Shuolong Border Port in Chongzuo, Guangxi

Shuolong Border Port (硕龙口岸), located in the northwestern part of Daxin County (大新县), Chongzuo City (崇左市), Guangxi (广西), sits along the Guichun River (归春河) near the border with Vietnam. The port, which connects to Vietnam’s Liban Port (里板口岸) in Quang Ninh Province (高平省), is a key land route for both passenger and freight transport, making it a major point for trade between China and Vietnam. It was officially upgraded to an international port in 2022 and is expected to play an increasingly vital role in the region’s economic development and cross-border exchanges.

Key Facts:

  • Location: Shuolong Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo, Guangxi

  • Border Link: Guichun River separates Shuolong from Vietnam’s Liban Port

  • Port Classification: International Port (国家一类口岸)

  • Opening Year: Established in 1954, upgraded to a Category I port in 2017

  • Annual Traffic Capacity: Designed for 1 million passengers and 2.66 million tons of cargo

History and Development

Establishment and Evolution

Shuolong Border Port was established in 1954 and became a Category II port. In 2006, the port was reclassified and opened as a new land port for bilateral trade. In 2013, it was included in the national port opening plan, and by 2017, it had been upgraded to a Category I port. The port received approval for its international upgrade in 2022, with further expansions planned for 2025.

Major Milestones

  • 1954: Port established as a Category II border port

  • 2006: Upgraded to a Category II land border port

  • 2013: Included in national port expansion plans

  • 2015: Proposal for international port upgrade submitted

  • 2022: Upgraded to an international port

  • 2025: Full operational status expected

Core Functions and Facilities

Shuolong Passage (Passenger Clearance)

  • Facilities: The passenger terminal spans 13,700 square meters, equipped with four passenger channels and isolation rooms, offering efficient self-check inspection and reducing clearance times to 3-5 minutes.

  • Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 17:00, with plans to extend to 20:00.

Yanyi Passage (Cargo Inspection)

  • Facilities: Spanning 380 acres, this area includes a customs inspection area, cold storage, and interception zones. The annual cargo throughput capacity is 1 million tons.

  • Main Imports/Exports: Exports include daily goods and machinery, while imports consist primarily of manganese ore, timber, and fruits.

Transportation and Connectivity

Highways

  • Under Construction: The Longan to Shuolong Expressway (隆安至硕龙高速) is expected to be completed by 2026, providing direct access via full expressway routes. Additionally, the Chongjing Expressway (崇靖高速) provides a primary road link to Shuolong Port.

Nearby Attractions

  • Cross-border Tourism Zone: Plans for cultural performances, duty-free shopping, and proximity to the Detian Waterfall (德天瀑布), which is located 13 km from the port.

  • Border Trade and Processing Park: This area will focus on logistics and manufacturing, facilitating local production of border trade goods.

Policies and Development Updates

Smart Customs Clearance

The port is adopting a digital trade platform (“One Platform, Three Markets”) to enhance trade efficiency and improve the speed of customs procedures.

Cross-Border Tourism

In August 2025, the first group of Vietnamese tourists is expected to enter China through Shuolong Port, strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Useful Information

Required Documents

  • Passports, entry/exit permits, or border resident certificates are required for customs clearance.

Duty-Free Allowance

  • Limit: 8,000 RMB per person per day for duty-free items, including Vietnamese products such as herbal balms.

Contact Information

  • Shuolong Border Inspection Station: (0771-8810664)

For the latest policies, visit the Daxin County Government website or the Chongzuo Border Port Office.

Economic and Trade Activity

Trade Growth

The port handles an array of exports and imports. The statistics show that in 2004, trade volume was 8,500 tons, with a transaction value of 24.2 million RMB. By 2008, the port handled 7.8 million passenger entries, 69,500 tons of goods, and a trade volume of 25.88 million USD.

  • Imports: Mainly manganese ore, fruits, and agricultural products.

  • Exports: Daily goods, electrical appliances, and light machinery.

Surrounding Attractions

Natural and Cultural Sites

Shuolong Town, formerly known as Shilong, is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring the world’s second-largest transnational waterfall, the Detian Waterfall. Other local attractions include the Jiulongtan Waterfall (九龙滩瀑布) and the Heishui River (黑水河), offering visitors a rich blend of natural and cultural experiences.

  • Annual Tourist Visits: 346,000 visitors, generating 47 million RMB in tourism revenue.

  • Border Trade: 24.7 million RMB in trade volume.

Challenges and Future Plans

Infrastructure Development

The port has faced limitations due to its outdated infrastructure. However, improvements are underway, including the construction of bridges and expansion of customs inspection facilities. The Shuolong Border Port is set to become an integral part of the Guangxi region’s economic development, linking China to Southeast Asia.

Long-Term Vision

By 2025, the port’s expansion is expected to increase the annual passenger and cargo handling capacity, further boosting the region’s trade and tourism sectors. This will turn Shuolong into one of the most significant border trade and tourist gateways between China and Vietnam.