How to get to Nanning

Nanning is the vibrant capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, often referred to as the "Green City" due to its abundance of lush tropical vegetation. This modern metropolis serves as a vital transport hub for the region, offering tourists a unique blend of urban landscapes and natural beauty. When planning a trip to Nanning, you will discover that it is accessible by various means, including flights, high-speed trains, or by car.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the region is by taking a flight to Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG). This major aviation hub handles millions of passengers annually and is excellently connected to the city, ensuring convenient arrivals via both domestic and international flights.

Alternatively, you might consider flying into neighbouring cities if tickets there prove to be more favourable. The nearest options include the airport in the city of Beihai (167 km) or in Yulin (187 km). Arrival via Liuzhou, located approximately 200 km away, is also an option, from where you can continue your journey by ground transport.

Contrary to outdated perceptions, today Nanning is a key railway hub in southern China, welcoming high-speed trains at Nanning and Nanning East stations. You can reach here in comfort via high-speed lines from Guangzhou, Kunming, and other major metropolises in the country.

If you are travelling within the province, rail connections with neighbouring cities are also excellently developed. The journey from the station in the city of Beihai, Yulin, or Liuzhou will take very little time, allowing you to reach the regional capital quickly and conveniently.

Bus services in this region of China are quite well-developed, linking the administrative centre with provincial towns and neighbouring areas. Modern intercity buses are usually equipped with air conditioning and offer an acceptable level of comfort for medium-distance journeys.

Although exact schedules may vary, buses remain a popular and budget-friendly mode of transport, especially from locations without direct rail connections. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance at bus stations, particularly during national holidays when passenger traffic increases significantly.

Travelling by car allows you to enjoy the scenic views of Guangxi province and provides flexibility in route planning. The drive from the resort city of Beihai will take about 2.7 hours, covering a distance of approximately 229 km on high-quality highways.

If you are departing from the city of Yulin, expect to spend about 2.4 hours on the road (205 km). The route from the city of Liuzhou is also quite convenient: a distance of 243 km can be comfortably covered in approximately 2.8 hours by rental car or taxi.

Preparing for your trip to the "Green City" will help make your stay as comfortable as possible and avoid common difficulties related to the climate and local specifics.

1. Seasonal clothing. The climate here is subtropical and humid. In summer, light, breathable clothing and a raincoat are necessary, while in winter, a light jacket or sweater will be useful, as there is often no central heating in buildings.
2. Transport. The most convenient way to move around the city is using the modern metro system or taxis. Be sure to have the name of your hotel or destination written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finances and payment. The main currency is the Yuan. Cash is not accepted everywhere, as China has widely transitioned to mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay). Try to set up the relevant applications in advance.
4. Digital connectivity. Many familiar western services and social networks may be unavailable. Install necessary VPN services or purchase a local SIM card with a tourist data package beforehand.
5. Language barrier. Not all locals speak English. Download an offline translator on your phone — this is critically important for communication in shops and restaurants.
6. Water and food. Do not drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Local cuisine can be very spicy, so when ordering, specify your desired spice level ("bu la" — not spicy).

By following these simple recommendations, you will be able to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere of southern China and gain only positive emotions from your journey.