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!