Nanning travel guide

China ASEAN Expo

China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning

The China-ASEAN Expo is an annual trade fair jointly hosted by the 10 Southeast Asian nations and China. It is permanently headquartered at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, usually for 4-5 days in mid-late October.

Nanning comes alive as it welcomes friends from around the world, especially Southeast Asia. Visitors can savor authentic exotic ASEAN cuisine, enjoy cultural performances, make new friends from ASEAN countries, and shop for unique regional products.

Each year highlights a different ASEAN Partner Country and Guest of Honor. In 2014, Singapore was the Partner Country while Australia made its debut as Guest of Honor.

The lively expo strengthens cooperation between China and ASEAN. By experiencing the diversity of traditions and cultures, sampling tasty treats, and hunting for local handicrafts and products, attendees can appreciate the event's spirit of friendship and collaboration.

Location: Nanning, Guangxi
Time: Mid-late October annually

March 3rd Song Festival

San Yue San Festival in Nanning

The San Yue San Festival on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month is an important traditional holiday for the Zhuang people. The most lively celebrations take place in Wuming County on the outskirts of Nanning.

Visitors can indulge in authentic Zhuang cuisine and participate in fun folk activities like embroidered ball tossing, mountain songs, plank shoe races, and more. It's an especially vibrant and memorable cultural experience.

In the picturesque rural setting, Zhuang women don their colorful local dress. Singing and dancing troupes parade to beating drums. Locals exchange flirtatious traditional mountain ballads. The festive highlight is the crowning of the festival queen. 

Immersing in the Zhuang minority's customs during San Yue San offers an up-close look at Guangxi's rich ethnic culture. Tourists can enjoy the food, activities, performances and hospitality of this regional festival.

Location: Wuming County, Nanning, Guangxi
Time: 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month

Dragon Boat Race

Dragon Boat Racing for Duanwu Festival in Nanning 

The southern city of Nanning hosts exciting dragon boat races every year for the Duanwu Festival on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Teams in long wooden boats decorated with dragon heads compete on the Yongjiang River or Nanhu Lake while crowds cheer from the banks.

In recent years, Nanning has expanded the traditional races into an international competition drawing teams from around the world. The rousing drumbeats echo while rowers strain and spectators whoop and holler for their favorite crews.

The colorful dragon boats skim through the water, presenting a dynamic spectacle of teamwork and athletics. Foreign visitors can experience China's customs by immersing in the action and festive atmosphere.

Dragon boat racing has become a highlight of Nanning's Duanwu Festival celebrations. Tourists and locals alike will find much to enjoy in this active urban renewal of a time-honored tradition.

Location: Yongjiang River and Nanhu Lake, Nanning
Time: 5th day of the 5th lunar month

Shadow disappearing on the summer solstice

An intriguing astronomical spectacle awaits atop Mount Daming in Nanning - the baffling disappearance of shadows at noon. Due to the mountain's position along the Tropic of Cancer, a striking solar illusion occurs annually around the summer solstice, June 22nd. As the sun reaches its zenith directly overhead, shadows vanish mysteriously from sight. People cast no shade, and objects lose their silhouettes. This intriguing "Shadowless Noon" phenomenon bewilders witnesses. Without shadows mapping the sun's angle, an eerie flatteness pervades the mountaintop awash in bright midday light. Join observing crowds gathered to experience this disorienting trick of the eye. Marvel as shadows reappear minutes later, stretched long across the ground. This rare interplay of location and celestial mechanics produces a fleeting moment of magic. Don't miss your chance to witness Shadowless Noon - a perplexing quirk of nature found only on Mount Daming.

Eating all kinds of Rice noodles in Guangxi

In Nanning, a hearty bowl of rice noodles isn't just for breakfast - it's a way of life. These tender, chewy staples come steeped in the local culture and cuisine. From stir-fried to soup, Nanning offers endless variations. Slurp up Old Friends Noodles, a classic soy sauce broth with pork and pickled veggies. Try Liangmian, freshly handmade noodles with your choice of toppings. For a local specialty, savor Ba Zhen Fen, mixed with minced beef and mint. Or dive into bowls brimming with pork, beef, seafood and more. However you take your noodles, their satisfying textures and flavors provide the perfect vehicle for Nanning flavors. With locals consuming over 600 million bowls a year, noodles run deep as comfort food and a taste of home. Sample your way through the diverse rice noodle dishes that define Nanning cuisine. Let these hearty, soulful creations nourish you from the inside out.

Climb to the top of the clouds and enjoy the scenery in the air

Soar to new heights at the Sky Deck atop Nanning's iconic 276-meter Diwang Building. Ascend from the basement to the 59th-floor observation level in just 90 seconds via ultra-fast elevators. Step out onto the open-air platform for jaw-dropping views of Nanning through transparent glass floors. With nothing but air below your feet, feel your pulse quicken as you walk the precipice. Gaze out over the metropolis in a 360-degree perspective from enclosed viewing corridors. Scan the landscapes through telescopes to watch shifting city scenes. When dusk falls, see Nanning illuminate with glistening night lights. Capture photos against unobstructed backdrops showcasing the city's energy and scale. For a thrill and panoramas to remember, visit the Sky Deck and experience Nanning from the highest vantage point around. Tickets cost 50 CNY per person to ride this sky-high elevator up to the clouds.

Take a bull cart to visit the ancient town

Step back in time with an ox cart ride through Nanning's well-preserved Yangmei Ancient Town. Climb aboard a wooden cart and let the gentle clop of hooves transport you to bygone eras of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Gaze up at ornately carved windows and eaves lining the street, standing for centuries. Listen to creaking wheels echo down stone-paved lanes shaded by ancient banyans. Feel the relaxed pace of life as you meander past historic architecture and glimpses into traditional ways. For another scenic journey, board a boat to trace the route of famous Chinese explorer Xu Xiake along the Liu River. Drift past poetic landscapes that inspired his travel writings centuries ago. However you choose to travel, soak up the historic charm and natural beauty preserved in Yangmei Ancient Town. Let these time-honored journeys show you a Nanning of the past.

Best Travel Time

Nanning is located south of the Tropic of Cancer, with long summers and short winters, and only brief stops in spring and autumn. Due to the dazzling green color throughout the year, it is suitable for tourism and sightseeing at any time, especially from March to November. Among them, from February to March: Spring flowers are blooming, and parks such as Golden Camellia Park and Flower World are all flower hunting places for "photography friends". December February: If you want to see snow, you can climb the Daming Mountain in the suburbs of Nanning. This is the only place in Nanning where there is snow, and it is very unique on the Tropic of Cancer, with considerable rime and snow scenery.

Airport shuttle bus

Nanning Wuxu Airport offers 3 airport shuttle bus routes for 20RMB per person. Travelers should verify the route before boarding:

Route 1:
(1) Wuxu Airport - Civil Aviation Ticket Office on Chaoyang Road in Nanning downtown (near Nanning Railway Station and Yinhe Hotel). First bus departs with the airport's first arrival and runs until the last flight.
(2) Downtown Chaoyang Road Ticket Office - Wuxu Airport. Runs from 5:30am - 10:30pm, every 30 minutes.

Route 2: 
(1) Wuxu Airport - Minzu Avenue East Bus Station in downtown Nanning. Runs 10am - 10pm.
(2) Manhattan Orient Hotel at Jinhu Plaza - Wuxu Airport. Check-in and get boarding passes at the airport shuttle lounge here. Runs 5:30am - 9pm, every 30 minutes.

Route 3:
Urban Airport Shuttle at Wanxiang City - Wuxu Airport. Purchase air tickets and insurance here. Runs 8:30am - 8:30pm hourly, departing at half past the hour.

Alternatively, taxis from the airport to Nanning city center cost around 80-100RMB. Shared taxis can be 20-25RMB per person.

The airport shuttles provide affordable and convenient transportation between downtown Nanning and Wuxu Airport. Verify the schedule for your desired route and allow sufficient time to reach the airport.

Medical treatment

Here is some helpful information about medical facilities in Nanning, China for an English travel website:Medical Care in NanningThere are many hospitals located near Nanning's city center and Chaoyang Square. Some major hospitals close to downtown include:- Guangxi Regional Hospital- Nanning First Hospital - Nanning Seventh Hospital- Guangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rui Kang Hospital- Nanning Red Cross Hospital- Nanning Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineThese reputable hospitals have English-speaking staff available to assist foreign visitors. Many pharmacies in Nanning also carry common over-the-counter medications.Be sure to travel with proper health insurance and medical documentation to facilitate treatment if required during your stay. Nanning provides high-quality healthcare options and convenient medical access for travelers located near the city center.With reliable hospitals and pharmacies available nearby, visitors can feel at ease obtaining necessary medical care while exploring Nanning. Just be prepared with the proper paperwork if you require any treatment for illness or injury.

Emergency call

Here are some important emergency numbers for Nanning, China to include on an English travel website:Emergency Numbers in NanningIf you need to reach the mayor's hotline during your stay in Nanning, dial 12345.For medical emergencies requiring an ambulance, call 120.To reach the Public Emergency Response Center, dial 110 for police assistance.If you need to file a tourism complaint, contact 5516551. For consumer protection assistance, call the Consumer Association at 12315.To lookup postal codes, dial 184.For general inquiry services, dial 114.To get weather forecasts, call 121.Keep these key emergency numbers handy during your trip to Nanning. Police, medical, and other vital services are just a quick phone call away. Knowing what numbers to dial will help ensure your safety and access to assistance while traveling in Nanning.

Safety considerations

When at crowded places like train stations, bus terminals, and metro stations, keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft. Areas with high tourist traffic like Tiananmen Square also attract scammers, so tourists should be wary of unlicensed guides demanding money upfront. Avoid handing over any cash to solicitations on the street. Use registered taxi companies like the red Beijing taxis whenever possible. Keep valuables secured and hidden, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be alert in public transportation hubs and tourist sites. When needing assistance, go to authorized help points like the Beijing Tourist Information booths rather than individuals roaming the streets. Beijing is a generally safe city if simple precautions are taken. Report any incidents or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police officer. They can also provide directions and other help. Enjoy sightseeing, but remain aware of the surroundings.

Embassy and consulate

When at crowded places like train stations, bus terminals, and metro stations, keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft. Areas with high tourist traffic like Tiananmen Square also attract scammers, so tourists should be wary of unlicensed guides demanding money upfront. Avoid handing over any cash to solicitations on the street. Use registered taxi companies like the red Beijing taxis whenever possible. Keep valuables secured and hidden, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be alert in public transportation hubs and tourist sites. When needing assistance, go to authorized help points like the Beijing Tourist Information booths rather than individuals roaming the streets. Beijing is a generally safe city if simple precautions are taken. Report any incidents or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police officer. They can also provide directions and other help. Enjoy sightseeing, but remain aware of the surroundings.