As the capital of the Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning enjoys distinction as a cultural, historical and economic hub of southern China. Also known as the "Green City," Nanning is renowned for its natural beauty and scenery.

Home to over 90-percent of the Zhuang ethnic minority's population, Nanning is also home to 30 other ethnic minorities, all of whom have inhabited the area for over 1,600 years.

Residing near the Vietnam border, Nanning's proximity to Yunnan province, as well as Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, make it an essential trade and communications hub, and a key strategic point for military operations.

History

Originally called Jinxing, the origins of Nanning date back to 318 AD, when it was the home of the Baiyue ethnic minority, who briefly separated from the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

During the onset of the Tang Dynasty, present day Nanning was renamed Yongzhou, and was designated as a stronghold for non-Han Chinese minorities, namely the Zhuang.

The region remained the official home of the non-Han Chinese throughout the Song Dynasty, and in 1052, Zhuang folk hero Nong Zhigao led a short revolt for autonomy, but for his futile efforts, Nong was forced to flee to Yunnan.

Finally named Nanning in 1324 during the Yuan Dynasty, the city developed into a focal-point for trade and commerce, ultimately being designated the provincial capital in 1914.

During the 1940s, Nanning was twice briefly occupied by the Japanese, and later used as a base and staging post for North Vietnamese forces assailing French positions during the war in Indochina and the Vietnam War.

In 1958, the Zhuang ethinic minority was formally recognized by Communist China, with Nanning subsequently designated as the population's official home.

Climate

Subtropical Nanning is warm and humid year round and subject to the yearly monsoon cycle, so always be prepared for heat and precipitation. Yearly average temperatures come in at a comfortable 21.7º Celsius (but summer days get much hotter) and annual precipitation reaches 1300mm.

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Nanning hotels

Nanning offers a wide range of affordable accommodations, from local three star-hotels like the Wanxing Hotel (from RMB 172) to popular foreign chains, like the Best Western Premier Nanning Red Forest Hotel (from RMB 520). There are also a number of options in between, like the Mingyuan Hotel (from RMB 213) and the Guangxi Jinhua Hotel (from RMB 277).

While Nanning cuisine falls under the Cantonese classification, the city is home to its own set of local favorites, including baby pigeon, snake and dog meat, and fried river snails.

Additionally, many restaurants feature dishes from the Yao, Miao, Dong and Zhang traditions.

Getting Around

Taxi

It is very convenient to wave down a taxi, and there are many taxi stops along the main roads in Nanning city. The base rate is RMB 7.

Car Rental

Renting a car is a great way to travel around Nanning. To rent a car, you'll need to put down a RMB 5,000 deposit and present your ID and a temporary Chinese driver's license (you can get these at the local Public Security Bureau). You can also rent a car with driver, which costs just an additional RMB 30 per day.

To and from Nanning

Air

Located in Wuwei, 32 km south of the Nanning city center, Nanning Wuwei Airport has both domestic flights to major Chinese cities including Hong Kong and international flights to Hanoi, Bangkok and others. Airport shuttles run between the city center and airport from 5:30 am until the last flight departs daily and costs RMB 15 per person.

Train

Nanning Railway Station is located centrally on Zhonghua Lu. From the station, travelers can go on to Zhanjiang and Guangzhou to the east, Qinzhou, Fangcheng and Beihai to the south or southwest to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Bus

Eight national highways run through the city leading on to Guangxi's other cities and eventually on to other areas in China.

There are altogether seven long-distance bus stations in town, usually open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Buses head for Guilin, Liuzhou, Yulin, Beihai, Qinzhou and Guigang, in Guangxi and there are also frequent departures for Guangzhou and Shenzhen, though a few also run to Chengdu, Zhuhai and Chongqing everyday.

Nanning is famous for a broad range of products, ranging from handicrafts, traditional medicines and fruits, to leather goods and the gold and silver ornaments made by the Zhuang ethnic minority.

For the best deals on local goods and souvenirs, head to Chaoyang Lu, the city's main shopping street.

If you hear of any other interesting boutiques, markets, streets or goods where the ultimate souvenir might be procured, let your fellow traveler know by writing about it in our forum, or by posting a comment on the Nanning destination page.

Nightlife in Nanning is basically limited to a handful of bars and karaoke establishments. Try CITI Bar (57 Taoyuan Lu) or Soho Bar (43 Taoyuan Lu) for a night of heavy drinking or Jinlangchao KTV (72 Dongge Lu) for some rowdy karaoke fun.

If you hear of any other interesting cultural events, festivals or nighlife hotspots, let your fellow traveler know by writing about it in our forum, or by posting a comment on the Nanning destination page.