Vietnamese tourists flock to Guangxi as cross-border tourism resumes

As Youyi border port resumed fast customs clearance, nearly 400 Vietnamese tourists flocked to Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Saturday. 　 A travel agency in Liuzhou cooperated with Nanning Railway Bureau to launch a special tour route from Pingxiang City, 　Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to Zhangjiajie in　central China's Hunan Province. Vietnamese tourists set off from Pingxiang to Guangxi and other destinations in China. 　

"The economy has developed rapidly in Vietnam in recent years, and there is a strong demand for tourism," said Zhong Wei, head of Taihai Travel Agency in Liuzhou, "Guangxi is their preferred destination for Vietnamese tourists. We want to guide the tourists to Liuzhou first, and extend the journey from there." 　

Luosifen, originated in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.　It is a snail-based rice noodle soup dish creating a buzz on social media thanks to its infamous smell.　It features rice vermicelli soaked in a spicy broth, topped with locally grown ingredients including bamboo shoots, string beans, turnips, peanuts and tofu skin. 　

Despite having the word "snail" in its Chinese name, actual snails don't commonly appear in the dish, but are used to flavor the broth. 　

"I have tried Luosifen in Vietnam. There is more in M%26oacute;ng C%26aacute;i in Vietnam. It is particularly popular among young people in Vietnam," said a tour guide from Vietnam, "It is my first time to have one in Liuzhou, and the taste is a little different. It's better here." 　

Many Vietnamese tourists chose to buy some bagged Luosifen and bring it back to their hometown. They said that its scent is mildly sour and spicy, which suits the taste of Vietnamese. Luosifen has been exported to the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries, and is popular among people all over the world.