NANNING - A transnational highway linking a city in South China and a Vietnamese tourist destination is expected to enhance the tourist industry in the two countries.

The 400-km-long highway, which opened earlier this week, connects Chongzuo city in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and the Vietnamese city of Ha Long, shortening bus travel time between the two locations to 7.5 hours.

Chongzuo attracts a great number of tourists with its beautiful transnational waterfalls and charming ethnic culture, while Ha Long is adjacent to Ha Long Bay, a famous tourist destination in Vietnam.

Lu Quan, deputy manager of the Business Management Department of the Guangxi Yunde Group, the operator of the highway, said it was the first transnational highway to link the two cities, and that it will facilitate transportation for visitors from both countries.

"It will bring more exchanges and contribute to the future development of the tourist industries in China and Vietnam," he said.