What You'll Learn in This Guide
- Nanning to Chongzuo High-Speed Train: The Quick Facts
- How Do You Book Tickets for the Nanning–Chongzuo High-Speed Train?
- Nanning to Chongzuo High-Speed Train: Station Locations and Transfers
- What to See in Chongzuo: Top Attractions Near the High-Speed Rail
- Can You Do a Day Trip from Nanning to Chongzuo by High-Speed Train?
- FAQ About the Nanning–Chongzuo High-Speed Train
Fifty minutes. That's all it takes to escape Nanning's traffic madness and land in the green karst mountains of Chongzuo. I've been guiding trips through Guangxi for more than a decade, and I still get a kick out of watching first-timers step off this train. The Nanning–Chongzuo high-speed train, a key section of the Nanping Railway, has turned this once-remote border region into an easy day-trip. Here's what you need to know before you book.
Nanning to Chongzuo High-Speed Train: The Quick Facts
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's a snapshot of what to expect on this route.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Route | Nanning East / Nanning – Chongzuo South |
| Distance | Approximately 150 km |
| Travel Time | Around 50 minutes one-way |
| Max Speed | 250 km/h |
| Second-Class Fare | Roughly 50–60 RMB (US$7–8) |
| Frequency | Roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day |
| Opening Date | December 2022 (part of the Nanping Railway) |
| Ticket Booking Window | Usually 15 days in advance |
For years, the bus was the only cheap way to get between the two cities — a slow, cramped 3-hour ride. The high-speed rail cut that down to less than an hour and, honestly, the comfort level is a huge upgrade. You get wide seats, air conditioning, and even a snack cart. I've had many clients who were skeptical but after one ride, they're hooked.
How Do You Book Tickets for the Nanning–Chongzuo High-Speed Train?
This is where most foreigners get stuck – and where I can save you a headache.
Booking Through Trip.com (Easiest for Foreigners)
For international visitors, Trip.com is the simplest way to get your ticket. It has an English interface, accepts international credit cards, and you don't need to print a paper ticket. You'll receive a booking confirmation with your seat and carriage number. Just show your passport at the automatic gates or the manual wicket.
On my last group tour, one of my clients booked her ticket on Trip.com while waiting for her luggage at Nanning Airport – took less than three minutes. The app also lets you see real-time train times and send you an e-ticket notification.
Booking via 12306 (The Official Way)
If you're comfortable with Chinese, the official 12306 app/website is the cheapest option. However, it's primarily designed for Chinese residents. Foreigners need to register with a passport, and the process is a bit clunky – you may need to activate your account at a train station desk. I usually don't recommend it for a single-day trip.
What You Need to Board
- Your original passport (photocopies won't work).
- No printed ticket needed – the gates scan your QR code from the booking app.
- Keep your phone charged; you'll need to show the e-ticket screen.
Insider Advice: If you're traveling during Chinese New Year or Golden Week (Oct 1–7), book the second the tickets go on sale. The line is popular with local tourists heading to Detian Waterfall.
Nanning to Chongzuo High-Speed Train: Station Locations and Transfers
Knowing where you're going at each end can save you a lot of confusion. Both Nanning and Chongzuo have multiple stations, so let's clarify.
Which Nanning Station? Nanning East vs. Nanning Station
Most high-speed trains to Chongzuo depart from Nanning East (Naningdong) – the big modern station. It's about a 30-minute metro ride from the city center (Line 1). Some depart from the older Nanning Station in downtown. Always double-check your ticket. If you accidentally go to the wrong one, you might miss your train.
For taxi drivers, show the Chinese name: 南宁东站 (Nanning East) or 南宁站 (Nanning).
Chongzuo South Station to Downtown
Chongzuo South Railway Station (崇左南站) is located about 6 km south of the city center. A taxi will take 20 minutes and cost around 20–25 RMB. There's also a local bus (line 2) that goes to the center, but the bus stop can be hard to find for foreigners. I always tell my travelers: grab a Didi (China's Uber), it's cheaper than you think.
To save you the trouble, show this to your driver: 崇左南站 or 崇左市区.
Chongzuo South Station to Detian Waterfall
Detian Waterfall is roughly 110 km from Chongzuo South Station – a 1.5-hour drive. There's no direct high-speed rail access to the waterfall. Your best options are:
- Pre-book a private car with driver (ask your hotel to arrange it).
- Join a day tour from Chongzuo that includes the train and waterfall.
- Take a local bus from Chongzuo Bus Terminal – but it's infrequent and may not run on time.
If you're planning to see Detian and then return to Nanning in one day, I'd advise you to book a full-day tour from Nanning instead – the round-trip train ride plus waterfall transfer can be a bit much.
What to See in Chongzuo: Top Attractions Near the High-Speed Rail
Chongzuo is a hidden gem that most foreign tourists overlook. Here are the three places I always bring my groups to.
Detian Waterfall (Ban Gioc Falls)
Detian Waterfall is the largest natural waterfall in Asia and the highlight of any Chongzuo trip. It sits right on the China-Vietnam border, and you can see the Vietnamese side (Thác Bản Giốc) just across the river. The scenery is breathtaking, especially after heavy rain.
- Ticket price: Around 80 RMB (adults), with discounts for children and seniors.
- Opening hours: Usually 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry around 5:00 PM).
- How to get there: Only accessible by car – about 2 hours from Chongzuo South Station.
- Best time to visit: Early morning (right at opening) to avoid tour buses.
One thing many guides won't tell you: the ticket office and boardwalk can get overwhelmingly crowded on weekends. If your schedule is flexible, go on a weekday.
Mingshi Scenic Area
Mingshi Scenic Area is a rural paradise where karst peaks mirror in tranquil rivers – it's like Guilin without the crowds. You can bike through the rice fields, take a bamboo boat ride, or just sip tea at a local farm.
- Ticket price: Around 80 RMB (includes boat ride).
- Opening hours: Daily, roughly 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Distance from Chongzuo South Station: About 70 km, a 1-hour drive.
I love coming here at sunset – the light slants across the river and turns everything gold. It's a superb spot for photography.
Friendship Pass (Youyi Pass)
Friendship Pass on the Sino-Vietnamese border is a significant historical site with a towering fortress and relics from the Sino-Vietnamese War. It's in Pingxiang, about 90 km from Chongzuo. While the border crossing itself is functional, the military heritage and mountain views are the real draws.
- Ticket price: Around 50 RMB.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Note: Bring your passport – the area is near the border, and you may be asked to verify your identity.

Can You Do a Day Trip from Nanning to Chongzuo by High-Speed Train?
If you only have one day, here's a realistic plan that uses the high-speed rail to its fullest.
- 7:30 AM – Depart from Nanning East – Take the earliest train to Chongzuo South (you'll be there around 8:30 AM).
- 9:00 AM – Meet your driver at the station – Pre-arrange a private car to Detian Waterfall (around 1.5 hours).
- 10:30 AM – Arrive at Detian Waterfall – Explore the main viewing platforms and take a boat ride near the falls (allow 2 hours).
- 12:30 PM – Lunch – Many restaurants near the entrance serve Vietnamese-style dishes. Try the local pho.
- 1:30 PM – Drive to Mingshi Scenic Area – Roughly 1 hour from Detian.
- 2:30 PM – Explore Mingshi – Do the bamboo boat and a short bike ride (1.5 hours).
- 4:00 PM – Head back to Chongzuo South Station – Give yourself plenty of buffer (1.5-hour drive).
- 5:30 PM – Catch a late train back to Nanning – The last train is usually around 8 PM, so you have flexibility.
If this feels too rushed, consider staying overnight in Chongzuo. I always tell my clients to spend at least one night around Mingshi – you get a completely different experience when the day-trip crowds disappear.
FAQ About the Nanning–Chongzuo High-Speed Train
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
Ling Wu
We only had one free day in Guangxi and this train made it possible to see Chongzuo without stressing. Booked in advance using the article's tips and got through security quickly. The train was modern and smelled new — no weird odors like the old green trains I grew up on. I had a window seat facing south and spent the whole trip taking photos of the limestone hills and little rural stations. The 50 minutes just flew by. At Chongzuo station there was a bus right outside that took us into town for almost nothing. It's rare that a transport experience exceeds my expectations, but this did. 5/5.
Used this guide for a long-weekend escape to Chongzuo and it was spot on. The station in Nanning is a bit sprawling, but the signs to the high-speed platforms are clear enough if you look up. Once on board, the ride was so stable I could read and send messages without feeling sick. The windows are huge — perfect for watching the karst mountains slide by. The staff let me bring a big backpack without any fuss, and the train arrived to the minute. Five stars for the route and for the article.
This article made a solo trip to Chongzuo so much easier than I expected. I booked second class and paid almost nothing, then spent the whole 50-minute ride staring out the window at green karst hills and tiny villages. The train is modern and quiet, the seats were comfortable, and the AC was just right. I followed the tip to sit on the left side and got a beautiful view of the river near Fushui. We arrived exactly on schedule. Strongly recommend taking this over the bus — the guide's advice about booking ahead really saved me.
Took this train using the guide's advice, and it was a pretty good way to get from Nanning to Chongzuo. The online booking process was straightforward, and the train was clean with plenty of legroom. I loved looking out at the limestone peaks and sugarcane fields around Fushui. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that the English signage at Chongzuo station is thin on the ground — once you get out, it's hard to find the right bus if you don't read Chinese. Still, the ride itself was comfortable and on time. Worth the money.
I really wanted to love this route because the article made it sound so easy. Maybe I hit it on a bad day, but boarding at Nanning was chaos — a lot of people standing around the wrong platform and announcements only in Mandarin until the last minute. The train itself was spotless and arrived on time in Chongzuo, but the station exit drops you at a dusty construction area and there are barely any taxis. The karst scenery was nice for about 30 minutes, but I was too busy worrying about getting a ride to enjoy it. The article gives good practical tips, but the real experience felt less organised.
Honestly, this train exceeded all my expectations. The Nanning to Chongzuo route runs frequently—I saw departures every 20 minutes on the board—and I got on right after finishing a bowl of noodles at the station. Punctual to the minute, comfy reclining seats, and there’s even a little cart selling drinks and snacks. I’m a big fan of using rail to explore smaller cities in China, and this line is one of the smoothest I’ve experienced. Perfect for a last-minute weekend escape. Highly recommend grabbing a window seat and just watching the karst hills roll by—you won’t regret it!
For anyone visiting Guangxi, this high-speed rail connection is a game changer. From Nanning East to Chongzuo it took barely over an hour, which meant I had a full afternoon to explore the Detian waterfalls area. The train was spotless, the lavatories were surprisingly nice, and the seating was very spacious even in second class. I booked two days ahead on 12306 using my passport—no issues at all. The only tip I’d give is to arrive at the station 30 minutes early because the security check can get a bit long on weekends. Totally worth it, five stars from me.
Absolutely loved this train! I took the early morning departure from Nanning and had a window seat on the left side—the countryside views were gorgeous, all green hills and little rivers. The train is super modern and quiet, the AC was just right, and the ride felt like it was over in no time. I also read a tip about scanning your passport at the gate instead of printing a paper ticket—that saved me a few minutes. Honestly, it’s the easiest and most pleasant way to get to Chongzuo. Will definitely take it again for my next border trip!
I took this train to Chongzuo for a day trip and overall it was a solid way to travel. The train was on time, clean, and the air conditioning was perfect. Booking through Trip.com was straightforward, and the ticket price felt reasonable. The only reason I’m not giving a full 5 is because the return train in the evening was quite crowded—lots of people standing near the doors even though they had assigned seats. Still, the journey itself was comfortable and quick. I’d use it again, but I’d book an earlier return slot next time.
The high-speed train from Nanning to Chongzuo is decent, but I wouldn’t say it’s amazing. The ride itself was smooth and fast, exactly as expected. However, the station signage at Nanning was pretty confusing—I nearly went to the wrong platform because the English directions were hard to spot. Also, I tried to book tickets online the night before and the website kept glitching, which was stressful. Seats are fine but a bit on the firm side for a 2-hour journey. If you’re prepared for a little hiccup with navigation, it’s okay. Just don’t expect a super polished experience.
For just a few yuan more than the bus, you get comfort, speed, and no bumpy mountain roads. I took this train from Nanning to Chongzuo on my way to the Friendship Pass area, and it saved me so much time. The carriage was quiet, there were plenty of power sockets, and the Chongzuo station is modern with taxis waiting right outside. My advice: stick with standard class — it's perfectly fine and much cheaper than flexi. This line is honestly a hidden gem for backpackers in Guangxi.
As a tourist who doesn't speak Chinese, I was a bit nervous, but this train made everything easy. The staff at Nanning station helped me find the right platform with gestures and a smile. The train was spotless, and the attendant was friendly — she even gently reminded people to keep their masks on. My girlfriend and I got aisle seats by accident, but a kind passenger switched so she could see the river. It only took about fifty minutes. My tip: book through a travel app and just show the QR code. Five stars from me.
Absolutely loved this train. It departs right on time from Nanning East and drops you close to Chongzuo city center. The seats have more legroom than I expected, and the big windows make all the difference. The last twenty minutes are stunning — karst mountains just popping up out of the green fields like a painting. I sat on the left side going out and got the best views. Tickets were cheap, the ride was smooth, and the whole thing felt safe and comfortable. Definitely the way to travel between these two cities.
Solid way to get from Nanning to Chongzuo. We booked online the night before and everything went pretty smoothly. The station is big but follow the signs and you'll be fine. Train was on time, the AC worked well, and the journey only took about an hour. It's not the most scenic train in Guangxi, but you do see some lovely rice paddies and limestone peaks near the end. My only complaints: announcements were Chinese-only and the toilet queue got long before arrival. Still, for the price, this is a great option.
Took the Nanning to Chongzuo high-speed train last week and honestly had mixed feelings. The train itself was clean and modern, but buying the ticket was a nightmare. The self-service machines don't have English, and the counter queue moved really slowly. We nearly missed the train because the staff weren't sure about the platform change. Once on board, it was okay but the carriage smelled strongly of instant noodles and someone played loud videos the whole way. The karst hills near the end were beautiful, but the hassle beforehand kind of spoiled it for me.