My adventure in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during my fifth week in China – also marking my first month in the Land of the Great Wall – was nothing short of spectacular. Over six hectic, tightly packed days, I explored three cities, experienced the local culture and food, and created memories I’ll never forget.

NANNING: Welcome to Guangxi

On Monday, 15 September 2025, Asia Pacific participants from the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme left their diplomatic residence in Beijing at 4 am for Nanning, accompanied by Counsellor Huang Liming and Third Secretary Wang Weiran from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After a thorough security check, we boarded Air China Flight CA1335, where I enjoyed a pre-ordered Muslim meal – a small but appreciated gesture.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Ruan Hang, Director of the News and Culture Division in Guangxi’s Foreign Affairs Office, and his translator, Eric. After checking into a hotel with a designated halal restaurant, we began our visits, concluding with a sunset dinner hosted by Song Hai Jun, Deputy Director-General of the Guangxi Foreign Affairs Office. Although red wine and Chinese liquor were served, thankfully, I was given a choice of drink I am comfortable with for the toast, which I deeply appreciated. A stroll through Nanning’s historical streets afterwards revealed the city’s vibrant nightlife.

On the second day, we visited Runjian Co. Ltd, a leading AI solutions provider, and Beibu Gulf International Port Group, both of which highlighted their projects in Malaysia.

The ‘sunset’ dinner in Nanning.

LIUZHOU: Tradition Meets Industry

Wednesday, 17 September 2025, began with attending the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), at which Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof delivered the country’s keynote address.

CIPCC Asia Pacific participants witness the oil-tea preparation by ladies dressed in traditional Dong Minority Ethnic attire.

Immediately after the opening ceremony, we rushed back to the hotel for lunch, checked out in haste, and returned to tour the CAEXPO.

Later, we sped off to Nanning East Railway Station to catch the bullet train to Liuzhou, more than 200 km away. After the one-hour train ride, we took a bus from Liuzhou train station to Dongzhai Chuniang Restaurant, where the interior and cuisine reflected the traditions of the Dong ethnic minority in the city.

The author (right) being served the oil-tea in the Dong Minority Ethnic tradition.

At the restaurant, our group watched a demonstration of oil tea making – a traditional custom of the Dong people, prepared with tea, fried glutinous rice, soybeans, and peanuts. In true Dong fashion, the women in traditional costume, singing their ethnic song, served me tea by pouring it directly from long, carved wooden pots – a fun and memorable experience!

Our group checked into a hotel in Liuzhou for just one night and checked out after breakfast the next morning to prepare for the final city on our trip. Before leaving, however, we made several visits.

We toured the SAIC-GM-Wuling Baojun base automotive plant, which is set to open its joint-venture electric vehicle assembly plant in Malaysia in December.

Next, we visited Guangxi No. Wang Food Technology Co., Ltd, renowned for producing Liuzhou’s famous Luosifen (river snail rice noodles). The highlight was discovering that the company also offers halal-certified products – and I had the chance to savour a delicious bowl of noodles here.

The Luosifen.

This was followed by a visit to the scenic Longtan Park and concluded with a stop at the LiuGong Excavator Smart Factory before we boarded a bullet train from Liuzhou to Guilin.

GUILIN: Scenic beauty and Osmanthus delights

Upon checking into the hotel and having had dinner, we visited the Xiaoyao Tower, first built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in 2015, which is now a landmark in downtown Guilin.

The next morning, we took a boat ride on the beautiful Lijiang River, where we had lunch while listening to the soothing melody of the Guzheng, a traditional musical instrument.

Longtan Park in Liuzhou.

Then we visited West Street, a cultural hub, and Yulong village. The day ended with a working dinner hosted by the Guilin Municipal Government.

And finally, it was Saturday, the last day of our trip. We checked out after breakfast and visited the Osmanthus Commune, and through a 4-D presentation, we learned about the significance of the flower, which is famous in Guilin.

While enjoying the sweet scent of Osmanthus, we received even sweeter news: we were offered a 15 per cent discount on any Osmanthus products. I almost went overboard – I bought perfume, body lotion, soap, and face masks, and I even treated myself to some Osmanthus-flavoured ice cream.

The boat ride on the Lijiang River in Guilin.

After lunch, we headed to Guilin Airport to catch a flight to Beijing. The security check there seemed stricter – even my hair bun was inspected to ensure it didn’t conceal any prohibited items.

One of my Osmanthus purchases almost caused a meltdown. The body lotion was 300 ml – way over the hand-carry limit – and I had completely forgotten to put it in my checked baggage. I could feel my heart sinking, imagining the lotion being confiscated right before my eyes. Luckily, one of the accompanying personnel from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Huang, swooped in and arranged for the items to be delivered to his office in Beijing. I swear, he was my lifesaver!

Appreciation to China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry

We boarded Air China Flight CA8622 and arrived at our diplomatic residence in Beijing on Saturday night, exhausted but brimming with wonderful memories. Impressively, not a single flight or train was delayed – a true testament to how smooth and efficient China’s transport system is.

A big shout-out to the teams from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing and Guangxi for organising a trip that perfectly catered to my needs as a Muslim traveller, a teetotaller, and, yes, a bit of a shopaholic.

I’m already hoping for more shopping discounts before my programme wraps up in December!

-- BERNAMA

Rohani Mohd Ibrahim, a journalist with BERNAMA, is currently in Beijing to attend the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) Programme from Aug 18 to Dec 15 2025.

The initiative, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) serves as a platform for practical cooperation between Chinese media organisations and those from emerging markets and developing economies.

The programme also provides foreign journalists with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China’s society, development and international engagement.

This marks BERNAMA’s eighth participation in the CIPCC since 2018.