The Streets of Nanning, Beam Me Up Scotty

There is every conceivable means of transport present on the streets of Nanning. Taxis are everywhere and relatively cheap by U.S. standards; a 3-mile trip to the hotel costs about 7 RMB (90 cents US) to get in the car, and another 4 RMB (50 cents US) for the rest of the trip, making a total of around $1.40 USD. From downtown to the local amusement park, a 3-4 mile trip through winding streets followed by a long climb up a mountain, costs around $3.00 US. The taxis are mostly 4-door Volkswagen sedans patterned after a 1980’s Dasher; they are  named "Santana" and are probably made here. BNG in a German car made and driven in China. There are other private cars on the streets, even the monstrous (in China) Toyota "Grand Saloon", which is a fancy Camry.

Daihatsu’s, which have probably been sued for patent infringement by golf-cart makers, are everywhere, along with a million (literally) other tiny 4-wheeled conveyances. There are also US-sized busses and trucks thrown into the mix at regular intervals.

Dashing amongst the behemoths of the road are the moving scooters and small motorcycles that carry from 1 to 4 people at a time. Almost all are less than 150CC and are in various states of repair like all Chinese vehicles. A shiny vehicle is rare, and most are covered with mud and road grime. People-power is about as common as fueled vehicles, and bicycles are everywhere; there are 2 and 3-wheeled varieties. The 3-wheeled variety serve as the pickup truck of China, delivering everything from plywood to noodles. Bicycles and 3-wheeled bikes can carry incredible loads up 400 or so lbs (180 kilos) strapped, slung, hung and draped on every possible protuberance. Panniers are a bamboo stick tied across the back with huge baskets hanging from each end.

Now, let’s put all of this in motion. Apparently, traffic lights are often ignored and everyone goes where they want when they want to. Right-of-way is a function of size, with scooter and bikes dashing between and around larger vehicles. All streets are under construction, or should be. Somehow, I saw only 1 crash during my stay, so, somehow, it all works. You only need to take a taxi ride, anywhere, to see the show; hold on tight.