Exploring Detian Waterfall in Guangxi, China

Our family’s latest adventure brought us to an absolutely jaw-dropping natural wonder; Detian Waterfall. The spectacular Detian Waterfall, a natural landmark along the China-Vietnam border, is one of the world’s four largest transnational waterfalls. Visiting the Detian waterfall was an experience that both my daughter Yuyi and I will never forget. In this blog post, I will be sharing our experience at Detian Waterfall with tips for traveling with kids and the best photos from this magical natural wonder.

Detian Waterfall – The Magical Natural Attraction in China

Detian waterfall is a natural waterfall located in the Guangxi region of China. This natural attraction is located about 230 kilometers or 3 hours away from the Guangxi capital, Nanning, and is found along the China and Vietnam border. Detian waterfall is one of the largest of the world’s four largest transnational waterfalls in the world. The falls are approximately over 200 meters wide.

The natural wonder is a sight to behold; Detian is known for the several sets of multi-tiered cascading falls. Picture after picture is taken as streams of jade-green water flow down with force to join the Guangsi River. Detian Waterfall is a unique natural spot that has always been a favored destination for travelers and nature enthusiasts.

Journey to Detian Waterfall

Truth be told, this place has been on our travel bucket list for a long time. Yuyi and I have visited quite a few off-the-beaten-path natural attractions in China, most of which were highly commercialized and pretty gross. Detian waterfall, on the other hand, was as peaceful and majestic as I could have imagined. Nestled by the mountains and lush green foliage with mountains that are outlined with huge cliffs, Detian waterfall almost felt hidden and out of the way. 

The Waterfall is a great place to visit if you’re a traveler who loves visiting off-the-beaten-path attractions and appreciate nature.

Traveling to Detian Waterfall with Kids

We left Nanning early in the morning with the car fully packed with our daughter’s favorite toys and snacks. The trip from Nanning to Detian was scenic and pleasant, as we had to stop several times to take photos of the Guaxxi scenery. I’d recommend stopping on the way there if you’re traveling with younger children. Our daughter, Yuyi, did great during the 3-hour car ride but we were constantly distracting her with snacks and her favorite toys.

Bamboo Raft Ride to Get Close to the Waterfall

We left Nanning early in the morning with the car packed to the brim with all our daughter’s favorite toys and snacks. The trip from Nanning to Detian was scenic, and pretty and since we had to stop several times to take scenic photos of the Guaxxi attractions. I’d suggest stopping on the way if you have a young kid. The trip to Detian from Nanning was about 3 hours but our daughter Yuyi handled it like a champ but we were constantly distracting her with snacks and toys.

We were lucky to catch the bamboo raft ride to the waterfall and it was an experience we will always cherish. Priced at a mere 48 RMB per person, we boarded our bamboo raft to be ferried by the river to a spot near the waterfall. I’d recommend taking this bamboo raft ride when in Detian.

Tickets are sold easily at a nearby kiosk where the bamboo rafts are located. Rafts are set to leave every few minutes so there is little waiting time. If you have a young kid, the bamboo raft ride to the waterfall is very safe and secure. Guided by Chinese raft men stationed by the side of the bamboo raft, it’s a very organized and well-run operation.

If you have a toddler or a very young kid like we did, it would be a great idea to bring along a water-proof jacket or an extra change of clothing. The bamboo raft ride is a quick, exciting experience as you get up-close to the giant Detian waterfall. Yuyi was literally giggling all through the boat ride and I’m glad I managed to capture it on camera.

Hiking and Viewing Detian Waterfall

After our bamboo raft ride, Yuyi and I hiked to different points to view the waterfall. Detian offers a number of hiking trails around the waterfall so that you can view the falls from many angles. Yuyi, as usual, was up and about, walking around with her favorite stuffed toy by her side.

The hikes around Detian are easy, paved, and suitable for all hiking expertise. As we walked, the last hike we took to a point near the river’s edge to view the waterfall. The view of the falls from above was magical and awe-inspiring. The lush and verdant mountains in the backdrop of the dazzling falls is a view all travelers would enjoy.

As you hike around the various points of the waterfall, there are a lot of Vietnamese vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. We had a small snack and bought some hand-carved souvenirs. They are great gifts for anyone if you are looking for a souvenir to remember this trip by.

Detian Waterfall International Border

Detian waterfall is a very unique location that fascinates anyone who visits the site. The natural attraction is located on the China-Vietnam international border. Our tour guide at the site informed us that during the peak dry season and when rainfall levels are lower, the level of the water at the falls might drop.

On the day we visited Detian waterfall, the falls were full and it was even more magical to see the natural location. One thing that interested me was when on the Vietnamese side of the waterfall, you could see small Vietnamese canoes on the border right at the falls’ base. It was amazing to see the blurry nature of these border lines, even in nature.

The Border Dynamics at the Detian Waterfall

The main thing that grabbed my attention during our trip to Detian waterfall was the border it shares with Vietnam. We were by the river, enjoying the natural sight of Detian’s beautiful waterfall and on the other side of the border was Vietnam. We could clearly see Vietnamese locals cruising in canoes that passed right next to the Detian falls.

It was strange to see and even stranger to hear when we were told no, we could not even buy souvenirs or small gifts from them. Chinese tour guides on site had to constantly remind us that we were not even allowed to purchase anything from the Vietnamese vendors at the border. It was when the Chinese authority told me that these tour guides had actual power to ensure that no Chinese bought from the Vietnamese border vendors that I got worried.

I soon found out that it was highly illegal, against Chinese custom laws to purchase any items, food, or anything from the Vietnamese border. It was even mentioned that several warnings were issued to visitors that Chinese authorities would not take kindly to such acts. It was truly a shock to see the extent of border laws in China; it was a lesson I won’t soon forget.

Buying Local Handicrafts

If you’d like to buy some local souvenirs, there are a number of vendors around the waterfall selling different local items. We tried to support local vendors where we could, and we bought from them local Guangxi snacks and souvenirs.

Fresh Drinks at the Rice Field Café

After a while, it was time for Yuyi and I to chill and have some well-deserved drinks at the Rice Field Café. This café is a cozy little spot with a nice outdoor seating area with views of Detian waterfall.

We ordered ourselves some nice cool drinks and relaxed as we watched the serene atmosphere of the café and the waterfalls far below. The scenery of the café was nice, and it was a lot of fun to have drinks in a natural backdrop like this.

Family-Friendly Detian Waterfall Tips

Bring Snacks and Drinks

I highly suggest that you bring snacks along as children get hungrier quicker than adults. There are several vendors on site, but you can always prepare by bringing snacks especially for children and toddlers like Yuyi.

Pack Comfortable Shoes

Walking is involved during this visit as you view the waterfall, so be sure to pack some comfortable shoes.

Entertain your Kids

Picnic spots by the waterfall are great places to rest and relax. The trails offer beautiful scenic views, but after a while, young children would get tired of walking. Bring small toys to keep your kids busy while walking.

The best time to visit Detian Waterfall

The best time to visit Detian waterfall is during the rainy season when the water levels are at their highest. This is between May and October, the months that I suggest. Our visit in September was great because of the warm weather, the falls were full, and there weren’t many tourists unlike during the peak summer season.

Conclusion

Detian waterfall is a natural attraction I would suggest all travelers visit. The serene, peacefulness and quiet of the site is what truly made it standout as a natural tourist spot in China. It was a pleasure visiting Detian and I can’t wait to visit the site with Yuyi again when she’s a bit older.

Visiting Detian waterfall as a family with young kids was an absolute joy. We made tons of memories with our daughter Yuyi, during our family adventure to the site. From the bamboo raft ride to the waterfall to all the fun we had hiking around the site. Detian is a great natural attraction in China and now our family has a new favorite travel destination.

Have you ever visited a natural attraction as wonderful as Detian Waterfall? Let us know your thoughts on this trip in the comment section below.