Aidian Border Port in Chongzuo, Guangxi

Aidian Border Port (爱店口岸) is a Class I land border port located in Aidian Township (爱店镇), Ningming County (宁明县), Chongzuo City (崇左市), Guangxi (广西). Situated along the China-Vietnam border at markers 1223–1224, it directly faces the Zhi Ma Port (峙马口岸) in Vietnam. The port is well-connected by a third-level paved road and a newly completed expressway, which links it to major trade routes. Aidian is approximately 190 km from Dongxing City (东兴市), 17 km from Lục Pín District, and 180 km from Hanoi (河内), Vietnam's capital.

In 2015, the State Council approved the opening of Aidian Port as a major international trade gateway, upgrading it from a Class II to a Class I port. As of June 2025, the port handles over 70,000 vehicle crossings annually, with a total import-export trade value exceeding 45 billion RMB.

Key Facts

• Location: Aidian Township, Ningming County (宁明县), Chongzuo City (崇左市), Guangxi (广西)

• Port Type: Class I land border port

• Main Trade: Agricultural machinery, construction materials, traditional Chinese medicine, agricultural products

• Annual Vehicle Traffic: 70,000+

• Trade Value: 45 billion RMB as of 2025

Historical Development

Early Years

Aidian Port has a long history of cross-border trade. Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, the port was managed by the Nationalist Government through the "Dui Xun Office." After 1957, it was upgraded to a Class II border port, with the establishment of Aidian Customs and Border Checkpoints.

Modern Upgrades

Aidian Port's infrastructure has improved significantly over the years. In 1995, Aidian was designated as a model for small-town development by the State Construction Ministry. Since then, major construction projects, including highways and new customs facilities, have transformed the port into a key trade hub. In 2023, the completion of a new expressway directly connecting Aidian to surrounding regions has further facilitated trade and travel.

The port now boasts a three-story inspection building and a 40,000-square-meter enclosed inspection area that meets national Class I port standards.

Trade Development

Border Trade

Aidian Port is an important trade gateway between China and Vietnam, with over a century of active cross-border trade. Following the port's reopening in 1991, trade has expanded rapidly. From 2006 to 2008, trade volume grew significantly, reaching 50.12 million RMB in 2006, 70.36 million RMB in 2007, and 88.83 million RMB in 2008.

The port primarily facilitates trade in agricultural machinery, construction materials, and traditional Chinese herbs. Aidian's traditional Chinese medicine market has grown to become the largest of its kind along the China-Vietnam border, accounting for 40.96% of total trade value in 2008, worth 363.89 million RMB.

Infrastructure and Development Plans

Ongoing Projects

Infrastructure at Aidian Port is undergoing continuous improvement. The newly built expressway has improved accessibility, and plans for expanding secondary roads will further enhance the port's connectivity.

A major project is the development of a large-scale, multi-functional market and industrial park designed to facilitate the storage, processing, and distribution of goods, especially traditional Chinese herbs. Additionally, plans are in place to build new inspection facilities to improve cargo clearance efficiency.

Future Prospects

The Guangxi Provincial Government has proposed elevating Aidian Port to a national first-class port, which would facilitate trade with ASEAN countries and streamline border crossings. This would make Aidian a vital node in the regional trade network and contribute to the construction of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

Economic Impact and Role

Trade and Economic Growth

Aidian's strategic location at the China-Vietnam border has positioned it as an essential economic hub. With its continued development, the port is expected to handle 500,000 passengers annually and 300,000 tons of cargo, significantly boosting the local economy. The expansion of border trade, along with increased tourism and infrastructure upgrades, will create more economic opportunities for the region.

As a major gateway for trade between China and Vietnam, Aidian Port is becoming a key player in the larger regional economic integration, which includes the broader China-ASEAN cooperation.

Tourism and Cross-Border Travel

Developing Border Tourism

Aidian Township is home to scenic spots such as Gongmu Mountain (公母山) and Jin Niu Tan (金牛潭), making it a potential destination for eco-tourism. With the port’s elevation, a new cross-border tourism route connecting Nanning (南宁), Chongzuo, Ningming, Aidian, Lang Son (谅山), and Hanoi will enhance the port’s role in promoting regional tourism.

This new tourism route will further integrate Aidian into the broader cross-border tourism economy, offering significant opportunities for growth.

Aidian Border Port (爱店口岸) is poised to become a major economic driver in the region. With its strategic location, expanding infrastructure, and growing trade relationships, Aidian is playing an increasingly important role in the economic development of the China-Vietnam border. Continued investment in infrastructure, combined with a stronger focus on border trade and tourism, will ensure that Aidian becomes a central player in the broader economic integration of China and ASEAN. The port’s future is bright, with ongoing developments expected to boost trade and enhance the local economy for years to come.