Written by Veronica |
If youāve already added the Li River landscapes of Guilin on your bucket list for a China travel, do extend your journey southward to Detian Waterfall by a three-hour drive. ThisĀ Asiaās largest and the worldās fourth largest transnational fall will burst into your view in an utterly imposing manner. It looks so magnificent, with a width of approximately 200 meters and a drop surpassing 70 meters.
Detian Waterfall stands on the border between China and Vietnam, so that you can cross the border to enjoy a quick Vietnam tour. Here weāve prepared a complete guide for you, covering all information about visiting Detian Waterfall that you may need.
Content Preview
- Take a Glance
- Top Things to See and Do
- Where Is It & How to Get to?
- How to Visit?
- Nearby Attractions
- Plan Your Nanning Tour
- FAQs about Detian Waterfall
Take a Glance at Detian Waterfall
Fast Facts:
- Location: Detian Village, Shuolong Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi
- Also known as: Ban Gioc Waterfall or Ban Gioc-Detian Fallsā
- Chinese name: 德天ēåø
- Opening hours: Daytime: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm; night: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Tickets:115RMB for daytime and 168RMB for night tickets (including the sightseeing shuttle bus fare); bamboo rafting: 48RMB
- Best time to visit: June – October
- Recommended visiting duration:3 – 4 hours
- Highlights: Visiting two countries effortlessly in one day; the top 1 transnational waterfall in Asia; a night pleasure to take in the perfect integration of lights and waterfalls.
- Best for: Nature lovers, shutterbugs, adventurous hikers, families with children
What’s Special about Detian Waterfall
Obviously, Detian Waterfall stands out for its special location spanning China and Vietnam. During the rainy seasonĀ (June to November), it merges with the Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnam side, with a total width of over 200 meters, forming Asiaās largest transnational waterfall. It feels like the geographical border transforms into a magnificent water curtain.
Moreover, the waterfall is more than just a scenic spot, itās also a window to take a glance of the daily life on the border. You can see the Vietnamese residents paddling small boats to the river center, selling coffee and coconut candy to tourists. Of course, you can also cross the border to enjoy a cup of brewed coffee and a bowl of authentic chicken rice noodles in Vietnam.
Read Further: 7 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in China
Ban Gioc vs. Detian: Comparing the Two Sides of the Falls
Dimension |
China: Detian Waterfall |
Vietnam: Ban Gioc Waterfall |
Overall Impression |
Majestic and grand |
Graceful and delicate |
Scale |
Three-tiered cascades, with a dropĀ exceeding 70 meters and a width of approximately 200 meters. |
Has a drop ofĀ around 30 meters, with relatively modest water flow, like a few Ā white ribbonsĀ hanging before the mountain. |
Vibe |
Bustling and lively. Tourists often line up in queues for hopping on bamboo rafts. |
Tranquil and serene, with fewer tourists. Boatmen oftenĀ play cards and chat by the shore, exuding a leisurely and carefree vibe. |
View |
A breathtaking view from afar to near. You can take a bamboo raft to plunge into the mist, feeling the oppressive gaze of the fall. |
You will be immersed in the tranquil mist as you get closer to the waterfall, as if a gossamer veil brushes your face softly. |
Facilities |
Well-developed, with a shopping street and well-marked hiking trails. |
A little primitive, with mostly dirt and gravel paths, and few shops. |
Experiences |
Boundary river bamboo raft, magic flying carpet, glass skywalk, light show. |
Bamboo rafting and hiking. |
Rough Layout and Map
The scenic area takes the shape of a narrow strip along the Guichun River. A main road runs through the strip, so basically there is no need to worry about taking the wrong path.
Upon entering the scenic area, you will walk along a trail to arrive at the front of the waterfall. It would be nice to take a bamboo raft to feel the majesty of waterfall at a close distance.
There are also sightseeing terraces nearby to admire the waterfall from different altitudes and angles. On the hillside, you wonāt miss the Cross-border Street, where you can enjoy Vietnamese coffee and food.
The Magic Flying Carpet can lift you to the mountain top to have a birdās eye view of the scenery below. Hiking along the mountain path, you will pass by the transparent glass skywalk. Itās very thrilling to stand there to overlook the pastoral landscape of China and Vietnam.
Top Things to See and Do
Admire the Waterfall from DifferentĀ Viewpoints
The viewing platforms of Detian Waterfall are arranged along two distinct routes: the uphill path at the mountain foot and the hillside path to the summit.
At the mountain foot, three levels of viewing platforms line the river. As you ascend step by step, the misty spray comes closer and closer and the roar of water becomes thunderous. The three-tiered cascades of waterfall are just before your eyes!
While on the mountain, the seven viewing platforms offer increasingly expansive views.
Platforms 1 and 2 require only a brief stop, while starting from Platform 3, you need to linger for a longer time.
Itās worth mentioning thatĀ Platform 5 is commonly recognized as the best spot for photographing, as the waterfalls on both sides are framed into a same picture.
Besides, the aerial observation deck adjacent to the glass skywalkĀ is worthwhile as you can see the Vietnamese countryside villages and waterfall beneath your feet.
Enjoy A Bamboo Raft Ride on the Border River
Anyone should not miss a bamboo raft ride on Guichun Riverāthe border river. It is not thrilling, but allows you to view Detian Waterfall up close. Without high barriers, you can take a bamboo raft and let the boatman guide you straight into the heart of the mist under the waterfall.
The roaring sound of water fills your ears, and cool water droplets splash against your face. It must be one of the most unforgettable moments in this trip. On the way, you may encounter Vietnamese peddling small commodities on boats. If interested, you can ask the boatman to stop and buy some.
Watch Splendid Night Shows
Detian Waterfall is even more attractive at night when it is surrounded by colorful lights. The performance āWonderful Night Detianā, taking the waterfall as a giant natural backdrop, is a real feast for eyes.
You do not have a fixed seat for it, but need to walk along a 1.5-kilometer-long plank road. As you walk, itās like you enter a fantasy world gradually. The whole process takes about 75 minutes, and you will be immersed in the myth about āFrog TotemāĀ and a girl from Zhuang Ethnic Group.
Check in and Take Photos at Popular Spots
- Boundary Marker No. 836: The new boundary stele between China and Vietnam. Many tourists take photos here to leave a lifetime memory.
- Boundary Marker No. 53: The old boundary stele jointly set up by the Qing Dynasty and France in 1896.
- Detian Temple: A holy place for local Zhuang people to worship and pray for blessings.
- Rice Field Cafe: Situated amid the hillside rice fields, it is a beautiful cafe for killing time and taking wonderful photos to publish on social media.
- Cross-Border Street: It gathers characteristic Vietnamese restaurants, supermarkets and souvenir stalls.
Where Is Detian Waterfall and How to Get to?
Detian Transnational Waterfall is tucked away in the south end of China. Specifically speaking, it is located in Detian Village, Daxin County of Chongzuo City in Guangxi. This rural area is far from cities. Therefore, you may need take a plane or train to Nanning or Chongzuo first, and then transfer to the scenic area. Nanning is better as the transfer base for easier accessibility.
From Nanning:
In Langdong Bus Station, one through bus departs for Detian Waterfall daily between 8:30 and 9:00 am. The whole ride takes about 4 hours, and the tickets fare fluctuates between 60 and 90RMB. If you miss it, take a bus to Daxin County instead, and then catch the bus to Detian at Daxin Bus Station.
From Chongzuo:
You can take a tourist bus to Detian Waterfall from Chongzuo Tourist Distributing Center that is neighboring Chongzuo South Railway Station.
How to Visit?
Transportation Within the Scenic Area
As the long-distance bus can only take you to the tourist center, about 10km from the scenic area, you have to take the shuttle bus. The bus fare is usually included in the entrance fee.
Best Time to Visit Detian Waterfalls
The rainy season from June to November is best with abundant water. If you visit in July or August, there is a chance youāll catch a rainbow. You can either explore the waterfall on foot or take a bamboo raft for an up-close view.
Where to Stay in Detian Waterfall
Shuolong Town, approximately 15km from the waterfall, is the prior choice for many tourists. Itās reliable with a well-established range of hotels and restaurants.
If you intend to take a night tour or want to beat the crowds in the morning, consider lodging in the guesthouses and inns located just steps from the gate.
If you seek a more tranquil countryside escape, Mingshi Pastoral Area surrounded by karst peaks and rice paddies is recommended.
Recommended Route
- After entering the scenic area, walk along the cobbled road and you will see the wharf for taking bamboo raft. Enjoy the rafting and go ashore.
- Then ascend the steps where you will observe the waterfall from three different levels.
- Have a brief rest at Detian Temple and take photos at Boundary Marker No. 836.
- Continue walking and you will arrive at the Cross-Border Street.
- Next to it is the entrance for the Magic Carpet that canĀ easily lift you to the summit.
- After a while on the glass skywalk, you can take the slideway.
- Later, appreciate the waterfall at different sightseeing platforms on the way downhill.
Photography Tips
The best spots for capturing the front view of Detian Fall are on bamboo rafts and the third-tier viewing platform. To capture the side-by-side view of falls on both sides, take photos at Sightseeing Platforms 5 and 6.
The golden hours are between 9:00 and 11:00 am for a balance between crowds and light.
Other Essential Tips
- Visit during the rainy season as possible as you can. If not, avoid visiting during the shutdown of the upstream Vietnamese power stations. Please confirm this with the scenic area when purchasing tickets.
- You need to buy tickets at the tourist center 10km far away if staying inside the scenic area. Some inn hosts can help to buy tickets.
- Due to the sensitive location, drones are prohibited from flying over the scenic area.
- Multiple toilets are available in the scenic area, and there are eye-catching signs near the tourist center and entrance.
- There are several restaurants inside the scenic area that accept Alipay/WeChat payment.
- Take a mosquito repellent.
- Donāt attempt to enter unopened areas.
- Donāt take unlicensed bamboo rafts.
Nearby Attractions to Detian Falls in Guangxi Province
- Mingshi Scenic Area: 30-40km from Detian Falls, 120RMB, a typical karst wonderland for cycling and bamboo rafting.
- Tongling Grand Canyon: About 30km from Detian Fall, 115RMB, featured by a waterfall with a dramatic drop of 188.6m, underground river and primitive forests.
- Gulongshan Grand Canyon: 120km from Detian, 115RMB, offering various activities including canyon hiking, rafting and karst cave adventuring.
Plan Your Nanning Tour with China Xian Tour
Of course, Nanning is not just about Detian Waterfall. The surrounding karst landscape are equally enchanting. If you have a flexible schedule, letās take an in-depth Naning tour for two to three days. China Xian Tour is ready to help you to make the best travel plan that covers transportation and accommodation. Donāt hesitate, contact us for a optimum quotation.
FAQs about Detian Waterfall
- What should I bring when visiting Detian Waterfall?
You need to take a raincoat, non-slipĀ shoes, your passport, a waterproof phone pouch, a sunhat, and mosquito repellent.
- Can I actually cross the border into Vietnam?
Well, only group tour members are allowed to cross the border. You need to take a valid passport and secure a border pass at the cross-border tourism cooperation zone service hall. The pass only allows you to stay within the zone for not exceeding 6 hours.
- Is the hike difficult? Do I have to walk a lot?
It’s not strenuous. Most roads are not steep, and thanks to the shuttle bus, bamboo rafts, Magic Carpet, and slideway, you donāt have to walk a lot.
