The Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall, China's first cross-border tourism attraction, will begin trial operations from September 15, 2023 to September 14, 2024. Tourists will be allowed to visit the tourism cooperation zone on both the Chinese and Vietnamese sides during that period.
As the largest waterfall in Asia, the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall has become the first cross-border tourism cooperation zone in China. /CFP
As the largest waterfall in Asia, the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall has become the first cross-border tourism cooperation zone in China. /CFP
The Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall is famous for its spectacular views, straddling the border between China and Vietnam. It is named Detian Waterfall on the Chinese side of the Guichun River in Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, while it is known as the Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnamese side of the river.
The waterfall cascades down from its eroded crest and is separated into several falls by trees and rocks formed over thousands of years, creating a stunning landscape. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest transnational waterfall in the world.
During the trial operations, the zone will be open only to tourists who hold a Chinese passport or a People's Republic of China exit and entry permit, a Vietnamese passport or a Socialist Republic of Vietnam exit and entry permit. Tourists need to book in advance and attend a group tour to enjoy the trip.
Cross-border tour groups are required to leave the scenic spot and return to their respective territories before 5pm Beijing time. Cross-border trips are limited to five hours, and tourists are advised to not illegally stay on the opposite side of the cooperation zone.
The number of cross-border tour groups is limited to 10 per day for the first three months during the trial operations, with a maximum quota of 200 visitors. From the fourth month, the daily number of cross-border tourists will be limited to 500 people.
The cross-border tourism cooperation zone is an effective measure to support the development of tourism in the border region, and it's also an important way to promote cooperation between two countries.