Nanning, founded over 1,600 years ago was an important military town during the Tang dynasty (618-907AD). During World War II, Nanning had great strategic importance and was held and battled over by the Japanese and American forces aiding the Chinese resistance. Today, as the closest major Chinese city to Vietnam, Nanning’s well developed railway systems which connect to southeast asia and greater China are vital to commerce and tourism in the area.

Nanning is becoming increasingly industrialized but is still a pleasant city to visit. The Zhuang minority make up more than half the city’s population and as the capital of the Guangxi Autonomous Region of the Zhuang Minority it has a strong identity as a key cultural center. The countryside around Nanning also has the beautiful and unique landscape that is typical of Guangxi and makes travel in this area so enjoyable. The Yiling Caves in particular are known to be some of the largest and finest caves in the region.