The Sino-Vietnamese Detian (Banyao) Waterfalls Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone, China's first cross-border tourism cooperation zone, started its trial operation on September 15. The trial period will run for one year and is open only to tourists holding valid passports and entry/exit permits from China and Vietnam. Groups of tourists are required to enter and exit the zone.
During the trial run of the tourism cooperation zone, a reservation system will be implemented with limited group sizes and tour routes. The management mode will only allow Chinese and Vietnamese passport holders with entry and exit permits to participate in tours.
If tourists want to travel to the cooperation zone's Vietnamese side, they must book a tour in advance using the "CTS Fun Border" app. A group of at least 5 people must book the tour, and a maximum of 20 people to make the reservation.
The number of cross-border tours (groups) per day will be limited to 10 to ensure a smooth operation during the first three months of trial operation. After three months, the number of cross-border tourists daily will be limited to 500.
Detian Cross-Country Waterfall is located in Detian, Shuo Long Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi Province. It is situated in the upper reaches of the Quichun River, at the border between China and Vietnam. The Detian Waterfall is a spectacular natural wonder connected with the neighboring Banyao Waterfall in Vietnam. It is the first in Asia and the fourth-largest transnational waterfall globally. The average annual water flow is about three times that of the Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou. The scenic area includes popular tourist attractions such as Detian Pagoda, Boundary River Rafting, Copper Drum Square, Sino-Vietnamese Style Street, Sino-Vietnamese Cross-Border Street, and other Netflix hit projects.
Ban Huaqin, deputy director of the Department of Culture and Tourism (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), said that China and Vietnam have agreed to a trial period of one year. The main objective of this trial period is to strengthen the bond and cooperation between the two countries in operation. The trial period will also serve as an opportunity to evaluate the experience gained during the trial operation, which will lay a solid foundation for the subsequent official operation.