China and Vietnam have officially resumed their cross-border passenger train service, marking a significant step in post-pandemic tourism recovery.
The route, which connects Nanning in China’s Guangxi region to Hanoi, Vietnam, has been suspended since February 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Analysts suggest the reopening could boost tourism flows between the two nations and attract more international visitors to China.
Beijing has expanded visa-free access to more countries, aiming to revitalise its tourism sector as part of broader economic recovery efforts.
Vietnamese citizens can now enter China visa-free at select ports, provided they are part of a tour group organised by a Chinese travel agency. This policy is expected to increase visitor numbers and strengthen China’s position as a regional travel hub.
The Nanning-Hanoi train service, originally launched in 2009, resumed operations on 25 May 25. The journey takes 11.5 hours, offering a convenient alternative to flights and buses. The train’s return is expected to enhance connectivity, particularly for Vietnamese travellers looking to access China’s high-speed rail network for onward journeys to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Tourism between China and Vietnam has surged, with Vietnamese travellers accounting for 4% of all China arrivals in 2023. By Q3 2024, Vietnamese visitors ranked second only to Hong Kong as an offshore source market. The reopened train service could further increase cross-border travel, benefitting both nations’ tourism industries.
China’s visa-free policy now extends to 38 countries, including Australia, Singapore, and several European nations. The Nanning-Hanoi route could also make it easier for Western backpackers to visit China without a visa, potentially boosting international tourism. The move aligns with China’s broader strategy to diversify its inbound travel market.
The reopening of the Hanoi-Nanning railway is part of a larger effort to improve cross-border transport links. China and Vietnam rely heavily on railways for trade, particularly in export manufacturing. The restored passenger service complements recent freight route expansions, reinforcing economic ties between the two nations.
