目的地:南宁(广西)Destination: Nanning (Guangxi)

 

 
 hanoi nanning haikou5 
 The route we took .... We flew from Penang to Bangkok on 19 September 2012.  The following morning we took a flight to Hanoi.  While in Hanoi we went for sightseeing.  From Hanoi we took a van to the bus terminal near the Vietnam-China border.  The journey took about 3.5 hours.  After immigration clearance in both countries, we arrived at the Youyi Guan 友谊关 (Friendship Gate) just outside the China immigration building.  We stop over in Ping Xiang City (to have a feel of the border town enviroment and Nanning City (to visit the ASEAN+1 annual Expo).  

From Nanning we took a coach to Hai An. The 6.5 hour journey was yet another meaningful tour, a chance to witness the development pace of China today, from urban to rural, from modern to traditional.  For backpackers the scene along the route is indeed a challenge to them.  Our last public transport was the vehicular cum passengers ship from Haian to Haikou (Hainan).
 

 

 
vietnamese student 
This charming university student was very obliging when asked to pose for a photograph at the Hoan Kiem Lake side.  She and her classmates left their university campus nearby during a recess time. The lake (as seen in the photo) is the landmark of Hanoi city.
 
 
temple entrance 
The is the entrance to the Chinese temple located on the edge of the Hoan Kiem Lake.  There are many couplets (对联) inside the temple. The teaching of Chinese language in Vietnam came to a "complete stop" in the late 1970s.  Except in temples there are hardly any sign of the Chinese characters in public places these days.  However there are signs of encoruagement for the locals to learn the language especially in the tourism sectors.  
 
 
car park 
We took a van from Hanoi, passed Lang Son and arrived at this bus terminal near the Vietnam-China border.  The journey from Hanoi city took us 3.5 hours.  From the bus terminal you can either walk to the immigration checkpost or take a 3 minutes ride on a special mini pickup.
 
 
china vietnam border 
This is China First Road In The South, so states the stonemark. The tunnel leads to the China immigration compound. 
 
 
you yi guan 
Visitors entering China will pass through this gate, the Friendship Gate, after the immigration clearance. The bus terminal to Ping Xiang City is a walking distance from this gate.  The city is 20 km away.  Ask the taxi driver to drop you at the city bus terminal where you can pick your favorite hotel as soon as you step out of the taxi.  友谊关 - 进入中国必经之门。
 
 
moon cake 
September month coincides with the Chinese autumn lantern festival.  We arrived at Ping Xiang City at the right time to feel the atmosphere of the festive season.  Moon cake stalls were every where.
 
 
asean expo site 
ASEAN + 1 (ASEAN and China) hold the trade exposition in Nanning, Guangxi Province every year.  Visitors to the expo are advised to bring along their call cards to ensure smooth entry to the exhibition hall 
 
 
malaysia @ expo 
Malaysia, one of the 10 ASEAN member nations took part in the exposition every year.  Malaysian manufacturers and service providers are encouraged to participate in this annual event.
 
 
ishan curry 
This is one of the Malaysian products, curry paste and powder, hailed from Perak.  SME operators who wish to penetrate into the ASEAN and China market are encoraged to participate in this annual Fair.  Malaysian frozen durian, the bird's nest and the white coffee attract a good crowd at the Fair.
 
 
nanning seafood 
When in Nanning you must not miss this seafood stall which is located in Nanjing Lu, a hawker paradise indeed,a walking distance from the hotel where we stay. 银河大酒店 南宁朝阳路84号 Tel: 0771-211 6688 
 hai an ship 
This ship takes you from Haian, opposite Hainan Island. It operates round the clock. The fare is RMB42.50 per passenger. Although the actual travelling time takes about 1.5 hours, one must be prepared to give another 2-3 hours for the loading and unloading of vehicles from both ends of the pier.