Shuikou Border Port in Chongzuo, Guangxi

Shuikou Border Port (水口口岸) is located in Shuikou Town (水口镇), Longzhou County (龙州县), Chongzuo City (崇左市), Guangxi (广西). It is situated on the China-Vietnam border, separated by only a river from Vietnam’s Tra Long Border Port (驮隆口岸) in Cao Bang Province (高平省). Shuikou is 102 kilometers from downtown Chongzuo and just 70 kilometers from Cao Bang, Vietnam’s provincial capital. Its advantageous geographic location makes it an important entry point for cross-border trade and travel.

Key Statistics (2024)

  • Location: Border between China’s Longzhou County (龙州县) and Vietnam’s Cao Bang Province (高平省)

  • Historical Opening: First opened in 1792 during the Qing Dynasty, closed in 1979, and reopened in 1993.

  • Key Function: Primarily cargo transport, with passenger services in development.

  • Traffic Volume: Over 600,000 people and nearly 400,000 tons of cargo passed through in 2024.

  • Customs Hours: Cargo operates 24 hours, while passenger inspections are from 08:00–20:00 (subject to extension).

History and Development

Historical Significance

Shuikou Border Port has a long history, first opened in 1792 during the Qing Dynasty (乾隆五十七年). It was temporarily closed in 1979 due to Sino-Vietnamese tensions but was reopened on December 1, 1993, as a major trading gateway. It is one of the earliest border ports for Sino-Vietnamese trade.

Function and Trade

Shuikou is a key hub for trade, especially for iron ore, manganese ore, cars (over 5,000 vehicles exported in 2025), and Vietnamese fruits such as durian and dragon fruit. The port’s facilities are continually expanding, with the new bridge and inspection system set to increase throughput capacity.

Key Features and Trade Goods

Cargo and Passenger Transport

  • Primary Goods: Iron ore, manganese ore, cars (with over 5,000 new cars exported in 2025), and fruits from Vietnam.

  • Port Upgrades: In 2025, a new bridge and expanded cargo inspection yard will increase capacity to 1,500 vehicle trips per day and provide smart inspection systems for improved efficiency.

Passenger Services

Following the resumption of passenger services, travelers can cross the border with valid documents and an Entry-Exit Health Declaration Card. During peak periods, additional inspection channels will be available.

Transportation and Surroundings

Access Routes

  • Shuikou Avenue (口岸大道, G358): Connects Shuikou Town to Longzhou County (龙州县).

  • Chongshui Expressway (崇水高速): Connects the Second Bridge Cargo Yard (二桥货场) to Vietnam’s Tra Long Border Port (驮隆口岸).

Nearby Facilities

  • Inspection Hall: Located along the border highway, for goods and passenger inspection. Contact: (0771) 8810664.

  • Shuikou Customs (水口海关): Located at No. 15 Longshui Road (龙水路15号), providing 24-hour customs clearance by appointment.

Policies and Economic Trends

Expansion Plans (2024)

In October 2024, Shuikou Border Port passed national inspection for its expansion project. The new bridge will specifically cater to freight, and in the long term, the port aims to handle 36 million tons annually.

Border Trade Upgrades

A new “border trade + local processing” model has been introduced. In the first quarter of 2025, the local processing industry will see a 500% growth, contributing 2.03 billion RMB to the economy.

Practical Information

Customs Hours

  • Cargo: Open 24 hours

  • Passenger: 08:00–20:00 (planned extension)

Border Market

  • Duty-Free Limit: 8,000 RMB per person per day

  • Main Trade Goods: Vietnamese seafood, fruits, and other goods.

Tourist Recommendations

  • Shuikou Border Cultural Zone (水口边关旅游区): This area combines Sino-Vietnamese cultural features with historical sites related to the Sino-French War.

For the latest policies, contact Shuikou Customs at (0771) 8870961 or the Longzhou County (龙州县) Economic and Trade Bureau.

Development and Growth

Shuikou Border Port has seen continuous growth since its reopening in 1993. The port has become a vital logistics center for Sino-Vietnamese trade, particularly for subtropical and temperate fruits. In 2003, fruit exports alone accounted for over 48% of China’s total fruit exports to Vietnam.

In addition to trade, the port’s infrastructure continues to improve. New projects like the Shuikou Free Trade Zone (水口免税区) and the expansion of inspection facilities are set to further enhance its capabilities. The opening of the Chongzuo to Shuikou Expressway in 2019 has also boosted regional connectivity.

Fruit Export Growth

Since 2001, the export of subtropical and temperate fruits through Shuikou Border Port has grown rapidly. In 2003, China’s fruit exports to Vietnam totaled 46.15 million USD, with Shuikou accounting for over 22 million USD, making it the leading border port for fruit exports.

Factors driving this growth include:

  • Proximity to Vietnam’s Tra Long Port (驮隆口岸), which offers favorable import tax policies for agricultural products.

  • Continually improving infrastructure, which has made Shuikou more efficient and competitive.

  • Low local fees, attracting many traders and businesses to the port.

  • Customs policies that allow 24/7 operations and expedite clearance procedures, greatly enhancing trade efficiency.

Shuikou Border Port (水口口岸) plays a crucial role in the economic relations between China and Vietnam, particularly in the cross-border trade of fruits and minerals. As infrastructure continues to develop and the trade ecosystem grows, it remains an essential gateway for goods and cultural exchange between China and Southeast Asia.