Nanning Travel Guide: Food, Attractions, and Budget Accommodation Recommendations

Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is a city full of vibrant life, featuring rich natural landscapes, unique Zhuang culture, and authentic local cuisine. Below is a travel guide for Nanning, covering must-visit attractions, specialty foods, and budget accommodation recommendations.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area
Recommended because: Known as Nanning's "city lung," this 5A-level scenic area combines natural scenery, Buddhist culture, and garden art.
Highlights:
- Longxiang Tower: Climb the tower for a panoramic view of Nanning and a distant view of the Yong River.
- Orchid Garden: Seasonal flower exhibitions, with a tulip exhibition from January to February 2025.
- Night Garden (July-September): Magical forest and intangible cultural heritage iron flower performances, perfect for nighttime visits.
Admission: 20 RMB, sightseeing bus 5 RMB per ride.

2. Sanjie Liangxiang Historical and Cultural District
Recommended because: The best-preserved arcade old street in Nanning, dazzling with neon lights at night, full of nostalgic atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Explore the intangible cultural heritage handmade market and taste Nanning snacks like Laoyou noodles and rolled rice noodles.
- Visit the City God Temple to experience century-old commercial culture.

3. Yong River Night Cruise
Recommended because: Enjoy the light show on both riverbanks by boat, one of the best ways to appreciate Nanning’s nightscape.
Cruise ticket: About 60 RMB per person, recommended departure at 7:30 PM for the best night view.

4. Nanning Fantawild ASEAN God Painting
Recommended because: Southeast Asian-themed amusement park, ideal for family trips or couples.
Highlights:
- Night water lantern festival (summer), drone sky lantern show.
Tickets: Daytime 299 RMB, nighttime 129 RMB (more cost-effective).

5. Nanning Ancient City Wall
Recommended because: Ancient city ruins dating back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Free admission, great photo opportunities, and you can conveniently visit the Yong River promenade nearby.

Must-Try Foods in Nanning

1. Laoyou Noodles
Features: Sour bamboo shoots + fermented black beans + stir-fried chili, sour and spicy to whet the appetite.
Recommended shops:
- Shu Ji Laoyou Noodles (Qixing Road branch): Open 24 hours, rich soup base.
- Fu Ji Laoyou Noodles (Zhongshan Road branch): The taste of old Nanning memories.

2. Lemon Duck
Features: Wuming intangible cultural heritage dish, sour and spicy sauce perfect with rice.
Recommended shop: Ganjiajie Lemon Duck (Gaofeng branch).

3. Suanye (Nanning-style pickled fruit)
Features: Mango, pineapple, and other fruits pickled with chili salt, sour, spicy, and crispy.
Recommended stalls: Water Street Suanye stall, Pingxi Night Market.

4. Rolled Rice Noodles
Features: Thin rice sheets wrapped with minced meat and green beans, drizzled with yellow bean sauce.
Recommended shop: Gu Ji Rolled Rice Noodles (Jianzheng Road branch).

5. Snail and Duck Feet Hotpot
Features: Sour bamboo shoots + snails + duck feet stewed together, a must-have late-night snack.
Recommended shop: Luogongtang (Zhongshan Road branch).

6. Sweet Soups (Summer heat relief essential)
Recommended shops:
- Huang Ji Eight Treasure Porridge: Old corn cob sweet soup, a long-established Nanning brand.
- Dou Piaoxiang Dessert Shop: Acacia flower jelly + tofu pudding combo, 3 RMB per bowl.

Budget Accommodation Recommendations

1. City Convenience Hotel (Chaoyang Square Metro Station branch)
Price: 238 RMB/night, close to the train station, convenient transportation.

2. Xingbo Hotel (Chaoyang Square Pedestrian Street branch)
Price: 137 RMB/night, high cost-performance, suitable for backpackers.

3. Nanning Yueyue Themed Homestay
Price: 172 RMB/night, located in the city center, suitable for couples or families.

4. Yishang Hotel (Shishan Park Metro Station branch)
Price: 198 RMB (new store discount), near the park, quiet environment.

Travel Tips
1. Transportation: Nanning Metro covers major attractions; for night markets, taxis or shared bikes are recommended.
2. Night Market Recommendations: Zhongshan Road Night Market (busiest), Jianzheng Road Night Market (locals’ favorite), Pingxi Night Market (popular for social media check-ins).
3. Best Season: October to December has pleasant weather; summer is hot but night markets are livelier.

Nanning is a city perfect for slow travel—visit parks and explore ancient sites by day, enjoy night markets and river views by night, with a controllable budget and rich experiences!