History as the backbone, everyday life as the soul—A one-day tour and food guide for Dongxing National Border Gate Scenic Area

Revisiting Bagui No. 32—Fangchenggang · Dongxing National Border Gate Scenic Area Step further abroad, step back home—A one-day tour and food guide for Dongxing National Border Gate Scenic Area 🌄 At the border gate, one city, two countries Dongxing National Border Gate Scenic Area, a dazzling gem embedded in the China-Vietnam border, is not only a geographical junction but also a living museum of cultural integration. The Beilun River, like a green silk ribbon, separates the two countries, yet the Friendship Bridge connects them, linking trade exchanges and historical memories. Strolling here, the wonderful experience of "step further abroad, step back home" lets you instantly feel the pulse and warmth of the border. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈ Fly to Nanning Wuxu Airport, then take a bus for about 3 hours directly to Dongxing 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Fangchenggang North Station, then transfer to an intercity bus (1 hour) or taxi (about 10 yuan per person) to reach the border. 🛵 Walk or use shared electric scooters within the scenic area for flexible touring 🚖 Self-driving can reach near the core scenic area, with many parking spots in the old streets (20 yuan per vehicle, no time limit) 📸 Key Highlights and Photo Spots 🌉 China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge: The red and yellow dividing line on the bridge captures the moment of "one foot in two countries." At dusk, the colorful flags and sunset blend beautifully; aim your camera along the bridge for stunning shots. 🪦 Qing Dynasty No. 5 Boundary Stone: A century-old blue stone boundary marker (erected in 1890) protected by a glass cover, its weathered texture tells the story of modern border history. Side lighting is recommended for photographing the inscriptions. 🗺 Boundary Stone No. 1368 Square: The "one glance sees two countries" viewing platform faces Mong Cai, Vietnam, across the river. The night scene with dazzling lights is especially magical. 🌳 Ho Chi Minh Pavilion and Friendship Park: A hexagonal pavilion surrounded by green bamboo commemorates the Vietnamese leader’s visit. The park’s martyrs’ monument is solemn, and the shaded corridors are perfect for cultural and documentary photography. 🌃 Panoramic View from Above: 🏨 Ramada Hotel rooftop observation deck (online ticket discounts available), on the 35th floor overlooking the lights of both countries, with the Friendship Bridge like a golden chain falling into the starry river. 🍜 Border Flavors on the Tongue Vietnamese specialties: ☕ Saigon Coffee: condensed milk + drip black coffee, rich and bittersweet (street stalls 10 yuan/cup); 🍜 Yingxue·Fangwei: Vietnamese chicken pho + grilled meat pho, highlighted with mint and lemon, about 30 yuan per person for a full exotic taste. Snack Market: 🥖 Vietnamese spring rolls (crispy shrimp wrapped), wind-blown cake (coconut crisp), quetou eggs (spicy and sour duck embryo eggs), stalls gather on Xinhua Road—walking and eating is the best way to enjoy. Dessert Night Snacks: 🍧 Guizhou Road self-service dessert shop, 3 yuan a bowl of locust flower jelly with taro balls; 🍢 Yuzhouping Night Market grilled oysters + stir-fried perilla snails, about 50 yuan per person for seafood freedom. 💡 Practical Tips 🌅 Best times: Avoid crowds at 8 AM, soft light at 4 PM, observation deck closes at 9:30 PM. 🛂 Documents: Cross-border travel requires a passport; do not carry items for strangers to avoid smuggling traps. 🚶 Recommended nearby visits: Chen Mansion (French-style building, 25 yuan ticket), Overseas Chinese Remittance Museum (wartime remittance history). 🌌 Finale: Border ballad, mountains and rivers share this moon The national flag flutters in the dusk at the border gate, the boundary stone stands like a footnote of time. This land carries not only geographical division but also a handshake of civilizations and echoes of history. Every bite of exotic flavor, every glance across the river, tells the story: mountains and seas may have borders, but the human world’s everyday life and friendship will ultimately cross rivers and borders, endlessly thriving. History as the backbone, everyday life as the soul. Dongxing wraps the heaviest border stories in the most bustling street life.