On Track to ASEAN: China’s New High-Speed Rail Reaches the Viet Nam Border

Nanning-Pingxiang Railway

China has taken another major step in strengthening regional connectivity with the launch of a new high-speed rail link connecting Nanning with Pingxiang, a key border city linking China and Viet Nam. The new service enhances travel efficiency, boosts cross-border tourism, and reinforces Guangxi’s role as a gateway between China and ASEAN countries.

A Faster Rail Journey to the Border

The Nanning–Pingxiang high-speed railway officially entered full operation with the departure of train D9668 from Pingxiang East Station. With the new service in place, the journey between Pingxiang and Nanning now takes just 75 minutes, cutting travel time by nearly three hours compared to conventional passenger trains.

This dramatic reduction in travel time improves convenience for travellers, business visitors, and tourists, making cross-border journeys smoother and more appealing while encouraging greater regional mobility.

Two-Phase Development, One Strategic Corridor

The high-speed railway was built in two stages. The first phase, linking Nanning and Chongzuo, opened in December 2022. The second and final phase, the Chongzuo–Pingxiang section, spans 81 kilometres and has been designed for operating speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour.

With the completion of this final section, the entire Nanning–Pingxiang route is now fully operational, creating a continuous high-speed corridor from Guangxi’s capital to the China–Viet Nam border.

Boosting China–ASEAN Connectivity

Tourists take selfies on a bullet train running
from Pingxiang to Nanning. Xinhua/Lu Boan

The new rail line represents an important addition to China’s growing network of transport links with ASEAN nations. It follows the launch of another high-speed rail service in December 2023 between Fangchenggang and Dongxing, also located on the China–Viet Nam border. That project marked the first high-speed rail connection between China and the border area with Viet Nam.

Together, these rail developments are improving infrastructure connectivity, supporting trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges across southern China and Southeast Asia.

Guangxi’s Strategic Role in Regional Travel

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region occupies a pivotal geographic position in China’s engagement with ASEAN countries. With the full opening of the Nanning–Pingxiang high-speed railway, Pingxiang is now directly integrated into China’s expansive high-speed rail network via the Nanning transport hub.

This integration strengthens Guangxi’s position as a regional transport and logistics centre, while also enhancing its appeal as a travel destination for visitors interested in cross-border rail journeys and cultural exploration.

New Opportunities for Tourism and Overland Travel

People perform a dance in celebration of the full
operation of the Nanning-Pingxiang Railway at
Pingxiang East Railway Station [Xinhua/Lu Boan

For travellers, the new high-speed rail link opens up exciting possibilities. Tourists can now move quickly between Nanning’s urban attractions and the border region, with onward access to Viet Nam by road. The improved rail infrastructure supports multi-destination itineraries, overland travel experiences, and deeper cultural exchanges along the China–Viet Nam corridor.

As high-speed rail continues to reshape travel in Asia, the Nanning–Pingxiang line stands as a symbol of closer regional ties and a future of faster, more connected journeys across China and Southeast Asia.

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