Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area in Chongzuo City is located in Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area straddles the border between China and Vietnam, and it is the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. The Detian Transnational Waterfall is majestic, with twists and turns, cascading layers, surging water, and its sound can be heard for miles.
The total area of the scenic area is approximately 60 square kilometers, and the core scenic area covers about 20 square kilometers. In addition to the spectacular waterfall landscape, the scenic area also features lush primeval forests, mysterious karst caves, and the characteristic border trade customs of the China-Vietnam border. The maximum width of the Detian Waterfall reaches more than 200 meters, with a depth of 60 meters and a drop of more than 70 meters. The average annual water flow is about three times that of the Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou. The water pours down from the lofty cliffs and green rocks, forming a magnificent and colorful natural picture scroll.
History and Culture
The China-Vietnam border area where the Detian Transnational Waterfall is located has a long history and rich culture. Since ancient times, it has been an important passage for the exchanges, trade, and cultural interactions between the border residents of China and Vietnam.
In ancient times, the border residents of China and Vietnam carried out the exchange of various goods through this passage, forming a unique border trade culture. At the same time, it has also witnessed the profound friendship between the people of the two countries.
As time goes by, the Detian Waterfall has gradually become an important landmark on the China-Vietnam border. In modern and contemporary times, it has attracted a large number of tourists to visit, becoming an important window to showcase the natural scenery and cultural characteristics of the China-Vietnam border.
Main Scenic Spots
Detian Transnational Waterfall
The Detian Transnational Waterfall is the core scenic spot of the area. The waterfall drops in three levels, and the river water tumbles down from a cliff as high as 60 to 70 meters, crashing against the layers of rocks, splashing water everywhere, and filling the air with mist. The waterfall is surrounded by dense vegetation, which remains green throughout the year. On the left side of the Detian Waterfall is the Banyue Waterfall in Vietnam, which is connected to the Detian Waterfall, jointly forming a magnificent natural landscape. Tourists can take a bamboo raft to admire the waterfall up close, feel its majestic momentum, and also enjoy the unique scenery of the China-Vietnam border.
Boundary Marker No. 53
Boundary Marker No. 53 is an ancient boundary marker on the China-Vietnam border, established during the Qing Dynasty. It has witnessed the historical changes of the China-Vietnam border and has important historical significance. There are some small shops opened by the border residents of China and Vietnam around the boundary marker, selling characteristic souvenirs and snacks of the two countries. Tourists can take photos here, feel the unique atmosphere of the border, and at the same time, learn about the history and culture of the China-Vietnam border.
China-Vietnam Cross-border Street
The China-Vietnam Cross-border Street is a street full of exotic charm. There are many shops with Vietnamese characteristics on both sides of the street, selling Vietnamese coffee, perfume, handicrafts, and other products. Here, tourists can experience the strong cultural atmosphere of Vietnam, taste the characteristic cuisine of Vietnam, and also communicate with the border residents to understand their lifestyle and customs.
Guichun River
The Guichun River is the source river of the Detian Transnational Waterfall, meandering along the China-Vietnam border. The river water is clear and green, and the scenery on both banks is beautiful, with large areas of paddy fields and dense forests. Tourists can take a stroll along the riverbank, enjoy the pastoral scenery on both sides of the river, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. There are also some viewing platforms on the Guichun River, allowing tourists to admire the beauty of the Detian Waterfall from different angles.
Delicacies
Bamboo Winnowing Basket Feast
The Bamboo Winnowing Basket Feast is a local characteristic delicacy. Various dishes are placed in a large bamboo winnowing basket, including white-cut chicken, roasted duck, braised pork, vegetables, etc., with a combination of meat and vegetables and rich colors. The dishes have diverse flavors, such as savory, sweet, and sour, reflecting the local food characteristics. Tourists can sit around and taste it with their friends and family, feeling the strong local atmosphere.
Bamboo Tube Rice
Bamboo Tube Rice is made by baking rice and other ingredients in a fresh bamboo tube. When the bamboo tube is opened, the rice has the fragrance of bamboo and a soft and glutinous taste. Ingredients such as chicken, spareribs, and mushrooms can also be added to make the taste richer. This characteristic delicacy can be tasted at snack stalls or restaurants around the scenic area, which is a good choice for tourists to replenish their energy.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Vietnamese Spring Rolls are quite common on the China-Vietnam Cross-border Street. They are wrapped with a thin rice skin that is as thin as a cicada's wing, containing various ingredients such as shrimp, pork, vegetables, and vermicelli, and then dipped in a special sauce, with a refreshing taste. The unique production process of Vietnamese Spring Rolls reflects the characteristics of Vietnamese food culture and is one of the favorite snacks of tourists.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a characteristic fruit of the local area. The fruit is huge, the pulp is golden yellow, and it is sweet and delicious. It has a high nutritional value, rich in vitamins and minerals. Fresh jackfruit can be purchased at the fruit stalls around the scenic area, allowing tourists to taste the unique flavor of this tropical fruit.
Tickets
The ticket price of Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area in Chongzuo City may be adjusted according to different seasons and policies. Generally, the adult ticket price is around 115 yuan. Tourists can purchase tickets through the official website of the scenic area, major online travel platforms, and the ticket windows of the scenic area. At the same time, the scenic area has corresponding preferential policies for special groups such as children, students, the elderly, and military personnel. For example, children under 1.2 meters in height are free of charge, and students, the elderly, etc. can enjoy discounted ticket prices with valid certificates. Specific preferential information can be inquired with the scenic area staff when purchasing tickets. In addition, transportation tools such as bamboo rafts in the scenic area may require additional fees, which are approximately 30 yuan.
Opening Hours
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area is open throughout the year, usually from 7:30 to 17:30 every day. However, during some special holidays or peak tourist seasons, the scenic area may adjust the opening hours according to the actual situation, such as appropriately extending the opening hours to meet the needs of more tourists. Before visiting the scenic area, it is recommended that tourists pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or relevant announcements to obtain the latest opening hour information and arrange their itinerary reasonably.
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first take the sightseeing vehicle of the scenic area to the viewing platform of the Detian Transnational Waterfall, overlooking the whole picture of the waterfall from a high place and admiring its majestic momentum. Then, they can choose to take a bamboo raft to feel the splashing water of the waterfall up close and appreciate the unique scenery of the China-Vietnam border.
After leaving the waterfall, go to Boundary Marker No. 53 to learn about the history and culture of the China-Vietnam border and browse the small shops around it. Then go to the China-Vietnam Cross-border Street, taste the characteristic cuisine of Vietnam, and buy special souvenirs.
Finally, you can take a stroll along the Guichun River, enjoy the pastoral scenery on both sides of the river, and admire the beauty of the Detian Waterfall again at the viewing platform to end the pleasant journey.
Transportation
- Airplane: You can first take a flight to Nanning Wuxu International Airport, then take a special line bus to Daxin County at the airport, and then transfer to a bus to Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area from Daxin County.
- Train: Take a train to Nanning Station or Nanning East Station, and then take a bus to Daxin County at the bus station in Nanning. After arriving in Daxin County, transfer to a vehicle to the scenic area.
- Bus: There are tourist buses directly to Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area at Nanning Xixiangtang Bus Station, Jiangnan Bus Station, etc. You can also take a bus to Daxin County from Chongzuo City and then transfer to the scenic area.
- Self-driving: If you choose to drive by yourself, you can start from Nanning, drive along the Nanning-Youyi Expressway, get off the expressway at the Daxin exit, and then follow the signs to the scenic area. There is a parking lot in the scenic area for parking.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
- Detian Transnational Waterfall: The largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest in the world, with a maximum width of more than 200 meters, a depth of 60 meters, a drop of more than 70 meters, and an average annual water flow about three times that of the Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou. It drops in three levels, with majestic momentum. You can take a bamboo raft to admire it up close and feel the unique scenery of the China-Vietnam border.
- Boundary Marker No. 53: An ancient boundary marker on the China-Vietnam border established during the Qing Dynasty, witnessing the historical changes of the border. There are small shops around it, where you can take photos and learn about the history and culture of the China-Vietnam border.
- China-Vietnam Cross-border Street: Full of Vietnamese exotic charm, with many Vietnamese characteristic shops selling coffee, perfume, handicrafts, etc. You can taste Vietnamese cuisine and experience the cultural atmosphere of Vietnam.
Tour Suggestions
- Understand the ticket prices, preferential policies, and opening hours of the scenic area in advance, and plan your itinerary reasonably. You can query through the official website of the scenic area or online travel platforms.
- If you want to admire the waterfall up close, it is recommended to take a bamboo raft, but pay attention to safety and wear a life jacket.
- When shopping on the China-Vietnam Cross-border Street, pay attention to distinguish the quality and price of the goods and consume rationally.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you need to walk a lot in the scenic area, especially when going to the viewing platform and strolling along the Guichun River.
- When visiting in summer, pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention. Bring sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent, and other items.
- When tasting food, choose regular restaurants and snack stalls to ensure food hygiene and quality.
Precautions
- Comply with the regulations and order of the scenic area. Do not scribble, spit, or litter in the scenic area. Keep the scenic area clean and beautiful.
- When taking a bamboo raft or approaching the waterfall, follow the instructions of the staff, do not make dangerous moves, and pay attention to safety.
- Respect the border management regulations of China and Vietnam, and do not cross the border line to avoid unnecessary troubles.
- Keep your personal belongings safe, especially in crowded places such as the China-Vietnam Cross-border Street and the entrance of the scenic area, to prevent your belongings from being lost or stolen.
- If there is bad weather, such as heavy rain or strong wind, the scenic area may take some safety measures, such as closing some scenic spots or facilities. Tourists should follow the arrangements of the scenic area staff and cooperate with the management of the scenic area.
- When taking photos in the scenic area, pay attention to protecting your equipment to avoid damage to cameras and other equipment due to the mist of the waterfall or other reasons.