To be honest, I hadn’t even heard of Nanning until prior to this trip. It is one of those Chinese cities you don’t find on the typical tourist list. As it turned out, that was also part of the citys charm.
There is so much to do here, plenty to keep you busy for a couple of days without feeling rushed. I discovered a surprisingly relaxed city with some decent restaurants, lots of green spaces, and more than enough to keep me entertained for a few days. From night markets to mountains and a few meals worth remembering, here’s what I got up to in Nanning.
Fun Places in Nanning
1. Qingxiu Mountain
That afternoon, we headed for Qingxiu Mountain, not really a mountain at all but rather a massive park situated on a hill.
It has a fairly fancy entrance area. Within its bounds, you’re able to rent an electric cart if you aren’t up for walking it all.
I spotted some tiny ones shaped like pigs in a row and nearly caved. We opted to do so.
There are gardens, and then the paths wind uphill through them. And all of this is decorated with some really lovely lanterns (I think they had them up when we went). I loved how festive but not-over-the-top it was.
The gardens weren’t too manicured, there’s plenty of greenery so it almost felt like you were outside as opposed to walking around someone’s landscaped display.
Continuing on higher up, there was another huge statue and also a series of terraced flower beds that obviously took quite an effort to create. As we ascended, the views opened up over the hillside. The entire park is so large that you could easily spend a couple of hours wandering around.
In addition to all this they have a bit of a surprise: a slightly random windmill garden and also a lotus pond hidden off in one corner. I’m not sure how well the mix of styles works, but somehow it did. If you’re looking for a bit of greenery without getting out of the city, it is worth a visit.
2. Nanning Garden Expo Park
Another large open park area is the Garden Expo Park. It is a bit more formal than the first park. We visited in March, which was peak flower time.
They even had a bloom guide board by the gate!
There’s also a Japanese-style rock garden with a little waterfall and some very nicely pruned pines. I’m not typically a big fan of rock gardens, but this one was nice. It was peaceful, but not too delicate.
It all loops back around on itself so that you can wander at your own pace.
After about a half an hour we hopped into one of the electric carts (no shame) because the park is so huge! ).
After passing another sculpture by the lake we crested up on a hillside completely blanketed with snapdragons. It was impressive stuff, with fields upon fields of flowers. They are the sort you see in photos and think “oh cool,” but they are actualy awesome when seen in real life.
After awhile though, they all began to run together.
Also dotted around the park are some more traditional pavilions, one located in a bamboo grove which was actually quite pleasant to relax in for a bit. Overall, the park is kept up really well and seems to be quite popular among locals (particularly families). Be sure to bring some water and perhaps a hat; it’s not always heavily shaded.
3. Nanning Pedestrian Street
Both sides of Xingning Pedestrian Street have these old arcaded buildings running along them which gives it a bit of character. It was an area we just wandered through one afternoon, and I liked the covered walkways, practical when it’s drizzly or hot. There are also bronze statues dotted along the street, including one of a dim sum vendor that people seemed to be taking photos with.
It’s also a hodgepodge of local shops and chain stores. As I walked around, I saw a jeans store right next to a McDonald’s, followed by more statues farther on. There was also a woman with a microphone, and I couldn’t figure out who she was supposed to be.
It’s all very long. There are plenty of arcades, so you can just walk around without having to think much. It leads into the older part which is more traditional at the other end.
In between there are some shrines, such as one dedicated to the God of Wealth.
There is also a junction with another “I Love Nanning” sign (it appears all cities now have them) and a pedestrian street. Continuing on, we wandered through the small streets of the old town (which they market as “Three Streets Two Alleys“, or some such nonsense). The area is narrow.
The alleys are only open to pedestrians. There are all kinds of snack shops with funny-looking fronts. One had a frog as its mascot, I think?
It was nice enough to wander about for half an hour or so, although I have to say, it seemed a little touristy-cleaned-up for me.
4. Hana Shio Restaurant
One night we ate at Hana Shio. It’s an upscale seafood joint with a Japanese-style grill. The setup of the place was promising…
Nice bowls, proper presentation etc. First up was some caviar, served on ice with crackers and avocado. It was dark and glossy, the real deal, and I am always pleased when a restaurant doesn’t skimp on the good stuff.
Next up were some king crab legs. This was followed by a dish of baked pumpkin that was richer than I’d imagined. Finally, there was some foie gras on a small cast iron grill.
Everything was carefully plated and portion sizes was neither stingy nor unreasonable.
There was also some mixed salad with grapes and tofu skin. There were prawns with peanuts and a herb sauce, plus melon and strawberries. The prawns were generous sized and cooked well, not overdone, always a relief.
Some baked oysters in garlic came out on a platter. This was followed by a huge display of seafood on ice, including more prawns and shellfish. Grilled tiger prawns was a highlight, simple but done right.
To finish, some wagyu grilled on a lava stone at the table. It was as much about the novelty of an interactive experience as anything, but it was still fun (though not so much that I couldn’t help thinking that a simple griddle would of sufficed). The meat had good marbling and was tender.
A solid meal overall; one of the better dinners we’ve had in Nanning. Worth it if you’re in the mood for seafood, though not cheap.
5. Nanning Night Market
You can’t miss it. It is the lit-up elephant statue with a big gate at the entrance. This gate lights up at night to mark the start of the night market near the centre of town.
After eating out in the evening we visited once…
Largely to wander around and check it out. Inside, colorful lighting illuminated all kinds of installations and sculptures.
There was a huge glowing pipa, a giant cartoon creature banging on some drums, more elephants, and a bronze drum. It was all very over the top, but in a fun not tacky sort of way.
Food stalls and lanterns line the main boulevard. Another statue, this time of some kind of fairy/goddess figure… Sits alongside one depicting a huge noodle bowl.
There are also lots of places to buy fried snacks, dumplings, and skewers. When we were there it wasn’t crowded but still lively. We passed a huge tiger sculpture with its jaws open wide (lit in bright colors) and a carousel on our way.
6. Folk Song Lake (Mingehu)
It isn’t just a food destination; it’s an entertainment zone for families. It’s not bad for an hour or two in the evening.
If you happen to be in the area, go check it out. But it isn’t really good enough that I’d make a special trip across town just to see it. Have some snacks, snap a couple of pics, then leave.
Folk Song Lake is literally a large lake inside of town, complete with a couple of performance areas, cafés, and walking paths around it. There’s even an outdoor stage where they had a band playing when we were there (it’s all very chill). There are lovely views across the lake to the convention centre.
The promenade along the waterfront is spacious and inviting. The other major feature is a wooden-covered bridge that stretches partway across the lake. In a classic style it has a drum tower on one end and lights up very nicely after dark.
We crossed over, stopping half way to admire the reflection in the lake. Beyond are the glow of the convention center and, on the evening we visited, a moon balloon that floated above the far shore.
The interior of the bridge consists of benches and wooden beams lining the corridors. It is a good place to pause for a moment or two, and the views from the bridge include bamboo groves and lakeside pathways.
There is another floating stage with performers, an LED light tunnel lined with sculptures glowing in different colours, and a pavilion made of glass pyramids lit up at night back on shore. All of this is part of what makes the entire lakefront area look designed for evening strolls. And it does.
After taking our time exploring it (we wandered for a good hour), we listened to some music and watched people out on the water. In short, spending some time in Nanning was easy. This wasn’t a place for bells and whistles; rather, there are nice parks, good food, and places to hang out at night that will keep life interesting.
If I traveled through this area again, I would return here. Have you been to Nanning? Is it on your list?
What about it caught your eye?
