Dongxing Port in Fangchenggang, Guangxi

Dongxing Port (东兴口岸) is located in Dongxing City (东兴市), Fangchenggang (防城港), Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区), China. It is a vital border port linking China with Vietnam, specifically connected to the Mong Cai Port (芒街口岸) in Vietnam. Dongxing is one of the most significant border crossings in China, especially after its reopening in 1994, following its closure in 1978. With its strategic location, it serves as a crucial gateway for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Location and Accessibility

Dongxing Port is located at the junction of the Beilun River (北仑河), which flows into Vietnam’s Go Cong River (哥龙河). The port is just 100 meters away from the Mong Cai Port (芒街口岸) in Vietnam. It is accessible by the Nanfang Expressway (南防高速) and Fangcheng-Dongxing First-Class Highway (防城-东兴一级公路). The distance to Nanning (南宁), the capital of Guangxi, is 188 km; to Ha Long (下龙市) in Vietnam, it's 180 km; and to Hanoi (河内), it’s 308 km.

Dongxing Port serves as a key land-based entry point for travelers between China and Vietnam, handling millions of passengers annually, making it one of the busiest land border crossings in China.

Historical Significance

Dongxing Port has a rich history as a major transit point for China’s assistance to Vietnam. Established in 1958 as a Class I border port, it played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and exchanges. In 1978, the port was closed, but 1994 saw its reopening after receiving approval from the State Council of China.

Qing Dynasty No. 5 Boundary Monument (大清国五号界碑): This monument, built in 1890, marks the border between China and Vietnam. It stands at 1.7 meters tall, with an inscription detailing the historical boundary agreement between China and France, which recognized French occupation of Vietnam. It remains a historical and cultural landmark.

1369 Boundary Monument (1369号界碑): This monument was established in 2001 as part of the updated demarcation line between China and Vietnam, located at the China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge.

Key Attractions at Dongxing Port

1. China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge (中越友谊大桥)

The China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge is one of the most iconic structures at the Dongxing Port. Originally completed in 1958, it serves as a direct link between the two countries. The bridge spans the Beilun River and symbolizes the deep historical, political, and economic connections between China and Vietnam. The central red line on the bridge marks the exact boundary between the two nations, and visitors can stand on it to be in both countries simultaneously. The bridge was rebuilt after it was damaged in the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese conflict and has since become a symbol of cooperation and peace.

2. Ho Chi Minh Pavilion (胡志明亭)

The Ho Chi Minh Pavilion is a memorial to the visit of Ho Chi Minh, the former president of Vietnam. In 1960, at the age of 70, Ho Chi Minh visited Dongxing on his way to meet Chinese officials and interact with local communities. The pavilion commemorates his contribution to strengthening Sino-Vietnamese relations. It is a popular historical site and cultural symbol of friendship between the two nations.

3. Port Inspection Area (口岸联检区)

The Port Inspection Area is where travelers undergo customs, immigration, and quarantine checks. Divided into entry and exit lanes, this area ensures the smooth movement of people and goods across the border. The building has been operational since 1994 and is shared by multiple Chinese agencies including the Border Control (边防), Customs (海关), Health and Quarantine (卫检), and Commercial Inspection (商检) departments.

4. Qing Dynasty No. 5 Boundary Monument

The Qing Dynasty No. 5 Boundary Monument (大清国五号界碑) is a historical stone monument marking the border established between China and Vietnam in the Qing Dynasty. Erected in 1890, it is a symbol of the imperial boundary agreement and the historical interaction between China and its neighboring countries.

Passenger and Vehicle Flow

As of 2024, Dongxing Port has handled over 5 million passenger crossings and 200,000 vehicles. The flow of passengers continues to increase, with daily traffic exceeding 30,000 people. The port is a major gateway for Vietnamese tourists entering China, and it is expected that the total number of travelers will reach 8.58 million by the end of 2024, reflecting a 54.6% increase from the previous year.

In 2023, Dongxing Port processed more than 5 million travelers and 140,000 tons of cargo.

The average daily number of travelers at Dongxing is over 20,000.

International Recognition

In December 2024, Dongxing Port was awarded the title of "International Health Land Port" by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the General Administration of Customs. This prestigious recognition is due to the port’s compliance with international health standards, ensuring the safety of travelers and goods crossing the border.

New Border Crossing Experience: Fast-Track Procedures at Dongxing Port

Dongxing Port (东兴口岸) in Fangchenggang (防城港), Guangxi (广西), is a major land border crossing between China and Vietnam, particularly convenient for self-driving travelers heading to Vietnam. Here's a guide to help you navigate through the fast-track entry and exit processes.

1. Port Overview

Dongxing Port is located in the city of Dongxing (东兴市), directly connected to Mong Cai Port (芒街口岸) in Vietnam. This makes it one of the main entry points for travelers heading to Vietnam by land. The port is well known for its efficiency and accessibility.

2. Parking Guide

Dongxing China-Vietnam Friendship Park (东兴中越人民友谊公园)

• Location: Close to the border, simply search for "Dongxing China-Vietnam Friendship Park" on the map.

• Parking Fee: 15 CNY per day.

• Advantages: Plenty of parking spaces, just a 10-minute walk to the border, making it very convenient.

Zhujiang Beer Square (珠江啤酒广场)

• Location: Approximately 2 km from the port.

• Parking Fee: Free (finding a parking spot can be difficult).

• Advantages: A local area similar to a market, offering free parking. It’s unlikely to get ticketed as long as you park in designated spots.

3. Reaching the Immigration Area

Navigation: Search for "Port Immigration" (口岸出入境) on the map to find the No. 7 Xinhua Road (新华路7号) entrance.

4. Border Crossing Process

Arrival at the Immigration Lane: Once at the exit area, look for the immigration lane sign. Travel agencies on the left-hand side offer services like SIM card purchases and currency exchange.

Security Check & Queuing: Go up the stairs to reach the security checkpoint. Make sure to follow the signs for exit procedures from China and entry procedures into Vietnam. Ensure you are in the correct line to avoid confusion.

Exit Process: Simply swipe your passport at the gate for a quick exit.

Entering Vietnam: Vietnamese customs officers will manually check your documents. Independent travelers may wait in line for customs inspection.

5. Important Notes

Documents: Ensure your passport, visa, and other necessary documents are complete and valid before proceeding.

Customs Regulations: Familiarize yourself with Vietnam's customs regulations and ensure you do not carry any prohibited items.

Security Tips: Stay vigilant regarding your personal safety and belongings while in the port and surrounding areas. Avoid unnecessary interactions with strangers.

Time Management: It's recommended to plan ahead and allow enough time for border procedures to avoid delays in your travel schedule.

Following this guide, you should be able to easily cross the border from Dongxing Port into Vietnam and enjoy a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Fast-Track Border Crossing at Dongxing Port

Background Information

To further facilitate the smooth flow of travelers between China and foreign countries, the National Immigration Administration has optimized the entry and exit policies, officially restoring fast-track procedures at Dongxing Port on May 15th. The streamlined process significantly reduces crossing time, with travelers able to complete the border procedures in as little as 10 seconds.

Crossing Procedures

Before experiencing the fast-track process, ensure that you have already obtained a Vietnamese visa and have your passport ready. Upon arrival at Dongxing Port, head to the fast-track lane for efficient processing.

Step-by-Step Fast-Track Process:

1. Passport Scanning: Follow the instructions from the staff and place your passport on the reader.

2. Standing Position: Stand on the yellow “footprint” markings within the fast-track channel. Make sure to remove any items like glasses, masks, or hats that may obstruct the scanning process.

3. Fingerprint and Facial Recognition: Place the same finger used during document processing on the fingerprint scanner, and look at the camera above for facial recognition.

Important Considerations and Restrictions

After completing the verification process, the gates will open automatically, allowing you to proceed. Be sure to gather your belongings before exiting the fast-track lane.

One-person Rule: Only one person is allowed to use each lane at a time. Children or groups of two or more are prohibited from using the fast-track lane to ensure safety and accuracy during the check.

Age Restrictions: Travelers under the age of 7 or shorter than 1.2 meters are not permitted to use the fast-track lane.

Please remove any headgear, glasses, or face masks before entering the fast-track lane for proper identification.

Results of the Fast-Track Service

On May 15th, Dongxing Port resumed its fast-track service, allowing travelers to use the special lanes. This initiative applies to both Chinese citizens with valid passports, travel permits, and foreign nationals holding foreign passports or permanent resident certificates. Additionally, foreign airline crew members who hold appropriate visas or residence permits can use the fast-track lanes.

On the first day of resuming fast-track service, travelers were able to clear customs in as little as 10 seconds, with an average processing time of 15 seconds. This impressive efficiency is the result of continuous investment in digital infrastructure and a well-organized security force at the port.

Dongxing Port is a significant and historic entry point between China and Vietnam. It is known for its seamless integration of modern facilities and historical landmarks, offering travelers a smooth border-crossing experience. With a rich history, cultural landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Pavilion and Qing Dynasty Boundary Monument, and its ever-growing passenger and vehicle traffic, Dongxing Port continues to play a vital role in facilitating bilateral relations and regional trade in East Asia.