Day trip from Nanning

Detian Transnational Waterfall

德天跨国瀑布Photography · Nature

The fourth-largest transnational waterfall in the world. It cannot be compared with Niagara Falls, but Detian remains one of the most celebrated sights near Nanning and has been named one of China’s…

Detian Transnational Waterfall, Nanning

Key facts

Admission
¥115 (including sightseeing shuttle)
Time needed
3–5 hours
Getting there
Tourist express buses leave Langdong Station (琅东站) in Nanning for Detian Waterfall at 8:30 a.m.; fare ¥75.
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 2473. Open in Google Maps

About Detian Transnational Waterfall

The fourth-largest transnational waterfall in the world. It cannot be compared with Niagara Falls, but Detian remains one of the most celebrated sights near Nanning and has been named one of China’s six most beautiful waterfalls.

Tips from the guidebook

  • 1. Avoid the afternoon: backlighting in the afternoon makes good photos hard to take, so you may end up with a wasted trip. Go in the morning; two hours is enough to see everything, including Boundary Marker No. 53 between China and Vietnam. You can also buy Vietnamese specialties, then spend the night in Daxin County town.
  • 2. Best season: July to November is the best time to visit. The rainy season brings abundant water and clear flow, when the falls roar like galloping horses, the most spectacular sight of all.
  • 3. Bamboo raft ride: Walk down to the riverside and take a bamboo raft near the falls for a close-up view. Rafts cost ¥20 per person and seat about 10 people.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Detian Transnational Waterfall cost?

Admission to Detian Transnational Waterfall is ¥115 (including sightseeing shuttle), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

How do I get to Detian Transnational Waterfall?

Tourist express buses leave Langdong Station (琅东站) in Nanning for Detian Waterfall at 8:30 a.m.; fare ¥75.

How long should I spend at Detian Transnational Waterfall?

Plan on 3–5 hours for Detian Transnational Waterfall.

Where is Detian Transnational Waterfall?

Detian Transnational Waterfall is in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in the South China of China.

More places in Nanning

Daming Mountain

Daming Mountain has a unique climate, with high peaks and dense forests making it a classic mountain forest landscape. Each season has its own character: spring mists, summer waterfalls, autumn clouds and winter snow. Summer is especially cool, making it the top choice for escaping the heat in southern Guangxi, while its winter snow makes it China's southernmost snow-viewing destination. The summits of the main ridge hold six natural grasslands ringed by ancient trees; the grass grows in the middle with no trees, and locals call it Tianping Shanxu (Sky Flat Mountain Market).

¥128 (includes scenic area shuttle bus) · 4–6 hours

Longhu Mountain

Most of the scenic area is covered by primeval forest, home to more than a thousand plant species and over a hundred animal species, many of them nationally rare plants and Class I and Class II nationally protected animals. Watching wild macaques is the most thrilling activity at Longhu Mountain.

¥60 · 3–4 hours

Nanhu Park

Nanhu Park is planted with subtropical trees typical of the south, including palms, fan palms and areca palms. It also contains three “gardens within the garden”: a herbal garden growing more than 200 precious Chinese medicinal herbs; an orchid garden with prized varieties such as Xiahui, Jianlan, Moulan and Huoyan orchids; and a bonsai garden.

Free · 2–3 hours

Folk Song Lake Scenic Area (Minge Lake)

Folk Song Lake (Minge Lake) offers attractions including the Floating Murals, Bar Street, Diecui Valley, Qinxiang Garden, Taojin Beach, Yongzhu Garden and Palm Island. It is one of the most scenic waterside areas in central Nanning, and in the evening you can take a boat ride to enjoy the city's night views.

Daytime tour ¥100; night tour ¥150 · 1–2 hours

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Museum

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Museum

After four years of careful preparation, the renovated Guangxi Museum has reopened. To learn about Guangxi's history and culture, this is an excellent starting point. Metalware, ceramics, jade artefacts and works by famous calligraphers and painters unearthed in Guangxi are all on display. Don't miss the Ethnic Cultural Relics Garden on the south side of the museum, which features replicas of Dong wind-and-rain bridges and Yao grain storehouses, along with a large collection of ethnic costumes and handicrafts.

2–3 hours

Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area

Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area

Known as the “Giant Lungs of Nanning”, its air is wonderfully fresh. Lush green trees cover the mountain, framing two large artificial lakes on its slopes, Tianchi (Heavenly Pool) and Yaochi (Jasper Pool). Together with the uniquely styled Thai Garden, it is a must-see when visiting Nanning.

¥20 · 0.5–1 day