Atlas of China
Detian Waterfall 德天瀑布Détiān Pùbù
A broad, tiered waterfall spilling across the border between China and Vietnam
- Best time
- Jul–Oct (fullest flow)
- Time needed
- 1 day; 2 with nearby karst sights
- Days to budget
- 1½ days
- Stay in
- Nanning
- Region
- Guangxi
- Type
- Nature
- Listed as
- 5A scenic area, 4A scenic area
Why go to Detian Waterfall
Detian Waterfall tumbles in wide white tiers over limestone ledges on the Guichun River, framed by karst hills and rice fields. You can take a bamboo raft almost into the spray, while the Vietnamese half of the falls pours down just across the river.
The story
Because the border runs along the river, the same cascade has two names: Detian in China and Ban Gioc in Vietnam. The surrounding countryside is home to the Zhuang, China's largest ethnic minority.
What to see at Detian Waterfall
- Detian Falls viewing paths 德天瀑布观瀑台: Boardwalks and platforms run along the broad, tiered falls of the Guichun River, close enough to feel the spray.
- Bamboo rafts on the Guichun River 归春河竹筏: Short rides take you near the base of the falls; rafts may stop when water is high.
- Mingshi countryside 明仕田园: A karst valley of rice fields and bamboo in Daxin county, a 4A scenic area, reached by a short drive.
- Tongling Grand Canyon 通灵大峡谷: A forested gorge with underground rivers and caves in neighbouring Jingxi county, usually added as a second-day stop.
How to visit Detian Waterfall
Booking is by real name in advance and you should carry your passport. The usual route is shuttle, paths, viewing platform and then the raft, which takes a few hours. Stay on marked paths. Add Mingshi on a second day.
How to get to Detian Waterfall
Detian is about three to four hours by road from Nanning. Buses run via Daxin County, but many visitors hire a car and stay overnight nearby.
Where to stay
Stay at Mingshi or the village near the falls, or in Daxin county town; many visitors overnight nearby to arrive early.
What to eat
- Five-colour glutinous rice 五色糯米饭: Sticky rice dyed with plant juices, served on festival days and in village restaurants.
- Daxin kuding tea 大新苦丁茶: A strongly bitter herbal tea from Daxin county, a protected geographical-indication product.
Tips for visiting Detian Waterfall
- Visit between summer and early autumn, when the falls are at full power; they thin out in the dry season.
- The border runs along the river, so stay on marked paths and keep your passport with you.
- Combine with the nearby Tongling Grand Canyon or the Mingshi countryside for a two-day karst loop.
Nearby
- Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art 花山岩画 80 km
About 1,900 red figures painted on a sheer cliff above the Ming River
Also within 30 km: Gulongshan Grand Canyon 古龙山大峡谷 (20 km), Tongling Grand Canyon 通灵大峡谷 (20 km), Mingshi Pastoral Scenery 明仕田园 (30 km).
On the map
Open Detian Waterfall on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Detian Waterfall on the map