Nanning’s 5 Best Tours & Experiences: Which To Choose?

Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is a city that surprises many travelers. Its mix of modern urban life and nearby natural wonders makes it a top spot for unique tours and experiences. While the city itself offers cultural sights, some of the most memorable moments come from venturing outside the city limits. For example, the Nanning Detian Waterfall Private Day Tour is a standout for its grandeur and ease of access, taking you to one of the world’s largest transnational waterfalls. It showcases how Nanning can serve as a gateway to spectacular natural sights—something you won’t want to miss.

Among the many options, you’ll find everything from relaxing transfers to comprehensive multi-day journeys. Whether you’re interested in dramatic waterfalls, scenic countryside, or convenient airport pickups, Nanning offers experiences tailored to a wide range of interests. Our favorites include immersive day tours, private transfers, and even an extended exploration of the region’s stunning landscapes. Keep reading to discover which tours match your travel style.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a variety of experiences, from full-day private excursions to multi-day adventures. Highlights include the Detian Waterfall private tour, a full-day trip perfect for nature lovers. For a quick but comfortable start, there’s the Nanning airport to hotel transfer, which ensures a smooth arrival. If you’re after a combination of waterfalls and scenic countryside, the Detian & Mingshi Day Trip is ideal. Finally, for travelers with more time, the 8-day Guilin-Nanning journey offers a deep dive into Southern China’s stunning scenery.

Now, let’s explore each experience in detail to help you choose the perfect adventure.

1. Nanning Detian Waterfall Private Day Tour

This full-day private tour takes you from Nanning directly to the Detian Waterfall Scenic Area, home to one of the world’s largest transnational waterfalls. The tour includes round-trip transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with your own guide, making it a hassle-free way to see this natural wonder. The scenic area boasts over 40 attractions, including the impressive tiered Detian Waterfall that crosses into Vietnam and joins with Ban Gioc Waterfall.

The itinerary features a three-hour drive from Nanning, giving you plenty of time to soak in the mountainous views. Once there, you can ride a bamboo raft to get close to the cascading water or walk along paths that bring you right up to the main falls. Climbing to the top of the waterfall offers panoramic views—perfect for photos and awe. The private nature of this tour means you can spend as much time as you like exploring, with admission tickets and shuttle bus included.

What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach. No crowds or rushed schedules, just your own guide sharing insights on the area’s geology and local culture. At only $200 per person, it’s an excellent value considering all transportation, entry fees, and the exclusivity of a private guide.

Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, stress-free day exploring one of Asia’s most stunning waterfalls, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for nature lovers and those eager to see a major transnational landmark.

2. Nanning Train Station to Nanning Hotel

Getting from Nanning’s train station to your hotel shouldn’t be a puzzle, which is why this private transfer service is so handy. For around $37.34 per person, a licensed driver will meet you at the station and take you directly to your downtown hotel. The vehicles are clean, air-conditioned, and suited for families or small groups, ensuring comfort after a long journey.

This service is especially useful if you’re arriving late or have lots of luggage. It eliminates the stress of hailing a taxi or navigating unfamiliar streets, as your driver is familiar with all the city’s corners. The process is straightforward: you provide your flight details and hotel address, and a confirmation voucher arrives in your inbox.

While it’s a simple transfer, this service makes a big difference in starting your trip smoothly. It also offers peace of mind, knowing you won’t get lost or pay inflated taxi fares, which can be common in busy Chinese cities.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers arriving in Nanning by train or plane, this transfer offers reliable, comfortable service. It’s a practical investment to make your first impression of Nanning a good one.

3. Nanning: Detian Waterfall & Mingshi Day Trip with Pickup

This day trip combines two of southern Guangxi’s most iconic sights: Detian Waterfall and either the Mingshi Countryside or Dongnayuwan Bay. The experience is designed for travelers who want a flexible, hassle-free way to explore beyond the city. Included is door-to-door pickup, so you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics.

The trip starts with a scenic drive along the Hena Expressway, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the landscape. Once at Detian Waterfall, you can feel the mist and admire its grandeur from close quarters. The tour offers the choice to explore the Mingshi area—famous for its lush hills and traditional villages—or visit Dongnayuwan Bay, known for its peaceful waters and scenic views. The guide will help tailor the experience to your preferences.

While the price is $270 per person, the value lies in the convenience and personalized attention. The tour also offers travel insurance and an English-speaking guide, making it a comfortable way to see these highlights without the hassle of planning each detail.

What’s special about this trip is its flexibility—whether you want a peaceful boat ride or a walk through rural landscapes, it adapts to your interests. Perfect for those who want a full day of scenic exploration with minimal planning.

Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized, flexible day trip combining waterfalls and countryside. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfort and customization.

4. Guilin-Nanning: 8-Day Li River, Rice Terraces & Detian Falls

For travelers with more time, this 8-day private journey offers a comprehensive look at Southern China’s most stunning landscapes. It combines Guilin’s famous karst scenery, Yangshuo’s rural charm, and the Detian Waterfall, creating a well-rounded experience of the region’s natural and cultural highlights.

The trip includes private transport, visits to cultural villages, and scenic cruises. Highlights range from walking the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces—a UNESCO World Heritage site—to cruising past Guilin’s iconic limestone peaks. The Detian Waterfall ranks among Asia’s largest, and seeing it as part of this multi-day itinerary gives you plenty of time to appreciate its scale and beauty.

The tour emphasizes local traditions, with visits to Dong and Zhuang villages, giving travelers a taste of regional culture. It also features the Impression Sanjie Liu Show, a famous outdoor performance set amidst Guilin’s dramatic landscape.

Pricing at $1,900 for up to 2 people, this trip is an excellent value for travelers seeking an immersive, multi-faceted adventure. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a more packed schedule and keen to explore a variety of sights over several days.

Bottom line: This is perfect for experienced travelers wanting an in-depth exploration of Guangxi’s landscape and culture, with the convenience of a private guide and all-inclusive logistics.

5. Nanning Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Arriving at Nanning Wuxu International Airport can be a breeze with this pre-booked private transfer. For just $88.04 for a group of up to three, a professional driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel, saving you from long taxi lines and the headache of navigating local transport.

The transfer takes approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic, and provides peace of mind, especially if you’re arriving late or unfamiliar with the city. The service requires your flight details and hotel info, and you’ll receive a confirmation voucher that guarantees a smooth start to your trip.

While this service doesn’t include sightseeing, it’s a smart choice to kick off your visit without stress. Reliable, private, and comfortable, it’s especially valuable for first-time visitors who want to focus on enjoying their stay.

Bottom line: For a hassle-free arrival, this pre-booked transfer is a practical solution, ensuring you start your Nanning experience on the right foot.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding which experience to pick, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a spectacular natural sight, the Detian Waterfall private tour is hard to beat. If comfort and convenience matter most, the airport transfer makes your first impression smooth and easy. Those with a few extra days should look into the 8-day Guilin-Nanning trip for a fully immersive experience.

If you want a flexible day trip that combines waterfalls with scenic countryside, the Detian & Mingshi day trip offers excellent value and customization. Be sure to book early, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred dates.

Final Thoughts

Nanning is a surprisingly diverse city with options for every traveler. Whether you’re after the awe of Detian Waterfall, seamless airport logistics, or an in-depth exploration of Guangxi’s landscapes, the experiences listed above can help you craft a memorable trip. For those seeking a comprehensive adventure, the 8-day Guilin-Nanning trip is hard to beat. If your goal is a quick, relaxing start, the private transfer or day tour will serve you well.

Remember to book well in advance during busy travel periods, and don’t hesitate to pick the experience that best matches your interests and pace. Each of these tours offers a different way to discover the beauty and culture of this fascinating region.