The Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area occupies 13.54 sq km on the south bank of the Yong River in Qingxiu District, eastern Nanning, and is reached by Nanning Metro Line 3 to Qingxiushan Station, followed by a short walk or the park's internal shuttle to the north gate; a taxi or DiDi from the city centre takes about 20-25 minutes, and there is a paid car park near the main entrance. Entry costs roughly ¥20 ($2.99), and no hiking permit is required since the whole area is a managed municipal park. More than 20 km of marked paths thread the hills, but most visitors follow one of the shorter loops of 3-8 km, climbing 100-200 m through subtropical forest and landscaped gardens to a high point around 280-290 m above sea level. Paths are almost entirely paved or stepped stone, with handrails on the steeper stretches, so footing is secure even after rain, though the ridge sections near the summit are exposed to direct sun with little tree cover. Shaded lower paths run beside ornamental gardens and reservoirs, giving relief on hot afternoons. Key landmarks along the network include Tianchi Lake, the Guanyin Temple complex, and the Longxiang Pagoda ridge, which makes a natural turn-around point for a half-day loop; walkers pressed for time can treat the pagoda platform as the outer limit and retrace their steps or descend a parallel path back to the north gate. Water and snack vendors are stationed at several trail junctions and near the main gardens, so carrying a full day's water is not strictly necessary, though 1-1.5 litres is still sensible for the exposed ridge stretches. There are no backcountry shelters, since the entire network sits inside a day-use park with paved access throughout, and mobile phone signal is reliable across the area.
| Distance | More than 20 km of marked paths inside the 13.54 sq km scenic area; typical visitor loops run 3-8 km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-4 hours for a standard loop; a full day to cover the main gardens and ridges |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Nanning Metro Line 3 to Qingxiushan Station, then a short walk or park shuttle to the north gate; taxi or DiDi from the city centre takes about 20-25 minutes |
| Best season | October-April for dry, mild walking weather; early mornings year-round |
| Address | Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area, 19 Qingshan Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Qingxiu District, on the south bank of the Yong River, eastern Nanning
What to bring
- Comfortable walking or light trail shoes for paved and stepped paths
- 1-1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat and sunscreen for the exposed ridge sections
- Mosquito repellent from April to October
- Alipay or WeChat Pay for the gate ticket of about ¥20 ($2.99)
Location
Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area, 19 Qingshan Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi
22.7891, 108.3975 View on map
Highlights
- Over 20 km of marked paths across a 13.54 sq km hillside park
- Tianchi Lake and its surrounding gardens
- Panoramic ridge views over the Yong River bend
- Guanyin Temple complex along the main trail
- Shuttle access reduces the need to walk the full network
Tips for visiting
- Wear shoes with grip for the many stone steps rather than smooth-soled sandals
- Visit October-April for the coolest, driest walking conditions
- Carry sun protection since the upper ridge sections have little shade
- Bring mosquito repellent April-October, especially near the reservoirs
- If short on time, treat Longxiang Pagoda as the turn-around point rather than the full network
When to visit
October to April brings the driest, coolest conditions for walking the network. Early mornings are quietest year-round, before tour groups arrive.
Accessibility
The lower paths near the gardens and lake are paved and largely flat, making them manageable for wheelchairs and strollers with assistance on gentle slopes; the upper ridge and pagoda sections involve stone steps that are not wheelchair-accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Qingxiu Mountain suitable for a first hike in Nanning?
Yes, the paths are paved or stepped and well signposted, making the shorter 3-8 km loops accessible to first-time hikers.
Do the trails require an entrance fee?
Yes, entry to the scenic area costs roughly ¥20 ($2.99), payable at the gate or by Alipay/WeChat Pay.
How long does the full network take to walk?
A standard loop takes 2-4 hours, while covering the main gardens and ridges in one visit takes a full day.
Is there water available along the way?
Vendors near the main gardens and trail junctions sell water and snacks, though carrying a bottle is still recommended for the ridge sections.