9 Best Things To Do In Nanning, China

things to do in nanning china
Sheela
Sheela 
Updated
| 6 min read

Nanning has plenty to offer for nature lovers with its parks, picturesque mountains, and caves. Even if you are out just to have a relaxing time whilst enjoying the local cuisine, Nanning will not disappoint. Below are 7 of the top things that one can do when in Nanning, China.

Interested in visiting an exotic destination for a holiday? Why not explore Nanning, China, and find out what the city has to offer? It is the capital of Guangxi which is situated in the southern region of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Bordering Vietnam, Nanning is also in close proximity to Guilin, which is known for its picturesque hilly landscape. Apart from that, the local cuisine will tantalize your palate after a hard day out exploring the city of Nanning. Find out the best things to do in Nanning, China.

1. Daming Mountain

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Daming Mountain is a scenic area located about 15 kilometres (9.32 miles) northeast of Nanning’s city centre. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its beautiful natural landscapes, lush forests, and stunning views. The mountain is part of the larger Daming Mountain National Forest Park, which covers an area of about 2,000 hectares (4942.10 acres).

Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to various viewpoints, providing panoramic views of Nanning and its surroundings. The area is adorned with picturesque waterfalls, caves, and diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Additionally, there are several pavilions and resting areas throughout this tourist attraction in Nanning, allowing visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the serene environment.

Daming Mountain

Address: Shanglin County, Nanning, China, 530599

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2. Guangxi Science and Technology Museum

Guangxi Science and Technology Museum is a prominent institution dedicated to promoting science, technology, and innovation. The museum aims to provide an interactive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It features a wide range of exhibits and displays that cover various scientific disciplines, including physics, astronomy, biology, geology, and more. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and simulations that make complex scientific concepts accessible and fun to learn.

The museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, showcasing the latest advancements in technology and scientific research. It also serves as a hub for educational outreach, encouraging curiosity, and inspiring a passion for science among the local community and tourists alike.

Guangxi Science and Technology Museum

Address: 20 Minzu Blvd, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi, China, 530000

Website: Dummy attraction

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3. Nanning People's Park

 Pixabay Men Nanning People'S Park
Source: Pixabay

Built in 1951, the People’s Park in Nanning is a beautiful public park in Central Nanning, with close proximity to the city’s downtown. The park is also known as the White Dragon Park, owing to its location on White Dragon Lake. Once you enter the park, you will be faced by 141 steps. Apart from climbing up and down the stairs as a form of exercise, the top of the hill is home to the Ancestral Hall built to honour the 6 main figures who were central to the development of Guangxi. Subsequently, this was broken by Lu Rongting, the Guangxi warlord in 1917 and replaced by the Zhenning emplacement. One will also not miss the cannon situated on the top of the hill. Enjoy the panaromic views of urban Nanning from the top of the hill whilst capturing some memorable moments on your camera.

People's Park, Nanning

Address: Gongyuan Road, Xingning District, Nanning 530012, China

Opening Hours: 9 am to 10 pm

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4. Guangxi Ethnic Relics Centre

Guangxi Museum Bronze drum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user No Raisin At All used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Visitors who are interested in knowing more about the Guangxi community can head down to the Guangxi Ethnic Relics Centre in downtown Nanning. This outdoor exhibition area is an extension of the Guangxi Museum and features sights and sounds of the Guangxi minority communities: Zhuang, Dong, Yao, and Miao. Apart from relics, visitors can also enjoy folk performances during festivals. At the entrance of the centre, visitors will be welcomed by a huge bronze drum which is symbolic of the bronze culture prevalent in the province of Guangxi. In this centre, there are buildings representative of the different minorities such as the drum towers typical of the Dong community and over-water dwelling of the Miao community. Visitors can also see the daily utensils that are used by the community along with the communities’ folk art and handicraft. This outdoor exhibition centre allows one to completely immerse himself/herself in the customs and lifestyle of the minorities of Guangxi.

Guangxi Ethnic Relics Centre

Address: No.21-6, Gucheng Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi

Opening Hours: 8 am to 11.30 am & 2.30 pm to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

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5. Hike up Qingxiu Mountain

Longxiang Pagoda in Mt Qingxiu Nanning
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ram-Man used under GFDL 1.2

About 9 km (5.6 mi) southeast of Nanning, bordering Yongjiang River, lies the scenic Qingxiu Mountain. A visit to this wonderful spot will take about an hour on foot and will reveal why the mountain is reputed globally as the Green Mountains. Surrounded by lush greenery, undulating hills, and clear, crisp air, it is known as one of the Eight Famous Sceneries of Nanning. For that reason, hiking Qingxiu Mountain is known as one of the popular activities in Nanning, China.

History has it that several temples were built on the mountains during the Song and Ming dynasties, but were eventually destroyed in war and fires. On the peak of the mountain now stands a single pagoda known as the Longxiang Pagoda. This pagoda is known as the symbol of the Qingxiu Mountain.

From the top of the pagoda, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain range and the city of Nanning. It is especially beautiful during spring when the Peach Festival is held. With the peach trees in full blossom, the spot provides nothing less than a feast for the eyes. Another good time to visit Qingxiu Mountain would be during the New Year festival when the temple fair is held with various cultural performances being staged and local fare on display.

Qingxiu Mountain

Address: Yongjiang River’s Riverside, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530000, China

Opening Hours: 7 am to 5 pm

Cost: 15 CNY or 2.17 USD

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6. Nanning Zhongshan Snack Street

Meat Street Chinese Food
Source: Pixabay

What’s a trip without sparing some time to try out the local cuisine. If you are in Nanning, do not miss the trip to the Zhongshan Snack Street, which is the one stop destination to savour Nanning’s local delicacies. The street is full of life with locals and tourists flocking to the vendors to buy some delicious snacks. On this street, you will find rows of vendors with stalls dishing out an array of snacks, both vegetarian and non vegetarian options. Typical street snacks like barbecued seafood, meat skewers, and other deep fried food can be found on this bustling street. If you are in the area and feeling peckish, this is the street to visit. It is on this very street that a night market also starts after 6 pm.

Zhongshan Snack Street

Address: Zhongshan Road, Nanning, China

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7. Nanhu Lake Park

Nanhu Lake park - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user George Wenn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Nanhu Lake Park is a large park spanning an area of about 1.3 square kilometers (0.5 sq mi) and is located in the southeastern area of Nanning City. What is notable about this park is that almost a quarter of the park is a lake that was once a brook. History has it that during the Tang Dynasty, due to a disastrous flooding situation, the entire area was submerged in water, thereby creating a lake.

A great place to visit in Nanning year-round, Nanhu Lake is known to be a relaxing environment for visitors to walk about or even have a picnic. Full of flora and fauna, visitors will be welcomed by a variety of plant and flower species. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy taking pictures of the scenic gardens around the park and the lake from the scenic nine-arch iconic bridge. When your tummy starts to growl, head to the fish restaurants within the park to savour some delicious seafood. If you have your little ones with you, you could spend some time together by taking them boating on the picturesque lake or engaging them in some fishing.

Nanhu Lake Park

Address: Southeast of Nanning City, Qingxiu District, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Admission Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Open All day

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8. Yiling Cave

Stalagmites Stalactite Cavern
Source: Pixabay

Yet another sightseeing spot for naturalists is Yiling Cave, located in Wuming County, 18 kilometres (11.1 mi) from the city of Nanning. Touted to have formed millions of years ago, the cave features a range of stalagmites and stalactites. Each formation seems to resemble a flower or a shape and is purely stunning. Visitors to this cave will also be able to find out more about the culture, history, and folklore of the Zhuang minority within the caves. As it would be cold and wet inside the cave, visitors are advised to wear jackets and non-slip shoes.

Yiling Cave

Address: Wuming, Nanning, Guangxi, China

Opening Hours: 8 am to 5.30 pm

Admission Cost: 60 CNY or 8.70 USD

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9. Mesmerizing Detian Waterfall (from USD 1.0)

The Detian Waterfall is situated in Daxin County close to Nanning City. The waterfall has received so much popularity because it is known to be the largest waterfall in Asia and the second largest transnational waterfall in the world. Visitors who take the effort to visit this waterfall are never disappointed as the waterfall and its surroundings are a feast for the eyes. Owing to the sheer height of about 70 m (230 ft) at which the water falls, the experience is stunning even before the waterfall comes into sight. Detian Waterfall is all-year round sightseeing spot because the natural surroundings of the waterfall changes according to the season. For instance, during spring, visitors will be able to enjoy the sight of bright red blossoms coming from the kapok trees while in winter, the water drops gently to the bottom of the cliff. The best months to visit the waterfall is between April to November as that is when the water falls at its greatest force. Although the waterfall is still nature’s beauty during the other months, there is less water and therefore less force.

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Nanning Detian Waterfall & Jingxi Tongling Grand Canyon Private Three Days Tour

Duration: 3 days

Why not plan a visit to Nanning now?

As much as Nanning might be an unfamiliar travel destination in China to some travellers, it does have much to offer for tourists. With an abundance of natural attractions and a wide variety of local cuisine, Nanning might just be the perfect holiday for you if you are looking to visit a city which is pretty much unspoiled by tourism.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and plan your holiday with these fun activities in Nanning, China, in mind.

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Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Nanning, China


  • What are the top attractions to visit in Nanning?

    No trip to Nanning is complete without having first-hand experiences at these famous attractions and hotspots: i) Guangxi Science and Technology Museum, ii) Nanhu Lake Park, iii) Nanning People’s Park, and iv) Qingxiu Mountain.

  • What are the most popular things to do in Nanning with kids?

    Make the trip to Nanning memorable for the kids by: i) strolling around the lush Nanning People’s Park, ii) exploring the exhibits and displays at Guangxi Science and Technology Museum, and iii) enjoying a picnic at Nanhu Lake Park.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Sheela, a devoted mother to two remarkable young children, takes immense pleasure in family travel experiences. With a well-traveled history spanning numerous countries, her passion lies in the...Read more

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