Nanning[a] is the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China.[6] It is known as the "Green City (绿城) " because of its abundance of lush subtropical foliage. Located in the South of Guangxi, Nanning is surrounded by a hilly basin, with a warm, monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. Beginning in 1949, as it underwent sustained industrial growth, Nanning's economy began developing beyond its former role, and the city became essentially a commercial and administrative centre.[7] Today, Nanning is considered the economic, financial and cultural center of Guangxi, and the chief centre for the training of the Zhuang minority in Guangxi.[8] The People's Park is located in the center of the city. The city also serves as a gateway for the China-ASEAN opening up and cooperation.[8] The city is home to several notable universities, including Guangxi University, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Guangxi University of Finance and Economics and Guangxi Arts University.