Detian (Ban Gioc) Transnational Waterfall
德天跨国瀑布
Asia's largest and the world's fourth-largest transnational waterfall. The Guichun River forms three tiers across the China–Vietnam border, the falls are over 200 meters wide, and you can float past them by bamboo raft.
Detian Waterfall lies on the China–Vietnam border in Shuolong Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo. Here the Guichun River drops in three tiers over a cliff about 70 meters high. The falls are more than 200 meters wide and merge with the Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnamese side, making them the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. It is a national 5A-level scenic area and a filming location for TV dramas such as “Legend of Fei.”
Suggested route: Take the sightseeing shuttle from the visitor center to the downstream section. Walk the riverside path and viewing platforms to see the three tiers from afar and up close. Then head to the bamboo raft dock in front of the falls (about 30 yuan per person, roughly 20 minutes) to get near the spray, the most dramatic vantage point. Afterward, climb the path to Boundary Marker No. 53 at the top of the falls, where Vietnamese vendors sell coffee, cigarettes and slippers. It's a popular spot to “step across two countries.” In summer, the scenic area also opens a floating bridge and a night light show. Entry costs about 80–115 yuan and the shuttle about 45 yuan. Book in advance through the official “Detian Transnational Waterfall” mini-program with real-name registration.
Best season: July–September brings the highest water volume, a thunderous roar and heavy mist, but also the hottest weather. In the dry season the falls split into thin streams, which offer clear water and quiet.
Getting there: Direct buses run from Nanning Langdong Bus Station (about 3.5 hours). Alternatively, take the high-speed train to Chongzuo South Station and transfer to a direct scenic-area shuttle (about 1.5 hours). By car, the route Nanning–Chongzuo–Daxin–Shuolong takes about 3 hours. The waterfall is about 40 km from Mingshi Countryside.
Tips: Bring your ID card, as the area is near the border. Wear a life jacket on the raft, and protect phones and cameras from water in the wet season. Be wary of counterfeit goods and haggle at the Vietnamese border market. Food inside the park is basic, so bring snacks. In peak season, shuttles and rafts have long queues, so arrive early in the morning.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00 (until 19:00 in summer)
Nearby sights
- Shatun Cascades
- Gulongshan Canyons
- Tongling Grand Canyon
- Heishui River
- Mingshi Countryside
- Longgong Cave
- Anping Xianhe Scenic Area
- Nonggang National Nature Reserve