Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, covers a total area of 10 thousand square kilometers and has a population of around 2.6 million people. With a history of nearly 1700 years, the city is famous for its subtropical scenery and known as the "green city". Nanning's ideal location establishes it as a pivotal economic link between the nation's coastal areas and her interior. The city's landscape is varied with hills and plains in the southeast and mountains for the rest. Nanning pretty much has sunlight all year round, along with a mild climate and sporadic rainfalls. The city boosts green trees, and fruit trees as well as exotic flowers and lush grasslands. Well planted along the boulevards are fruit and fragrant flower trees are in blossom everywhere and shading the streets of the city. Nanning is a modern city with many things to do and to see. Hotels and shopping are diverse and well developed for visitors. Supermarkets, department stores, specialty commodity streets, bookstores and other retail markets offer a variety of merchandise. Nightclubs, gyms, bars, and coffee houses make people active in the night time. People of all ages can be seen walking or relaxing in the city's many squares or along the river.