Nanning

Nanning, China

It's at the forefront of China's economic links to ASEAN countries, and is the permanent host city of China-ASEAN Expo and the core city of Beibuwan Economic Zone.

Here, grasses do not wilt in winter, and flowers bloom in all seasons. Lush parks pepper the “Green City“which the Habitat Scroll of Honor Award has been bestowed upon by the United Nations.

The capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has been around for 1700 years. The Zhuang, an ethnic minority group, make up 58% of Nanning's population. For a taste of ethnic flavor, the annual Nanning International Folk Song Festival is worth anyone's while.

See and Do

• Qingxiu Shan

  Tropical plants reign supreme in this mountainous destination acclaimed as “Nanning's Green Lung". Eighteen thickly forested cragged peaks tower over placid lakes and peacefully flowing Yongjiang River. The highest peak is crowned by a 9-story pagoda of the Ming era which affords a commanding view of entire Nanning.

• Nanhu Park

  It impresses with its subtropical sceneries and is a stomping ground of the locals. Pyrotechnics, water screen movies and Chinese lanterns draw crowds during big festivities like the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

• Daming Shan

  Dense forests, expansive meadows, frothy waterfalls and deep ravines tempt nature enthusiasts. In winter it's a safe bet that you will see a hard rime. Around summer solstice, don't freak out if you can't see your own shadow under the midday sun because of the position of the Northern Tropic.

• Guangxi Ethnic Museum

  It houses over 30000 cultural artifacts, including ethnic costumes, silverware, production tools, living appliances, handicrafts, and brocade and embroidery pieces, offering interesting peeks into the life of the different ethnic groups in Guangxi.。

• Rice Noodles

  Laoyoufen, Luosifen and Guilinmifen are Guangxi's three rice noodle heavyweights. These vinegary, spicy, salty and aromatic snacks can, it is rumored, dispel the shiqi (“humidity” hidden deep inside human body and causing ailments according to Chinese medicine). Rice noodles go best with youtiao (deep-fried dough sticks) and soybean milk.

  
  
  
• Nanning Suanye

  Seasonal fruits and vegetables are marinated with vinegar, pepper and sugar. The sour and sweet mixture can be used as a seasoning for dishes or eaten as a street snack.