
Nanning Port
Nanning Port is located in the southwestern part of Guangxi (广西), south of the Tropic of Cancer, and situated at longitude 107°45′ to 108°51′ and latitude 22°12′ to 23°32′. The city of Nanning (南宁) lies in a hilly and mountainous area with an average elevation of 80 to 100 meters, and the highest point reaches 496 meters. The Yongjiang River (邕江), part of the Pearl River system, flows through the city, providing rich water resources.
Nanning Port is one of China’s major inland ports and serves as a key hub for the Xijiang River (西江) shipping route. It is also an important gateway for the southwest region to access the sea, as well as a vital part of the Pearl River–Xijiang Economic Belt (珠江—西江经济带) and Beibu Gulf Economic Zone (广西北部湾经济区). The port handles large volumes of cargo transportation for regions including the Pearl River Delta (珠江三角洲) and surrounding areas.
Port Overview
Distance from Nanning City: About 30 kilometers
Warehouse Area: 27,000 square meters
Terminal Area: 224,000 square meters
Development and Importance
The Nanning Port development is a significant project aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and efficiency of the Xijiang Golden Waterway (西江黄金水道). The port serves as a hub for the transshipment of bulk cargo to the Pearl River Delta, and facilitates cargo movement along the South Kunming Railway (南昆铁路) and nearby regions. The port’s operations are designed to increase Nanning’s capacity for both shipping and inland distribution.
With investments totaling 19.43 billion CNY in its initial phase, Nanning Port is poised to handle up to 766 million tons of cargo annually once fully operational. The infrastructure includes cranes, container trucks, and other equipment, alongside essential services such as refueling stations, shopping areas, and hotels.
Natural Conditions
Climate: Average annual temperature is around 21.6°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 12.8°C, while the hottest months are July and August, with temperatures averaging 28.2°C.
Precipitation: Nanning receives an average annual rainfall of 1304.2 millimeters, with an average relative humidity of 79%.
Transport Information
Water Transportation
Nanning Port is located along the Yongjiang River (邕江). The river connects to various cities via the Xijiang River (西江) and provides access to major ports such as Guigang (贵港), Wuzhou (梧州), Guangzhou (广州), and Hong Kong (香港). It also connects to inland waterways leading to Longzhou (龙州) and Baise (百色), as well as to the Yunnan (云南) and Guizhou (贵州) regions.
Rail and Road Access
Rail: The Xianggui Line (湘桂线) and Liqin Line (黎钦线) pass through Nanning, facilitating connections to other regions.
Road: Nanning is well connected by highways, including the Guizhou–Guangxi Highway (桂海高速) and Nanguang Highway (南广高速).
Air: Nanning International Airport is located 70 kilometers from the port, with flights connecting to various cities.
Port Districts
Liujing Port Area (六景港区): Located in the Liujing Industrial Park, this area includes 7 cargo berths for 2,000-ton vessels and 3 multi-purpose berths, with a total length of 1078 meters and storage space of 144,500 square meters.
Niuwan Port Area (牛湾港区): Situated 40 kilometers from Nanning, this area includes 3 multi-purpose berths for 1,000-ton vessels and 5 multi-purpose berths for 2,000-ton vessels, with a total berth length of 1244 meters. The storage area is 33,550 square meters.
Cargo Handling Equipment
Nanning Port has 38 units of cargo handling equipment, with the largest crane having a lifting capacity of 50 tons.
Tourist Guide for Nanning Port
Key Attractions and Experiences
Pavilion Wharf (亭子码头)
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Features: European-style castle architecture and a night-time light show over the Yongjiang River (邕江), often referred to as the “Disneyland of Nanning.”
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Cruise Route: Pavilion Wharf → Yongjiang Bridge → Hulu Ding Bridge (45 minutes). Night cruise ticket prices start from 59 CNY.
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Hidden Gems: Take photos at the rose fountain in front of the castle and explore the night market near the wharf, sampling local delicacies like Lao You Fen (老友粉) and Lemon Duck (柠檬鸭).
Shangyao Wharf (上尧码头)
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Theme Park: Industrial-style park with historical landmarks like Dragon Gate Cranes (龙门吊), free to visit.
Minsheng Wharf (民生码头)
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Features: Cruise route covers Yongjiang Bridge to Hulu Ding Bridge, with a light show and performances showcasing Zhuang ethnic culture (壮族文化). Ticket prices start from 98 CNY.
Cruise Information
Ticketing: For Pavilion Wharf, tickets can be reserved via the official “Pavilion Wharf” WeChat account, with adult tickets starting at 59 CNY. Children under 1.2 meters can enter for free.
Recommended Cruises: Evening cruises from 19:30 to 21:30 are the best for capturing scenic photos. For day cruises, a parent-child ticket costs 89 CNY.
Tips: Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a top-deck seat with the best view. Small photos are free, but large photos cost 30 CNY.
Transportation and Tips
Metro: Take Line 2 to Tinghong Road Station (亭洪路站), then walk 1 km or cycle for 5 minutes to Pavilion Wharf.
Self-Drive: Parking at the wharf costs 5 CNY per hour. It’s recommended to take a taxi on weekends.
Best Time: The best time for photos is between 4 PM and 5 PM, and for the night view, it’s after 7 PM. In summer, bring mosquito repellent, and in winter, wear a windproof jacket.
Discounts
Free Admission: Children under 1.2 meters and active military personnel (with valid ID).
Student Discount: Students can enjoy a 40% discount at Minsheng Wharf with a valid student ID.