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Nam Ninh, the green capital of Guangxi, is a healing destination with stunning natural beauty. Where to go and what to eat in Nam Ninh? Find out now!!
China, with its vast population, is always an appealing destination for international travelers due to its spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and unique cuisine. Whether it's the bustling capital of Beijing, the vibrant city of Shanghai, or the picturesque Jiangsu, each location offers unforgettable experiences. In the Guangxi region, Nam Ninh – known as a lush paradise – is an emerging travel spot with countless exciting things to explore. Discover this beautiful green destination with Mytour Vietnam now!
Where is Nam Ninh?
Nam Ninh is one of the fastest-growing cities and is recognized as the ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors to Nam Ninh can enjoy a fresh, natural atmosphere as the city is entirely surrounded by vast, lush forests.
Nam Ninh is not just a modern city, but also takes pride in its deep history, where the past and present blend seamlessly. Visitors can explore the city’s rich historical heritage while enjoying the modern comforts and developments of a contemporary city.
The culture and traditions of Nanning’s people are another major attraction for tourists. Traditional festivals such as the Peach Blossom Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival provide unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture and take part in vibrant traditional activities.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Nanning?
When traveling to Nanning, China, Vietnamese citizens must apply for a visa. You can apply for a tourist visa (L Visa) at the Chinese Visa Service Centers in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hanoi. Be sure to prepare all required documents, including your passport, photo, proof of financial stability, documents proving employment or study, and a visa application form. The visa processing time is usually between 5-10 working days.
(*) Note: Visa application processes can be time-consuming and complicated, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and gather all necessary documents. Check out the Updated Guide to Applying for a China Tourist Visa 2024 on Mytour Vietnam for more details!
A Self-Guided Travel Guide to Nanning from Vietnam
Nanning is located quite close to the Vietnam border, making it an ideal destination for Vietnamese travelers eager to explore this green city. You can choose from several transportation options such as train, bus, or airplane.
1. Traveling by Train from Vietnam to Nanning
You can purchase train tickets from Gia Lam Station (Hanoi) to Nanning. Ticket prices range from 700,000 to 850,000 VND per one-way trip. The journey takes about 10 hours, covering a distance of approximately 396 km. This option offers a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable experience for travelers who prefer not to be constrained by time.
(*) Note:
- You must present your passport and visa when purchasing tickets.
- It’s recommended to book your tickets 2-3 days in advance to secure a good seat.
- The train to Nanning doesn’t offer return tickets, so you’ll need to purchase your return ticket to Vietnam as soon as you arrive.
2. Traveling by Road from Vietnam to Nanning
You can take a bus or hire a private car to reach Lang Son, then cross the Friendship Gate into China. Alternatively, you can choose to go through the Mong Cai - Dong Hung border crossing.
When traveling by land, it’s important to comply with the regulations of the border crossing and carry all necessary documents such as your passport and visa. After crossing the border, you can continue your journey by bus or hire a private car to Nanning.
This is a popular and budget-friendly option for travelers who wish to explore China’s green city from Vietnam.
3. Traveling by Air from Vietnam to Nanning
If you're looking to save time, flying is a great option. You can book a flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Wuxu Airport (Nanning). Once you land, you can either take a bus or a taxi to the city center. To save costs, you can take Bus No. 301 from the airport to downtown Nanning. Alternatively, for faster travel, consider booking an airport car rental service on Mytour!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Nanning?
Nanning, China has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, winter in Nanning is relatively short, while summer lasts longer due to its tropical, humid climate. The average temperature here is around 21.6°C, making it a great destination to visit at any time of the year.
Each season brings its own unique charm and beauty to Nanning. However, spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit, with flowers in full bloom and trees changing colors, creating a breathtaking and enchanting landscape. Choose the right time based on your preferences to explore Nanning!
Famous Tourist Destinations in Nanning, China
1. Dinosaur Park in Longgou Bay - Nanning
Located about 50 km from downtown Nanning, the Dinosaur Park in Futu County is a unique attraction that appeals to visitors of all ages. Spanning a vast 3,000 acres, the park vividly recreates the ancient world of dinosaurs, offering an exciting adventure experience.
The park is divided into two main areas: the Dinosaur Theme Park and the Dinosaur Cultural Park. Here, visitors can enjoy modern technologies such as roller coasters, 4D films, 360-degree projection domes, along with many other exciting activities.
2. Five-Element Square - Nanning
The Five Elephant Square, also known as Five Elephant Plaza, is one of the most popular landmarks in Nanning, attracting many tourists for sightseeing and photo opportunities. Featuring a unique design with five large bronze elephant statues, it symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of five ethnic groups in Guangxi. This square holds deep historical and cultural significance.
In addition to the impressive elephant statues, the square also features the grand Five Elephant Fountain, creating a stunning atmosphere at night when the lights shine brightly. This location is also a venue for many important cultural events and festivals in the city.
A visit to the Five Elephant Square not only allows you to admire its unique architecture but also offers a chance to explore Nanning’s history and culture. Be sure to take memorable photos with the five giant elephants and the beautiful fountain!
3. Nanhu Park - Nanning
Nanhu Park attracts visitors with the picturesque beauty of its clear lake, vibrant flowers, and ancient bonsai trees. The expansive lake serves as the heart of the park, where you can rent a boat to leisurely glide across the calm waters, admiring the ancient bridges and modern buildings reflected in the surface. The paths around the lake are shaded by trees, while the lush green lawns and colorful flower gardens create a romantic and serene atmosphere.
Nanhu Park also offers many other attractions, including the ancient Zhenning Temple, the winding Silver Lake Bridge, and a lively entertainment area. You can also enjoy delicious street food at the various stalls within the park.
4. Jiahe Hot Springs - Nanning
If you're looking for a place to immerse yourself in warm waters, relax amidst beautiful nature, and forget the daily stresses, Jiahe Hot Springs in Nanning is the perfect destination.
Located around 70 km from downtown Nanning, Jiahe Hot Springs is a popular resort and entertainment complex known for its breathtaking natural scenery and high-quality hot spring services.
Here, you can enjoy relaxing moments in natural hot spring pools, surrounded by majestic mountains and forests. The mineral-rich waters are beneficial to your health, helping alleviate pain, improve blood circulation, and strengthen immunity.
In addition, the resort offers many other leisure services such as spa treatments, massages, karaoke, and golf courses, ensuring a complete and memorable holiday.
5. Yangmai Ancient Street - Nanning
If you're seeking a peaceful, historic corner amidst the hustle and bustle of Nanning, then Yangmai Ancient Street is the perfect destination. Located about 28 km southeast of the city center, this ancient town offers a nostalgic atmosphere where time seems to stand still.
In Yangmai, not only will you admire the ancient architecture, but you'll also have the opportunity to experience the daily life of the locals. Visit craft shops, taste local specialties, and engage in friendly conversations with the residents.
Especially in the evening, Yangmai Ancient Street becomes even more magical with its vibrant lantern lights. This is the perfect time to stroll around, take photos, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the ancient town.
6. Qingtushu Mountain Tourist Area in Nanning
Qingtushu Mountain, also known as Qingtushan, is a must-see destination when visiting Nanning. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, fresh air, and a variety of exciting activities, this place promises to provide you with unforgettable experiences.
One of the most famous attractions at Qingtushu Mountain is Seven Star Cave, a majestic cave system filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. You can also visit Thai Temple, a temple with distinctive Thai architectural style, or the sacred Guanyin Temple.
Additionally, Qingtushu Mountain offers many exciting activities such as rock climbing, cable car rides, zoo visits, and trying local dishes. You can enjoy the fresh natural surroundings and experience the rare peace and tranquility.
Must-Try Foods When Traveling to Nanning
The cuisine of Nanning is a perfect blend of traditional and international dishes, offering visitors unique, fresh, nutritious, and delicious culinary experiences. To fully explore the flavors of Nanning, be sure to visit Zhongshan Road, a famous food street. Here are some dishes you should not miss while traveling in Nanning:
1. Cao Feng Stir-Fried Duck with Lemon
This dish is a specialty of Wuming District in Nanning. The duck is cleaned, cut into bite-sized pieces, and stir-fried with chili, mustard, ginger, lemon, dried plums, and crushed garlic. Fermented soybeans and sesame oil are added for flavor. The distinctive sour and spicy taste of the dish will awaken your taste buds and stimulate your appetite.
2. Five-Color Sticky Rice
Five-color sticky rice is a beloved dish admired for its vibrant colors and naturally delicious flavor. The sticky rice is made from glutinous rice, dyed naturally using ingredients such as butterfly pea flower, gac fruit, and pandan leaves, creating bright, appealing colors.
3. Laoyou Noodles
Laoyou Noodles (also known as "Friendship Noodles") is a dish with a history of over 100 years. Legend has it that an elderly man used to visit Zhouji Tea House daily, but one day, he did not show up because of a cold. The tea house owner made a bowl of noodles and brought it to his friend. After eating the noodles, the old man recovered. Since then, this noodle dish has been named "Friendship Noodles." These noodles are known for stimulating the appetite and relieving colds, making them very popular in Nanning.
4. Traditional Chinese Porridges
Nanning locals have made significant contributions to Chinese cuisine, particularly with over 10 different types of porridge, including pork porridge, frog porridge, fish porridge, pig's blood porridge, red bean porridge, and salted egg porridge. These porridges are favored as a breakfast option by most of the local residents.
5. Eight-Treasure Beef Offal
The famous 'Bát Bảo Beef Intestine' dish is well-known throughout China for its unique flavor. This dish is highly regarded by the State Administration for Market Regulation as one of China's iconic meals. The beef intestines are freshly prepared, stir-fried simply without any complex steps, allowing the original flavor to be fully preserved.
Famous Hotels in Nanning - Guangxi, China
As the "heart" of Guangxi province, Nanning boasts advanced infrastructure and offers a variety of accommodation options for all travelers. Below are some well-known hotels in Nanning that you may want to consider.
1. Manhattan International Hotel Nanning
The Manhattan International Hotel Nanning is a modern hotel equipped with top-notch amenities, featuring premium services such as an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, restaurants, and a shopping center.
- Address: No. 20 Jinpu Qingxiu Road, Nanning District
- Approximate Price: 1,886,000 VND/night
2. All-season Hotel Convention Center Hotel
All-season Hotel Convention Center Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel with an impressive design that blends traditional and modern styles, creating a fantastic space for relaxation.
- Address: 152 National Avenue, Qingxiu District (Asean Cultural Exchange Center)
- Price range: 2,221,000 VND/night
3. Dubai Seven-Star Hotel Nanning
The Dubai Seven-Star Hotel Nanning is one of the most luxurious hotels in Nanning, featuring modern architectural style and offering numerous amenities for guests.
- Address: No. 127 Minzu Avenue, Qingxiu District (127 National Avenue)
- Price range: 2,058,000 VND/night
4. Shangri-La Nanning
Located in the heart of the bustling city of Nanning, Shangri-La Nanning offers guests a luxurious 5-star experience. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the hotel's rooftop.
- Address: No. 136-1 Minzu Road, Qingxiu District
- Price Reference: 3,880,000 VND/night
5. Wanda Vista Nanning
Wanda Vista Nanning is a 5-star hotel featuring modern architectural design. With its stylish design, spacious rooms, and full amenities, it guarantees a memorable stay.
- Address: 118 Dongge Road, Qingxiu District
- Price Reference: 1,735,000 VND/night
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Nanning?
Nanning is becoming an attractive destination for those eager to discover the beauty of the China-Vietnam border region. To ensure a smooth and cost-effective trip, below is an estimated cost breakdown for a 4-day, 3-night Nanning journey.
(*) Note: This is just an estimated cost; actual prices may vary depending on the time, service options, and personal preferences.
Loại chi phí | Chi tiết | Giá tham khảo |
Vé máy bay | Hà Nội - Nam Ninh (khứ hồi) | 8.000.000 VNĐ |
Khách sạn | Renaissance Nanning Hotel (3 đêm) | 5.763.000 VNĐ |
Ăn uống | 4 ngày | 2.000.000 VNĐ |
Tham quan | Các điểm du lịch nổi tiếng | 1.000.000 VNĐ |
Di chuyển | Taxi, xe buýt | 500.000 VNĐ |
Mua sắm | Quà lưu niệm, đặc sản | 1.000.000 VNĐ |
Chi phí khác | Sim điện thoại, nước uống... | 500.000 VNĐ |
Tổng chi phí | 18.763.000 VNĐ |
A Few Handy Tips for Traveling to Nanning, China
Exploring Nanning on your own offers freedom and flexibility, but also requires some preparation. To ensure your trip goes smoothly and leaves lasting memories, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- Book your flight tickets and hotel in advance, ideally 1-2 months prior, to secure better options and prices, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Learn a few basic Chinese phrases – this will help you communicate more easily in situations like asking for directions, shopping, or bargaining.
- The official currency in Nanning is the Renminbi (RMB). Make sure to exchange your Vietnamese dong for Renminbi at trusted banks or gold shops before your trip for easy payments.
- Don’t forget to bring along a 4G SIM card, eSIM, or a Wi-Fi hotspot device to stay connected, access information, stay in touch with loved ones, and share memorable moments on social media.
Nam Ninh is not only a perfect destination for those looking to explore diverse cultures and unique cuisine, but also an excellent place for healing tourism. With its fresh air, picturesque natural landscapes, lush parks, and tree-lined streets, Nam Ninh promises to offer you a relaxing, peaceful experience filled with positive energy.
Don't forget to visit the Mytour Blog for more travel tips and exciting destinations in the land of a billion people: Travel Tips for China, 7-Day, 6-Night China Itinerary, China Travel Tips, 7-Day, 6-Night China Travel Itinerary, Tips for Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town, 5-Day, 4-Night Shanghai Itinerary, Travel Tips for Lijiang Ancient Town, Travel Tips for Chengdu, Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City, 25 Must-Try Chinese Dishes, Yunnan Travel Tips, Shangri-La Travel Tips, Chongqing Travel Tips, ...
The serene landscapes of Nam Ninh, with its green mountains and crystal-clear waters, are waiting to heal you. What are you waiting for?
