📜 Historical Background
- Nanning boasts over 2,100 years of urban history and has long served as a key gateway between ancient “Nanyue” and Southeast Asia, with human activity traced back to 214 BC.
- Relics such as the Ming‑Qing city walls, ancient pagodas, and the Dragon‑Elephant Pagoda preserve the city’s rich historical memory.
- On December 3, 1949, the People’s Liberation Army entered Nanning, marking the start of its modern era.（https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1ZfBAYCEfT?t=14.3）
💹 Economic Development
- In 2024, the city’s GDP reached ¥5,995.36 billion, a 3 % year‑on‑year increase, with the tertiary sector driving growth, making Nanning the economic core of Guangxi.
- Despite external pressures, the first half of the year saw GDP growth slow to about 2 % but still exceeding ¥2,700 billion, demonstrating strong resilience.
- High‑tech parks, the Wuxiang New Area headquarters base, and other “innovation platforms” are rapidly attracting domestic and foreign enterprises, shaping Nanning into an international business hub for ASEAN.
🎭 Cultural Vitality
- The 2024 China‑ASEAN Cultural & Creative Week opened spectacularly at the Nanning International Convention & Exhibition Center, blending creative design, traditional crafts, and local cuisine to spark cross‑border cultural exchange.
- “Lao You Fen” (old‑friend rice noodles) was incorporated into the 2024 national group standard, systematically documenting its history and brand‑promotion path, helping this iconic dish reach a nationwide audience.（https://www.toutiao.com/video/7504994905069011493/?channel=&source=video_oracle）
- The Zhuang ethnic “April 4th Harvest Festival” continues in Wuming’s Jing San Village, recognized as a regional intangible cultural heritage and serving as a showcase of Zhuang culture.
- Guangxi’s Zhuang brocade—a unique ethnic textile art—is being revitalized through both cultural tourism and creative industries, attracting tourists and designers alike.
🏞️ Tourist Resources
- Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area (A‑AAA level) features more than 50 attractions: Guanyin Zen Temple, ASEAN Friendship Garden, millennium Cycas Grove, rainforest panorama, etc., combining “urban green lung” with cultural display.
- Nanhu Park, the city’s largest inner lake (191.92 ha), includes a orchid garden, children’s playground, and the Baise Uprising exhibition hall; it is free and enjoyable year‑round, a hotspot for locals and visitors.
- The 12th Nanning Garden Expo and 12th International Horticultural Expo (2024) attracted nearly 1.8 million visitors, generating tourism revenue exceeding ¥10 billion.
- Night‑time activity “Nanning Night Garden” at the north gate of Qingxiu Mountain offers immersive lighting, holographic projections, and other experiences, lighting up the city from summer through autumn.
🗺️ Recommended 2‑Day Itinerary
1️⃣ Day 1 – Take Metro Line 3 to Qingxiu Mountain; explore Guanyin Zen Temple, ASEAN Friendship Garden, and the rainforest panorama. In the evening, enjoy the Qingxiu Mountain Light Festival or Night Garden for a stunning light‑show experience.
2️⃣ Day 2 – Morning boat ride and orchid garden visit at Nanhu Park; lunch featuring Lao You Fen. In the afternoon, head to the Garden Expo or join the ongoing China‑ASEAN Cultural & Creative Week to experience a cross‑cultural creative market.
📣 Closing Note
With its deep history, robust economy, vibrant culture, and abundant natural scenery, Nanning is rapidly evolving into a “International Gateway City toward ASEAN.” Whether for business, cultural exchange, or leisure travel, Nanning offers a unique charm worth exploring. Come to Nanning and experience the freshness of a green city, the diversity of its culture, and the dynamism of its economy!
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