 from Jiangnan Coach Station Metro Station on Metro Line 2, bus no. 48 from Yudong Station on Metro Line 2, or bus no. 220 from Jinhu Square Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 4952256, [email protected]. 09ː00-17ː00, no entry after 16ː00, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Nov 2018)
• 22.81486108.3261556 Guangxi Science and Technology Museum (广西科技馆), 20 Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District (青秀区民族大道20号) (Xinminlu Station, Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 2839991 (enquiries), +86 771 2805108 (ticket sales), [email protected]. 09ː30-17ː00, closed on Mondays (public holidays excepted). General admission is free. The museum cinema charges ¥20 per head. (updated Nov 2018)
• 22.777961108.3782147 Nanning Museum (南宁博物馆), 15 Longdi Road, Liangqing District (良庆区龙堤路15号) (Bus routes 107 and 117. You can catch bus 107 from Dashatian Square, which is near the Dashatian Station on Metro Line 2), ☏ +86 771 2842637. 09ː00-16ː30, no entry after 16ː00, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Dec 2018)
• 22.830171108.3280048 Natural History Museum of Guangxi (广西自然博物馆), Nanning People's Park, 1-1 Renmin Road East, Xingning District (兴宁区人民东路1-1号南宁人民公园内) (The museum is on the east side of Nanning People's Park, which is about 1.5km east of the Nanning Railway Station), ☏ +86 771 2820904, +86 771 2820502. 09ː00-16ː30, closed on Mondays (public holidays excepted). Free. (updated Nov 2018)
• 22.796496108.4818399 Yongjiang Inlet Art Museum (邕江湾美术馆), South Side, Xiazhou Village Section, Xianhu Economic Development Zone (仙葫经济开发区西区下洲村段南面) (Bus routes 87, 97, 105, 701 and 704. Bus routes 87, 701 and 704 can be caught from the Langdong Coach Station Metro Station on Line 1), ☏ +86 18978833026. 09ː00-17ː00, no entry after 16ː30. Free. (updated Dec 2018)

• 23.1108.68333310 Kunlun Pass (昆仑关), Xingning District (兴宁区) (about 50 km northeast of the Nanning urban area and 5 km north of the town of Kunlun; direct buses to Kunlun Pass depart from the Tourist Transportation Center near Exit B of the Lubanlu Metro Station (Line 1) at 07:30; the return bus departs Kunlun Pass at 17:00; the bus fare is ¥30 each way), ☏ +86 771 2856466. 09:00-17:00 (summer), 09:00-16:30 (winter); the park is open every day but the museum is closed on Mondays. The site of the Battle of Kunlun Pass (1939-1940), a significant battle during the Second World War that was won by the Chinese army. There is a major museum at the site as well as several monuments. There are also some remnants of the battle such as trenches and pillboxes but these things are not yet accessible to visitors. ¥13. (updated Sep 2021)
• 22.818516108.3122411 Xinhui Academy (新会书院), 1/42 Jiefang Road, Xingning District (兴宁区解放路42-1号) (840 meters west of Chaoyang Square Metro Station at the intersection of Lines 1 and 2), ☏ +86 771 2825607. 08:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. A traditional Confucian academy dating from the Qing Dynasty. It was originally established during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor and rebuilt in the 19th century. These days there are no students here and the site is basically a museum. It also serves as a venue for Cantonese opera performances. Free. (updated Sep 2021)
• 22.841895108.06039512 Yangmei Ancient Town (扬美古镇), Jiangxi Town, Jiangnan District (江南区江西镇) (36km west of the Nanning urban area. Take Tourist Bus 1 (旅游1路) to Yangmei depart from Tinghong Zhuangjin Cross (亭洪壮锦路口) bus stop just outside Exit A of Zhoujiapo (周家坡)  5  Metro Station.The bus runs from 07:00 to 18:30, with buses running every half hour between 07:00 and 10:00, and every hour after 10:00. The bus fare is ¥5), ☏ +86 771 2795009. ¥10. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.817108.315313 Yongzhou Ancient City (邕州古城, Three Streets and Two Alleys 三街两巷), 37 Minzu Avenue, Xingning District (兴宁区民族大道头) (Outside Chaoyang Square (朝阳广场)  1  2  Metro Station, a classical residential area stretches from Chaoyang Road to Shuijie Street Market.). Located in Xingning District, Nanning, its core comprises three pedestrian streets—Xingning Road (兴宁路), Minsheng Road (民生路), and Jiefang Road (解放路)—alongside two ancient lanes, Golden Lion Alley (金狮巷) and Silver Lion Alley (银狮巷). The outer perimeter encompasses areas west of Chaoyang Road and north of Minzu Avenue. Established during the Song Dynasty, this district served as the commercial birthplace of ancient Yongzhou. Characterised by its blue-brick, black-tiled roofs and distinctive horse-head walls, it houses historical landmarks including Nanning City God Temple (南宁城隍庙) and the Deng Yingchao Memorial Hall (updated Sep 2025)

• 22.7917108.385214 Qingxiu Mountain (青秀山, Mount Qingxiu, Qingxiu Hill), 6-6 Fengling South Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区凤岭南路6-6号) (West gate: Qingxiushan (青秀山)  3 , North gate: Fengling South Qingxiu Cross (凤岭南青秀路口) bus stop with bus 34, 122, 213, 608, B10, W34 and Tourist Bus 2 (旅游2路); East gate: Qingxiu Mountain East Gate (青秀山东门) bus stop with bus W34 and Tourist Bus 2 (旅游2路); South gate or Songtao Road Gate(松涛路门): Qingxiu Mountain South Gate (青秀山南门) bus stop with bus 69), ☏ +86 771 5560662 (enquiries), +86 771 5828923, +86 771 5560687 (complaints and emergencies). East Gate: 6:00-24:00, North Gate and West Gate: 8:00-18:00, South Gate: 8:00-17:00. Located in the heart of Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area sits on the banks of the winding Yongjiang River, covering a total area of ​​13.54 square kilometers. Qingxiu Mountain, with its rolling peaks, verdant trees, steep cliffs, clear springs, and unique rocks, is characterized by its subtropical plant landscape and is surrounded by clouds and mist year-round. Known as the "Green Lung of the City," it is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and an ecological landmark in Nanning Entry is ¥20. Fees for the sightseeing car are ¥5 for one ride, ¥9 for two rides and ¥34 for unlimited rides. The tourist train charges ¥10 for one ride, ¥18 for two rides and ¥50 for unlimited rides. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.856386108.3729415 Guangxi Medicinal Botanical Garden (广西药用植物园), 189 Longgang Road, Xingning District (兴宁区长堽路189号) (From Jiangqiao (降桥)  5  metro station, walk 800 meters southeast to the East Gate or 1.4 kilometers southwest to the West Gate. Alternatively, take bus No. 20/42/608 from the Kunlun Jiangqiao Cross bus stop at Exit A of the metro station and get off at the Xingning District Government (兴宁区政府) bus stop to reach West Gate of the garden.), ☏ +86 771 5603072. Summerː 08ː00-18ː00, Winterː 08ː00-17ː30. The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Medicinal Plant Garden (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Guangxi Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), founded in 1959, now covers an area of ​​202 hectares. It is engaged in the protection of medicinal plant and animal resources, popular science education, development of Chinese medicinal materials, drafting of quality standards for Chinese medicinal materials, and testing services. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction Usually ¥65, but may be discounted to ¥20. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.8379108.264616 Nanning Zoo (南宁市动物园), 3 University Road West, Xixiangtang District (西乡塘区大学西路3号) (Nanning Zoo (动物园)  1  metro station), ☏ +86 771 3212857. 07ː30-17ː30. The zoo goes viral for gorilla that threw objects at visitors, with a rich collection of African and Asian animals, reptiles, birds, panda, and fish, all in well-maintained settings. Admission includes an hour-long performance of dancing bears, bicycling monkeys, elephants, and acrobats ¥50 for adults, ¥20 for children. (updated Sep 2025)

• 22.832391108.32714317 ^{[dead link]} Nanning People's Park (南宁人民公园, 白龙公园 White Dragon Park), 1 Renmin Road East, Xingning District (兴宁区人民东路1号) (About 1.5km east of the Nanning Railway Station. The bus stop outside the park is served by bus routes 22, 31, 41, 78, 80, 81, b206 and b91), ☏ +86 771 5620468. Open all day. Includes a large area devoted to amusement park type rides, as well as quieter areas for picnics, game playing, or walking Free.  
• 22.863004108.3387818 ^{[dead link]} Shishan Park (狮山公园, Lion Mountain Park), 92 Xiuxiang Avenue, Xingning District (兴宁区秀厢大道92号) (Bus routes 13, 28, 74, 116, 212, 605, 705 and b63), ☏ +86 771 3927358. Open all day. Free.  
• 22.8088108.34977419 ^{[dead link]} South Lake Park (南湖公园; Nánhú Gōngyuán), 1 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区双拥路1号) (Nanhu Station, Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 5324932, +86 771 5333610, [email protected]. Open all day. Lake in the southeastern part of town surrounded by a park including bonsai and orchid gardens Free.  

• 22.8098108.38220 Shimen Forest Park (石门森林公园, 石门公园 Shimen Park), 118 Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District (青秀区民族大道118号) (A 700-metre walk from Exit C of Convention and Exhibition Center  1  Metro Station). 7*24. Free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.759649108.33928421 ^{[dead link]} Wuxiangling Forest Park (五象岭森林公园), Liangqing District (良庆区) (Bus routes 15, 29, 31, 49, 55, 56, 81, 88, 96, 107 and 111. Bus routes 15, 81 and 88 may be caught from outside the Dashatian Station on Metro Line 2. Enter near the corner of 兴象路 and 建设路), ☏ +86 771 5814431. Pleasant forest park with some light hiking trails. Be careful not to approach the military area in the mountains Free. (updated Dec 2018)
• 23.041713108.2931122 Yiling Rock (伊岭岩), State Highway 210, Wuming District (武鸣区210国道) (Take public bus no. 115 or k5, which originate from the Anji Bus Terminal bus stop and the Gaoxin Anji Intersection bus stop respectively. Both bus routes also stop outside the Anji Coach Station Metro Station on Line 2), ☏ +86 771 6260420. Summerː 08ː30-17ː00, Winterː 08ː30-16ː30. Karst caverns 18 km north of Nanning City in Wuming District. ¥60.  

• 22.818056108.36555623 Diwang International Commerce Center (地王国际商会中心 Dìwáng Guójì Shānghuì Zhōngxīn), 59 Jinhu Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区金湖路59号) (Situated on the north side of Jinhu Square and about 550 metres northwest of Jinhu Square Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771-5537733, +86 771-5592022. Observation deck opening hoursː Monday to Fridayː 09ː00-22ː00, Weekendsː 09ː00-22ː30. This was Nanning's tallest building from 2006 to 2014. The building stands 276 metres tall. There is an observation deck on the top floor, which offers sweeping views of the city. ¥68 to access the observation deck. (updated Dec 2018)
• 22.848031108.28676624 Guangxi University (广西大学 or Xida 西大 for short), 100 University Road East, Xixiangtang District (西乡塘区大学东路100号) (Guangxi University Station, Metro Line 1). An example of a good provincial university with several 10s of thousands of undergraduate and graduate students. Includes classroom buildings, dormitory buildings, and large administration buildings on a very large and beautifully landscaped campus.  
• 22.779661108.38885925 ^{[dead link]} Nanning Confucius Temple (南宁孔庙), 9 Qinghuan Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区青环路9号) (Bus route w8. You may catch bus w8 from the Zhuxi Interchange (竹溪立交), which is just a few hundred metres west of the Convention & Exhibition Center Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 5531030. 09ː00-16ː30, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Dec 2018)
• 22.81779108.3141826 Nanning Mosque, Zhonghua Street, Youjiang District.  

• 22.8124108.37631 China-ASEAN Expo (中国-东盟博览会), 106 Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District(青秀区民族大道106号) (Convention and Exhibition Center  1  Metro Station). The China-ASEAN Expo is an international economic and trade event co-hosted by the economic and trade authorities of China and the 10 ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretariat, and hosted by Guangxi. It is held in mid-September every year and lasts for five days. The last two days are open to the public and you can buy tickets to visit. ¥100. (updated Oct 2025)
• 22.860788108.3672632 Nanning Bird and Flower Market (南宁花鸟市场), 2 Kunlun Avenue, Xingning District (兴宁区昆仑大道2号) (400 metres west of Exit B1 of Jiangqiao  5  Metro Station). An eclectic mix of flowers, shrubs, pot plants and all thing floral, as well as a vast array of birds, fish, and other pets. Thrown into the mix is an assortment of household goodies to brighten up an otherwise dull abode: furniture fashioned from tree stumps, traditional Chinese tea sets, carvings, wall hangings, etc. This is an amazingly interesting place to while away an afternoon, and get some truly good-value items. This place is packed out on weekends, and is a notorious place for pick-pockets, who cleverly razor-slash pockets and bags to retrieve any valuable carelessly stowed. Keep money, mobile phones and any valuables securely in zippered compartments inside bags (updated Sep 2025)
• 22.8149108.30853 Yongjiang River Night Cruise (邕江夜游), Minsheng Square, Jiangbei Avenue, Xixiangtang District (西乡塘区江北大道民生广场) (Departure at Minsheng Tourism Wharf (民生旅游码头). You can take Bus 34 or Metro. There is a bus stop for Bus 34 on Minzu Square (民族广场) bus stop, just outside of Exit C of Xinminlu  1  Metro Station. Or take metro to Chaoyang Square  1  2  Metro Station, exit A, and walk 1 km to Minsheng Square, you can visit Yongzhou Ancient City and Minsheng Square during the route). 18ː30-22ː00, last boat departures at 21:30. The "Sunset Cruise"(晚霞航班) at 18:30 costs ¥68. The "Golden Spike (金穗号, Jinsui)" cruise departing at 19:30 and 21:00 costs ¥128, with cultural performances, buffet and "iron flower" show. The "Vegetable Elves (蔬菜精灵号, Shucai Jingling)" cruise departing at 19:30 and 21:00 costs ¥98, with a gift and snacks. The "Peony (牡丹号, Mudan)" cruise departing at 20:00 and 21:30 costs ¥88. Reservations are required and can be made on some APPs. (updated Sep 2025)

As a regional capital, Nanning has a lot of work opportunities compared to other cities of Guangxi Province. The booming import and export business exchanges between Guangxi and Vietnam means that there is a big demand for people who can speak both Chinese and Vietnamese. Also, if you are a native English speaker, teaching jobs are also abundant. See Working in China for more information.

• Chao Yang Road (朝阳路 Chao Yang Lu). The main shopping street lined with department stores, like Nanning Department Store and Parkson, and also Walmart, in addition other intentional brands and local brands. It is also a nice place to go people-watching, as people from all walks of life can be seen here: youngsters, street performers, roadside vendors, etc. 
• Underground Mall (Runs for several city blocks under Xinhua Road 新华街 near the center of town.). And underground shopping mall that is always busy, particularly during the hot summer months. Primarily composed of small clothing shops but also includes food outlets and other small stores of a variety of types. 
• 22.8202108.313791 Heping Market (和平商场). Located a block west of the north Nanning Department Store (百货大楼), Heping Market has 4 crowded stories of small vendors selling electronics, kitchenware, makeup, clothing, and fabrics. Expect low prices and few (genuine) name brands.  
• 22.8146108.38862 The Mixc (万象城). Located on the east side of town, on Minzhu Avenue, the Mixc is a new, 7-story mall featuring high-end, mostly foreign brands. Uniqlo, Parkson, and H&M are the anchor stores. There is plenty to eat on all levels, as well as an ice rink and a movie theater. Expect prices to be on par with the West.  

Zhongshan Rd (中山路) is Nanning's food street, with a vast assortment of street stalls serving many kinds of Liang Guang (literally, the two Guang provinces, Guangxi and Guangdong) foods, as well as food from neighbouring provinces, such as Hunan and Yunnan. It is diagonally opposite the Incity, home of Wal-Mart. Throughout the city there are many good-value restaurants. Few have English menus. However, Zhongshan Rd has now been closed due to renovation.The newly developed eastern end of the city (around Langdong, and the APEC Exhibition Centre) has lots of up-market restaurants, cafes and coffee lounges.(Updated Jan 2024)

There are dumpling stalls and small eating houses all over the city. Fresh, tasty and very cheap. Zhongshan Rd food stalls are also worth a try. Try the local rice noodle soup, laoyoufen (老友粉; literally old friend rice noodle). It is traditionally made with pork based broth, pickled bamboo shoots, fermented soy beans, and other typical Chinese spices. It is an acquired tasted due to the pickled bamboo shoots.

• 22.814647108.3185171 Nanning night food market, Zhongshan Rd (15 minute walk south from the train station). This is a 300-meter long stretch where you will find a vivid display of various exotic dishes ready to be served.  

About 90% of the restaurants in Nanning would fall into this category.

• Little Fat Sheep (Xiaofeiyang), Dongege Rd and Henyang Rd. Chain serving traditional hotpot, with lamb the meat of choice. 
• Old Chengdu, Youai Rd (just off Dongge Rd in the south). Sichuan hot, spicy food. 

Anything in or around Langdong or the Five Elephant Plaza (financial district); the YongJiang Hotel, by the river, has an excellent buffet, with fresh seafood, and good quality meat BBQs.

Many popular bars are to be found along Minzu Da Dao, the long avenue that runs from east to west through the city, bisecting South Lake. Many have a cover charge, and offer a variety of international as well as domestic beers, in addition to the standard supply of liquors. The '100' bar area (near the city library) has a cluster of up-market bars and coffee lounges, many featuring live music. A number of more intimate, low key bars and pubs can be found in the university district in the north west of the city, around University Road (Da Xue Lu) and Mingxiu Road.

As for every major Chinese city, booking hotels online is more convenient than ever. Chinese website include Tuniu.com, Ctrip.com, and Fliggy.com. Western ones include Hotels.com (run by Expedia).

Around the square in front of the station are several hotels offering bargains for rooms and dorm beds with dorm beds starting at ¥15.

• 22.827295108.3129241 Nanning Civil Aviation Hotel (南宁民航饭店), 82 Chaoyang Road, Xingning District (兴宁区朝阳路82号) (near Exit I of the Nanning Railway Station Metro Station, in front of the bus stop to the airport), ☏ +86 771 2099000. Check-in: 08ː00, check-out: 14ː00. Rooms with air con, electronic lock, cable TV and internet. From ¥188.  
• 22.814184108.3438282 South Face Hostel (South Face 青年旅舍), No. 1201, Block 2, 6 Yuanhu Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区园湖路6号2栋2单元1201) (Near Macun Station on Metro Line 1. Exit the station via Exit B. Immediately on your front left you will see a tall yellowish building marked with the words '南湖6号' (No. 6 South Lake) in bright red Chinese font. Look for Entrance 2, Building 2 (2栋2单元). Just go to the twelfth floor and find door 1201. It has a white paper with 'South Face' on it.), ☏ +86 771 2116288, +86 15177919708. Check-in: 14ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Basically an apartment turned in to a hostel, with three bedrooms, each with bunk beds. A communal kitchen, spacious living room and a balcony with view over Nanhu Park. Washing machine available as well for ¥5. A very friendly hostel, whose owner, a graduate from New York University will entertain you (if he's there) with some good history and politics of China. Bed in dorm ¥48-50.  
• 22.821058108.3188843 Wanxing Hotel - Chaoyang Square Branch (永恒万兴酒店 南宁朝阳广场店), 41-2 Beining Street, Xingning District (兴宁区北宁街42-1号) (190 metres from Exit D of the Chaoyang Square Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 2381000, fax: +86 771 2381010. Check-in: 12ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Excellent, clean and elegantly-decorated rooms that have air-conditioning and come with ensuite bathrooms are available. Chinese breakfast that is adequate, though not something that you would wake up especially for. Counter staff speak some amounts of English and accept international credit cards. From ¥178.  
• 22.822343108.3198494 Wanxing Hotel - Nanning Culture Palace Branch (永恒万兴酒店 南宁文化宫店), 47 Minzhu Street, Xingning District (兴宁区民主路47号) (330 metres from Exit D of the Chaoyang Square Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 2381000. Check-in: 12ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Similar to the other branch but with fewer rooms. From ¥156. (updated Dec 2018)
• 22.828199108.3128445 Yin He Hotel (南宁银河大酒店), 84 Chaoyang Road, Xingning District (兴宁区朝阳路84号) (in the centre of town just south of the railway station and next to the Nanning Railway Station Metro Station and airport bus terminal), ☏ +86 771 2116688, +86 771 2116637, fax: +86 771 2116669, [email protected]. Check-in: 08ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Some rooms renovated. Rooms from ¥180.  
• 22.81044108.423676 Chenglang International Hotel (成琅国际酒店), 16 Xianhu Blvd (Near Langdong Coach Station metro station on Line 1). Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Close to Langdong coach bus station (11 mins by walking) which has buses to Hanoi. ¥189/night. (updated Sep 2023)

• 22.831922108.3558477 Jingtong Hotel - Nanning Dongge Branch (精通柏林酒店 南宁东站会展中心青秀万达店 (原东葛店)), 100 Dongge Rd, Qingxiu District (青秀区东葛路100号; Qīngxiùqū Dōnggělù Yībǎihào) (3 km to centre; take bus no. 20, 52, 76, 85, 601, 604, 607, b91 or w10 and get off at the Changhu Road Intersection (东葛长湖路口)), ☏ +86 771 5703999, +86 771 5819388, +86 771 5819222. Check-in: 14ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Ordinary rooms, business rooms and luxury rooms ranging from 15 m² to 20 m². Business and party facilities. Large and bright rooms. Good service. Doubles from ¥258.  
• 22.824042108.3734928 March Flower International Hotel (三月花国际大酒店; Sānyuèhuā Guójì Dàjiǔdiàn), 50 Changhu Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区长湖路50号) (About 1km north of Jinhu Square Station & Convention & Exhibition Center Station on Metro Line 1. Bus routes 1, 42, 43, 45, 90, b37, b91, b98, and d9). Three-star business hotel close to park and lake with nice view. Well designed hotel with well equipped rooms. Rooms including ordinary, business and luxury. Rooms ranging from 15m2 to 25m2. Free internet in the rooms. Business facilities. From ¥350.  
• Other mid-range places a short walk from Nanning Main Railway Station are Phoenix Hotel, Vake, and Vienna. You'll see them from the station precinct.

• 22.814732108.3561469 Guangxi Wharton International Hotel (广西沃顿国际大酒店, 南宁国际大酒店 Nanning International Hotel), 88 Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District (青秀区民族大道88号) (Metro Line 1, Nanhu Station, Exit B2), ☏ +86 771 2111888, [email protected]. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 14ː00. The hotel is nice and centrally located. If you have a family, ask for a suite. There are a pool and a gym on the premises and a few restaurants inside as well. The Chinese restaurant in the basement (the Shenzhou Food Street") offers the best value. From ¥479.  
• 22.816574108.38216310 Nanning Marriott Hotel (南宁鑫伟万豪酒店), 131 Minzu Ave, Qingxiu District (青秀区民族大道131号) (in the eastern area of the city's CBD district, opposite the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center and close to the Convention & Exhibition Center Metro Station on Line 1), ☏ +86 771 5366688, fax: +86 771 5366699. Excellent Chinese and Western cuisine. Hotel staff are excellent. Good for families and business people. Halal food available during China-ASEAN Expo period. From ¥628.  
• 22.816955108.3769211 Red Forest Hotel (红林大酒店), 129 Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District (青秀区民族大道129号) (Near the Convention and Exhibition Center Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 2021688 (extension 6880). Check-in: 12ː00, check-out: 12ː00. This five-star establishment offers excellent rooms at a reasonable rate. Higher rooms also offer a great view of the city, as rooms are furnished with floor-to-wall windows. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool and gym, and hotel staff are attentive and efficient. Doubles from ¥609.  

Chinese cities are generally speaking very safe in terms of violent crimes, and Nanning is no exception. But petty crimes like pickpocketing are quite common. On public transportation, be extra-careful about your mobile phones and wallets.

Pyramid/Ponzi schemes are endemic in Nanning, and similar to other pyramid schemes in China, criminals operating these schemes can resort to violence if their scam is about to be exposed. Simply avoid any dubious investment scheme is sufficient for normal visitors. You should also be careful if strangers are trying to talk to you and sell you something or leading you somewhere.

• 22.806754108.4007031 Cambodia (柬埔寨王国驻南宁总领事馆), 6-16 Guihua Road, China-ASEAN Business District, Qingxiu District (青秀区东盟商务区桂花路16-6号) (Take bus w18 from the ASEAN Business District Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 5672352, +86 771 5672358, fax: +86 771 5672351, +86 771 5672358, [email protected]. Monday to Friday, 09ː00-12ː00, 14ː00-17ː00.  
• 22.817929108.3672972 Thailand (泰王国驻南宁总领事馆), 1st and 2nd Floor, 1-52 Jinhu Road North, Qingxiu District (青秀区金湖北路52-1号东方曼哈顿大厦1-2层) (Jinhu Square Station, Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 771 5526945 (general enquiry), +86 771 5526945 ext 807 (visa section), fax: +86 771 5594997, [email protected]. Monday to Friday, 09ː00-11ː30 (application submission), 14ː00-17ː00 (collections and enquiries).  
• 22.81699108.3649383 Vietnam (越南社会主义共和国驻南宁总领事馆), 27th Floor, Yahang Wealth Center, No 55 Jinhu Road, Qingxiu District (青秀区金湖路55号亚航财富中心27楼) (you can either take a taxi there (¥15 one way) or the local bus 6 (¥2) bound south away from the railway station (the north-south part of the T junction), so get on at the train station on the same side of the road as the station, and get off at the second stop after you cross a big (100-m long) bridge over the river, on the left as you go over the bridge is Guangxi Investment Building, with a large G logo on the top. Go down the street to the right of the Guangxi Investment Building, then take the first right. The consulate is in last building on the right, above Bank of China. Take the lift in the lobby to the right of the bank to the 27th floor. Coming from the bus station, you also take bus number 6. Buses 11, 29, 34, 39, 43, 79, 87, 206, 601, 603 also serve the consulate. You can also take a metro train. The consulate is about 600 metres west of the Jinhu Square Station on Line 1), ☏ +86 771 5510560, +86 771 5510561, +86 771 5510562, fax: +86 771 5534738, [email protected]. Visa office hours are M-F 08:30-12:30 and 14:30-18:00, but they can be late to return from the lunch break, your passport with visa can be collected from 17:00, this means the earliest you can leave to Vietnam is the next morning, factor on spending at least two nights in Nanning getting your Vietnamese visa. The consulate issues visas for Vietnam. Make sure you take a recent passport photo with you as they do not have a machine at the consulate. Prices can vary according to nationality, and depend on your desired processing time: three days (standard) ¥380, two days ¥480, one day (drop off in the morning, collect after 17:00) ¥580.  

• Beihai — take the fast train (can be booked from a travel agent or Ctrip) for around ¥60 (1.5 hours) or take bus from Langdong or Jiangnan bus station (3 hours)
• Guilin and Yangshuo — famously scenic tourist area, only a short distance from Nanning (about 5 hr by direct bus or 2.5 hr by train)
• Detian Waterfall — with a 75 meter drop, on the Chinese-Vietnamese border, It is about 4 hours from Nanning.

• Kunming — there is a train there, reportedly a sensational ride through isolated mountainous country

• Northern Vietnam — within striking distance

The train for Hanoi departs from Nanning Railway Station at around 18:00, takes four hours to the border, then a half and an hours each side for exit / entry (time zone change one hour), then another four hours to Hanoi Gia Lam. The return leaves Hanoi around 22:20 to reach Nanning for 10:00. Vietnamese dong are difficult to exchange in China, so be sure to change all your dong to U.S. dollars before hopping on the train in Vietnam.

Taking buses is possible. 9 buses leave Langdong Coach Station from 07:40 to 13:35, the journey takes 7 hours. The buses are in 2 types: MPV and coach bus. The 8-seat MPV is priced at ¥240, while the 30+ seat coach is priced at ¥188. Ticket includes drinks, a lunch at Pingxiang and insurance. It is possible to opt out of insurance, which costs ¥2, if you tell the ticket-seller. This is a through-service, which will bring you all the way to Hanoi, though it does involve a change of buses and other vehicles in between.