The picturesque Détiān Waterfall belongs to the Chūnguī River (春归河, Chūnguīhé), which flows between China and Vietnam. The river is only 30m across in this upstream section, which means that people on both sides can see each other going about their business. It's not grand like Niagara Falls, but it is the largest falls spanning two countries in Asia. There’s the added buzz of being surrounded by karst peaks and being able to legally cross the Vietnamese border at the 53rd mere stone – tourists like to take photos of themselves stepping into what's officially Vietnamese territory.
The falls drop in three stages to create casades and small pools. Swimming is not allowed, but bamboo rafts (¥30) will take you up to the spray.
Unless you catch the one direct bus, which departs from Nánníng’s International Tourism Distribution Centre (one way/return ¥50/90, 3½ hours, 7.40am) and stops en route at Lángdōng bus station (8.30am), you will have to come via Dàxīn (大新) from Nánníng. At Dàxīn, switch to a bus headed to Détiān (德天; ¥20, two hours, hourly); a cab costs ¥110.
The last bus leaves for Dàxīn at around 5.30pm. There are regular buses from Dàxīn to Nánníng (¥55, 2½ hours) until 8.30pm. The direct bus from the falls to Nánníng leaves at 3.30pm.
