Approximate Border Location
Wait Times
Cars 20-90m; peaks 120-360m
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Operating Hours
Open 24 hrs (12:00 AM-11:59 PM)
Crossing Types
Cars,buses,trucks; major controls
Border Type
Land crossing via road border gate
Peak Times
Mon-Fri 02:00-07:00 PM; holidays
Daily Crossings
10,000-40,000/day
Currency Exchange
CNY; VND at Dongxing/Móng Cái; ATMs
Safety Information
Queue risk; strict customs checks
Languages Spoken
Vietnamese, Mandarin, English
Accessibility Features
Accessible facilities vary by post
About Shuikou & Ta Lung
The Shuikou-Ta Lung border crossing (also known as Shuikou in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Ta Lung or Thac Lung in Vietnam’s Lang Son province) connects the town of Shuikou in Pingxiang city, Chongzuo prefecture, to the border area of Dong Dang and Thac Lung in Lang Son province, Vietnam. You reach this point when traveling overland from southern China toward northern Vietnam, often as part of routes from Nanning or Pingxiang to Hanoi, Lang Son, or farther south. It serves as one of the major trade and passenger crossings along the China-Vietnam border, handling significant volumes of goods, trucks, and daily commuters in a region where economic ties have grown rapidly since the normalization of relations in the 1990s.
Location and Connections
Shuikou lies in southwestern Guangxi, about 20 kilometers from Pingxiang city and roughly 180 kilometers from Nanning. Ta Lung (Thac Lung) sits immediately across the border in Lang Son province, with onward roads to Dong Dang (about 10 kilometers) and Lang Son city (around 30 kilometers). The crossing features modern immigration and customs facilities on both sides, with a short neutral zone and multiple lanes for vehicles, pedestrians, and trucks. The surrounding landscape includes karst hills, agricultural fields, and industrial zones typical of the border’s karst topography. No major river or mountain pass dominates; the border here follows relatively flat terrain with a paved road bridge. No rail passenger service crosses directly at Shuikou (the main rail link is at nearby Pingxiang-Dong Dang), but freight trains use the adjacent rail corridor.
Historical and Geopolitical Background
The China-Vietnam border spans 1,350 kilometers, shaped by French-Chinese treaties in the late 19th century and post-independence adjustments. Shuikou-Ta Lung emerged as a trade post after the 1991 normalization of relations following the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. The crossing formalized in the 1990s under bilateral agreements, quickly becoming a key economic artery as Vietnam opened to market reforms and China expanded its southern trade. It supports massive cross-border commerce in electronics, textiles, fruits, and consumer goods, with Shuikou serving as a major gateway for Vietnamese exports to China. The point has remained stable despite occasional diplomatic tensions, such as the South China Sea disputes, and benefits from ASEAN-China free trade frameworks. Fun fact: the crossing handles one of the highest volumes of fruit trade in the world, with tropical fruits from Vietnam (dragon fruit, durian, mango) flowing into China during peak seasons, making it a vital link in regional supply chains.
Current Status and Operating Hours
As of early 2026, Shuikou-Ta Lung operates as a fully functional international crossing for passengers, vehicles, and freight. It opens daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (with some reports of extended hours during peak trade seasons), handling significant truck traffic and daily passenger flows. The crossing sees high volumes, particularly for goods trucks, leading to occasional queues during harvest seasons or holidays. Dry season (October to April) offers reliable access; rainy season (May to September) brings flooding risks in low-lying areas, though major disruptions remain rare due to improved drainage and roads. Security involves Chinese border police and Vietnamese immigration/customs conducting thorough checks, especially for commercial cargo. No major closures reported recently, but verify through Chinese Guangxi Border Inspection or Vietnamese Border Guard announcements, as trade surges or minor disputes can affect wait times.
Crossing Procedures Step by Step
You process exit and entry on both sides. From China to Vietnam: at the Shuikou Chinese post, present your passport for exit stamp, answer questions on purpose and duration, and clear customs if carrying goods. Walk or drive the short distance to Ta Lung Vietnam immigration for entry stamp (Vietnamese citizens cross freely; foreigners use visa-on-arrival or pre-arranged visa). The reverse from Vietnam follows the same sequence: Vietnam exit stamp followed by Chinese entry (customs check for restricted items). Procedures include manual document verification, bag or vehicle scans, and security questions. Wait times typically range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, longer for trucks or during peak periods. Foreigners report efficient processing, though expect added scrutiny for commercial goods or larger sums of cash.
Visa Requirements for Foreign Visitors
Chinese and Vietnamese citizens cross without visas under bilateral arrangements for border residents or short trips. Foreigners entering Vietnam from China can obtain visa-on-arrival at land borders (30 days single entry for $25 USD or multiple entry options; payable in cash, USD preferred). Bring passport photos and exact fees. Passports need six months validity. China requires no visa for Vietnamese citizens but may check foreigners for onward permits if traveling to restricted areas. Rules remain stable, but confirm via embassies or official portals, as enforcement can vary at busy trade crossings.
Transportation Options and Road Details
From Nanning, high-speed trains or buses reach Pingxiang (2-3 hours), then taxis or local buses cover the short distance to Shuikou. From Ta Lung, buses or shared taxis head to Dong Dang, Lang Son, or Hanoi. Private cars cross freely for citizens; foreigners may need vehicle permits or temporary import forms. Roads from Pingxiang stay paved and modern; Vietnamese side includes highways with occasional rough patches. Monsoon flooding can delay travel in low areas. Full Nanning-Hanoi trip takes 1-2 days with border time. Daylight travel recommended for safety and visibility.
Scams and Safety Warnings
Common issues include inflated taxi fares near Shuikou or poor exchange rates (use banks or official changers). Touts may offer “fast” crossing services or unofficial currency exchange. The area remains generally safe for transit, but petty theft occurs in crowds. Monitor news for local flooding or trade disputes. Avoid unofficial paths or nighttime travel. Register with embassies if staying longer in Vietnam or China.
Nearby Attractions and Practical Tips
Shuikou offers local markets and proximity to Pingxiang’s Friendship Pass. Ta Lung leads to Dong Dang’s markets and Lang Son’s karst landscapes. Carry USD/CNY/VND cash, water, snacks, sunscreen, and passport copies. Start early; consider Friendship Pass or Mong Cai as backups if needed. Translation apps aid local interactions.
Final Notes for Planning
Shuikou-Ta Lung provides a busy, efficient crossing between China and Vietnam’s northern region, with straightforward procedures and high trade volumes. Confirm status, prepare visas/fees, and time travel for daylight. With basic preparation, it offers reliable passage across this economically vibrant frontier. Safe travels.
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