Plan at a glance
Gate tower and border crossing
Friendship Gate is on the China–Vietnam border in Pingxiang, Chongzuo. The scenic area centers on the gate tower, city walls and remains of artillery batteries, close to an active border crossing. Visiting the scenic area and crossing the border are separate activities; crossing requires the procedures applicable to your nationality and the current rules.
How long to spend
Allow around 1.5–2 hours for the gate tower and its surroundings, or about 3 hours if adding the uphill route to Jinjishan Battery. The scenic-area ticket and sightseeing car may be charged separately. Check which buildings and batteries you can visit and whether the historical exhibition hall needs a separate reservation or ticket.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Friendship Gate tower
The gate tower spans the road and houses displays about border history; visitors can go upstairs when it is open. The Chinese characters for “Friendship Gate” were written by Chen Yi. Nearby, you can learn about events such as the Battle of Zhennan Pass and see how the pass sits between the hills.
The pass was previously known by names including Zhennan Pass. Modern border conflicts and China–Vietnam exchanges have both left their mark here. When the exhibition is open, its displays explain names and uses from different periods.
French-style building and city walls
The French-style building has surrounding corridors, arches and decorative windows and is connected with the area's customs history. It was built in 1896 and remodeled in 1914; when open, its corridor offers a view of the gate tower. Old walls run uphill on both sides of the gate, with access subject to signs on site.
Zuofu Mountain and Jinjishan batteries
Zuofu Mountain Battery is connected with the history of Zhennan Pass, and a group of old batteries remains on the Jinjishan side. Visitors interested in modern border history or a higher view of the terrain can climb when the areas are open. Both involve slopes and steps.
The Zuofu Mountain site is also called Zhenguan Battery; the old Jinjishan batteries lie on the other side. To visit both, check their separate opening times and plan the uphill walks and gate-tower exhibition accordingly. Bring water and sun protection for summer climbs.
Kilometer Zero
Around Kilometer Zero you can see border-road markers and the terrain near the crossing. Access varies with border-control and scenic-area arrangements. Do not cross barriers into the working border area.
For the rock-art boat trip in Ningming, with a separate transfer, see Ningming Huashan Rock Art Scenic Area.
For historic streets in Chongzuo's Jiangzhou District, see Taiping Ancient City.
Build your day
Short gate-tower route
Enter through the Friendship Gate Scenic Area Visitor Center, then walk or take the sightseeing car toward the gate tower as arranged on site. Visit the French-style building if open, then see the tower exhibition and the area around Kilometer Zero. If time allows, climb to Zuofu Mountain Battery before returning the same way to the visitor center. Allow around 1.5–2 hours.
Add a battery climb
For a higher view, ask whether Jinjishan Battery is open before adding it to the gate-tower route. The climb takes about an hour, and the whole visit can be planned around 3 hours. Steps, weather and opening times affect the actual duration.
Get there
From Pingxiang
Travel first to Pingxiang by train or long-distance bus, then check local buses to Friendship Gate or take a taxi. Drivers can navigate to “友谊关景区游客中心” and park in the designated area, then walk or use the scenic-area sightseeing car after entry.
Continuing your trip
Puzhai border-trade area and central Pingxiang have shopping and food options. Arrange a separate vehicle after your visit. Ningming Huashan Rock Art also requires a separate transfer; check its boat schedule first.
Know before you go
Opening times and tickets
Buildings and batteries may keep different hours, and uphill areas such as Jinjishan Battery may close before the gate-tower exhibition. If visiting both, check each area's last-entry time and schedule the earlier-closing area first. Sightseeing-car operation and charges follow the notices on site.
Border rules and photography
Carry valid identification and cooperate with border checks. Do not photograph military facilities, border-inspection facilities or officers on duty. If you plan to visit Vietnam, check passport, visa and crossing requirements with the relevant authorities in advance.
Climbing and food
The battery routes have slopes and steps that may be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip and bring water. In central Pingxiang, look for rice rolls or chicken rice noodles; if shopping in Puzhai, check prices and rules for carrying purchases.