Nanning Sparks Transformative Economic Growth, Cultural Exchange, and Tourism Partnerships with ASEAN Cities at the Global Mayors Dialogue in January

Published on January 16, 2025

Nanning hosts the Global Mayors Dialogue from Jan 15-18, driving transformative economic, cultural, and tourism partnerships between China and ASEAN cities.

Nanning, the capital city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, is set to host the “Global Mayors Dialogue – Nanning” from January 15 to 18. This prestigious event aims to deepen economic, trade, cultural, and tourism collaborations between Chinese and ASEAN cities.

As the nearest Chinese provincial capital to ASEAN nations and the permanent host of the China-ASEAN Expo, Nanning has established itself as a strategic gateway fostering connectivity and cooperation between China and ASEAN.

In recent years, Nanning has gained recognition as a pivotal tourism hub, linking travelers from China to ASEAN destinations and welcoming visitors from ASEAN into China. With its aspirations of becoming an international metropolis, the city has strengthened ties with ASEAN cities, solidifying its leadership in regional tourism development.

From January to November 2024, Nanning recorded 151,500 inbound overnight visitors, marking a remarkable 122.06% increase compared to the previous year. Over half of these tourists were from ASEAN countries. The introduction of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy in December 2024 has made international travel through Nanning more accessible, sparking optimism for continued tourism growth.

To boost its global influence, Nanning’s cultural and tourism authorities have adopted proactive strategies, focusing on expanding international collaborations and inviting global partners. These efforts paid off, as more than 700 travel professionals from ASEAN countries—including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia—visited Nanning in 2024 to explore partnerships in culture and tourism.

Throughout 2024, Nanning hosted numerous prominent cultural and tourism events, such as the Melody of Spring Transnational Spring Festival Gala, the China-ASEAN Film Festival, and the China-ASEAN (Nanning) Theater Week. These activities not only showcased the city’s vibrant cultural offerings but also strengthened its tourism partnerships and global appeal.

Currently, Nanning has formed sister-city relationships with 10 ASEAN cities, including Bac Giang in Vietnam and Ipoh in Malaysia. Additionally, consulates from six ASEAN countries—Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia—are based in Nanning, reinforcing its role as a key connector for tourism and diplomacy.

Thanks to its strategic location, Nanning has emerged as a major gateway to ASEAN. Every ASEAN capital is reachable within a four-hour flight from the city. On January 7, Nanning Wuxu International Airport inaugurated a new route to Haiphong, Vietnam (flight QW6185/6). In 2024, the airport reopened 19 international routes to 15 cities, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City, while also introducing innovative transfer routes like Linyi-Nanning-Singapore and Jinan-Nanning-Phuket.

With its dynamic initiatives and expanding international connections, Nanning is poised to further strengthen its role as a key hub linking China and ASEAN.