After 3 days in Nanning, my spending perspective was shattered

Guys! In Nanning, I slurped down Lao You Fen noodles, explored Qingxiu Mountain, and soaked up the night market vibes—3 days of tangy-spicy fun that cost half what I expected?! The prices in this "Green City" are incredibly friendly, completely resetting my spending standards 🌴 Must-save guide!

Why You'll Love It

Who wouldn't adore a 28°C summer with lush greenery everywhere?! While other places melt in the heat, here you stay cool under banyan trees. For just 10 yuan, you can enjoy a bowl of Lao You Fen, and 20 yuan will stuff you at the night market. Marvel at karst hills nestled in the city and binge on sour snacks—perfect for students and foodies!

Transport Guide

✈️ By Air: Nanning Wuxu Airport, take Metro Line 3 straight to downtown (1 hour), taxi around 80 yuan
🚄 By Train: Nanning East Station/Nanning Station are both convenient, Metro Line 1 connects shopping districts, get the "Nanning E-Bus Card" on Alipay
🚌 Local Transport: Rent an e-bike (30 yuan/day) to explore old alleys, take Bus 32 to Qingxiu Mountain, scenic area mini-train 5 yuan/ride

Itinerary

Day 1: Qingxiu Mountain - Zhongshan Road Night Market
Morning: Hike Longxiang Pagoda at Qingxiu Mountain, stunning lotus ponds 🪷, rainforest zone feels like Southeast Asia
Noon: Try Lao You Fen with sour snacks, spicy and appetizing
Afternoon: Visit Guanyin Temple, free blessings and pigeon feeding
Night: Feast on grilled oysters at Zhongshan Road Night Market—10 yuan for 6, unbelievably fresh

Day 2: Nanhu Park - Three Streets Two Lanes
Morning: Cycle around Nanhu Park on shared bikes, breezy and relaxing, Tree Expo Garden photos look like a botanical garden
Noon: Savor lemon duck, tangy and perfect with rice
Afternoon: Stroll through Three Streets Two Lanes’ arcades, snack on jasmine flower cakes
Night: Enjoy light shows at Minge Lake, take a cruise (60 yuan) with evening breezes

Day 3: Yangmei Ancient Town - Departure
Morning: Explore Ming-Qing architecture in Yangmei Ancient Town, serene ancient docks, bamboo raft rides (30 yuan)
Noon: Devour rice dumplings with yellow bean sauce, bite-sized delights
Afternoon: Buy Hengzhou jasmine tea as souvenirs, wrap up the trip

Top 7 Must-Visit Spots

1. Qingxiu Mountain: 20 yuan (students half-price), Longxiang Pagoda city views, orchids in full bloom
2. Zhongshan Road Night Market: Bustling past midnight, grilled oysters, stir-fried snails, sour snacks—100 yuan fills you up
3. Nanhu Park: Free! Lotus-covered lake, Nine-Arch Bridge rivals West Lake, evening square dances
4. Three Streets Two Lanes: Free! Shady arcades, Old Nanning Museum’s Republic-era relics
5. Yangmei Ancient Town: Free! Quieter than Wuzhen, intricate wood carvings, "Scholar’s House" stories
6. Guangxi Ethnic Museum: Free! Bronze drum exhibits, dazzling ethnic costumes, try Zhuang attire
7. Minge Lake: Night lights like a galaxy, 30 yuan cocktails at the bar street

Local Food Picks

1. Lao You Fen: Nanning’s soul! Fermented bamboo shoots + black beans + pork, 10 yuan/bowl, Fu Ji or Shu Ji for authenticity 🌶️
2. Sour Snacks: Fruit with chili salt, sweet mango/pineapple, 5 yuan/box, addictive
3. Lemon Duck: Tangy-spicy, tender meat, 30 yuan/serve with rice (2 bowls easy)
4. Grilled Oysters: 10 yuan/6 at night markets, garlic-fan topping, explosively fresh 🦪
5. Rice Dumplings: Stuffed with meat, yellow bean sauce, 8 yuan/serve, freshly steamed in Yangmei
6. Sophora Jelly: Lifesaver! Floral chilled jelly, 3 yuan/bowl, cools the spice

Accommodation Tips

1. Zhongshan Road B&Bs: 5 mins to night market, renovated old houses, 80 yuan/person for lofts
2. Qingxiu Mountain Hotels: From 120 yuan/twin, early park access, hearty breakfast included
3. Three Streets Two Lanes Inns: Vintage charm, arcade views, 100 yuan/person, photogenic

Pro Tips

1. Rain-ready! Pack a foldable umbrella—Qingxiu Mountain glows post-rain 🌧️
2. Spice-sensitive? Ask for "mild" Lao You Fen (default is spicy)
3. Sour snacks in moderation! 5 yuan sampler is enough, too filling otherwise
4. Qingxiu at dawn! Half-price entry, sunrise over Longxiang Pagoda

Nanning is an underrated food paradise! 3 days of tangy-spicy delights, budget-friendly and authentic—tag your foodie squad now! 💕