Since the operation of the Fangchenggang-Dongxing Railway in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region at the end of 2023, it has not only facilitated cross-border travel between tourists from China and Vietnam, but also provided them with a fresh experience of crossing the sea on a train.
On the passenger train going along the railway, tourists can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also enjoy singing performances with ethnic minority characteristics.
I am very excited and feel magical, as I can actually see the sea on the train. I also participated in the activities on the train, which was fascinating. (In Dongxing) II want to eat at a local Vietnamese restaurant and take a look at the China-Vietnam border," said Shi Xuejia, a tourist.
The Fangchenggang-Dongxing Railway, crossing mountains and seas, is the first high-speed railway in China that goes directly to the China-Vietnam border. The Xiwan Cross-Sea Double-Line Bridge, which the railway passes through, is 7.5 kilometers long, surrounded by parks, urban beaches, and tourist attractions.
"The Fangdong Railway passes through many interesting places, such as Bailang Beach, Shiwandashan Butou Hot Spring, Leshan Old Fishing Village, Yeren Valley Waterfall, and the border, each with its own characteristics. There is also the only border mangrove forest in China near the coastline," said Huang Linghong, deputy train captain of the Nanning Passenger Transportation Section.
Dongxing Railway Station is the first high-speed railway station in Guangxi close to the sea. After exiting the station, tourists can take a train to Wanwei Golden Beach to watch the sea, or go to the Guoqi Street.
"This is the one-stringed musical instrument unique to our Jing ethnic group. There is a saying in our local area that one string can produce a hundred notes and a single string can compose a song, which really describes the exquisiteness of our unique instrument," said Tang Jiaxia, who performs at the Dongxing South Railway Station.
The Guoqi Street gives people a feeling of visiting a commodity fair of ASEAN countries. There are all kinds of fresh fruits from Southeast Asia, mahogany products, and all kinds of snacks.
Dongxing is separated from Vietnam by only a river. After the opening of the Fangchenggang-Dongxing Railway, more and more Vietnamese passengers choose to enter the country from Dongxing and then transfer to other Chinese cities.
"My Vietnamese friends and I came here to play and travel. We took the high-speed train to Fangchenggang and Nanning. It was so fast," said a tourist from Vietnam.
"Since the opening of the Fangchenggang-Dongxing Railway on Dec 27, 2023, it has been operating safely for more than seven months. We have sent a total of 314,500 passengers. In specific, we receive an average of more than five Vietnamese tourist groups per month, and have sent a total of more than 4,800 Vietnamese passengers," said Li Yunhong, deputy director of Nanning Railway Bureau Dongxing branch.
Colorful train trip spices up cross-border tourism between China, Vietnam
