Chongzuo, a Wonderland Hidden in Karst Landscapes

I. Must-See Spots ✅1. Detian Waterfall Main Viewing Platform⛰️ The best time to take photos is between 9-11 am when the light is soft and you can capture rainbows in the waterfall. A wide-angle lens is recommended for panoramic shots. Wear bright clothes (such as red or yellow) to enhance the effect. ✅2. Cross-border Glass Viewing Platform (Opening in 2025) Reservations are required in advance due to daily visitor limits. Enjoy a 270° bird's-eye view of the China-Vietnam waterfall and experience the breathtaking heights. ✅3. Bamboo Raft Waterfall Experience Take a bamboo raft to get up close and personal with the waterfall. Expect to get sprayed with mist (raincoats recommended). This activity is closed during the high-water season but available during the low-water season, allowing you to "step into two countries at once." ✅4. Boundary Marker No. 53⛰️ A landmark check-in point on the China-Vietnam border. Remember to bring your ID for border control checks and experience the unique feeling of being in "two countries at the same time." ✅🏚️5. Rice Paddy Coffee House🛖🛖 This small wooden house next to the waterfall offers a classic spot for capturing panoramic views. We recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. ✅6. Viewing Platform No. 6 (Near the Scenic Area Exit) Offering the best view from above, this platform allows you to capture the entire China-Vietnam waterfall group. The afternoon light is ideal for photography. II. Travel Guide ✅1. Best Time to Visit⏰⏰ · High-water season (June–October): The waterfall has the largest volume and is most impressive during this period. However, avoid visiting during heavy rain. · Low-water season (November–April): The scenic area releases water between 12 pm and 2 pm, creating a better visual effect and making it suitable for the bamboo raft experience. ✅2. Transportation Guide🧭🧭 · 🚗🚗Self-driving: From Nanning, navigate to "Detian Transnational Waterfall" via Nanyou Expressway → Hena Expressway. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, with a toll fee of CNY 100. · High-speed Rail + Shuttle: Take the high-speed rail from Nanning East Station to Chongzuo South Station (2 hours), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (CNY 50/person for a one-way ticket). ✅3. Tickets and Packages💰💰 · Basic Ticket: CNY 115 for adults (including sightseeing bus), half price for students/seniors, free for children under 1.2m. · Experience Package: Bamboo raft CNY 30, Magic Carpet + Slide CNY 68 (essential for high-altitude waterfall viewing). Packages offer better value. ✅4. Recommended Route🗺️🗺️ · Morning: Bamboo raft → Main Viewing Platform → Boundary Marker No. 53 → Rice Paddy Coffee House. · Afternoon: Cross-border Glass Viewing Platform → Magic Carpet Ascent → Slide Descent → Viewing Platform No. 6. ✅5. Photography and Safety🎬🎬 · Equipment: Waterproof phone pouch, tripod (for slow shutter speed shots of the flowing water). · Safety: Avoid slippery rocks during the rainy season, observe warning lines, and carry your ID at all times. III. Accommodation Guide🚪🚪 ✅1. Budget-friendly (CNY 150-300/night per person) · Detian Jiayuan Hotel: Close to the scenic area, free breakfast, provides local travel guides. · Shanshuijian Inn: Family-friendly, cost-effective, offers an experience of Zhuang ethnic culture. ✅2. High-end (CNY 800-2500/night) · Detian Waterfall Resort Hotel: Five-star facilities, including a swimming pool and spa center, with direct views of the waterfall. · Cliff Cave Homestay: 270° floor-to-ceiling windows for waterfall viewing, includes cave hot springs (reservations required 15 days in advance). ✅3. Glamping Experience · Laomumian Glamping Camp: Tent/cabin accommodation, campfire parties, and hiking adventures available. IV. Other Useful Tips‼️‼️‼️ 1. Avoid the Traps‼️‼️ · Refuse "guiding fees" from villagers; the scenic area is completely free. · Be cautious when dealing with Vietnamese vendors selling goods (such as perfume) from boats, as these are not official channels. 2. Unique Experiences · Morning Mist: Capture the bamboo forest mist and light between 6:30-8:00 am. · Firefly Exploration: Book a guide for a summer night tour to observe fireflies on the ecological trail. 3. Nearby Attractions · Mingshi Pastoral: 1-hour drive, karst pastoral scenery, cycling recommended.