Nanning · 南宁
Nanning, capital of Guangxi, is "China's gateway to Southeast Asia": the China-ASEAN Expo is held here every September, and its proximity to Vietnam (180 km) makes it the best place to compare Chinese suppliers with those in Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia on the same trip. Known as the "green city" for its abundant subtropical vegetation.
City map
What to see
China-ASEAN Expo Venue
Permanent home of the city's biggest fair, shaped like a blooming hibiscus next to Mount Qingxiu
Guangxi Museum of Nationalities
The world's largest collection of ancient bronze drums (346 pieces) and costumes of Guangxi's 12 ethnic groups
Guangxi Medicinal Botanical Garden
Thousands of species of traditional Chinese medicinal plants, one of the largest gardens of its kind in Asia
Getting around
Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG) is 30-35 km from downtown (40-50 min by car) and has flights to over 40 Chinese cities plus international routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Yangon, Vientiane and Seoul — very handy if your trip combines China with Southeast Asia. There are shuttle buses to downtown (~20 CNY) or taxis (~100 CNY). The city has two train stations (Nanning and Nanning East, the latter high-speed) and a 4-line metro: Line 1 directly connects the high-speed station, downtown and the China-ASEAN Expo venue itself.
In mainland China, Google, Gmail, WhatsApp and Instagram aren't accessible without a VPN arranged before you travel (it can't be installed once you've arrived). Hong Kong doesn't have this restriction.
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Frequently asked questions about Nanning
When is the best time to visit Nanning?
October and November, with milder weather and the city's festival season. The China-ASEAN fair takes place in September, when the weather is still hot and humid.
Do I need a visa to visit Nanning?
Always check the current visa policy for your nationality before traveling: China has expanded short-stay visa exemptions to several European nationalities in recent years, but the conditions change frequently. For longer stays or multiple entries, consider arranging a business (M) visa in advance.
Keep exploring
Nanning is part of the Guangxi cluster
Agricultural machinery and a gateway for cross-border trade with Southeast Asia (ASEAN).
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