Along with the enhancement of friendly ties between China and Vietnam, the Detian Scenic Zone was established several years ago, and was so named for its spectacular Detian Waterfall.

The Detian Waterfall is over 200 meters wide and has a drop of more than 70 meters. Its water rushes down a three-tiered cliff with tremendous force. It is the largest waterfall in Asia, and the second largest transnational waterfall in the world, connecting with a waterfall in Vietnam. The fall is awe-inspiring, and its thunder is audible before it even comes into view.

The changing seasons transform the natural scenery of the waterfall throughout the year. In spring, the flame-red blossoms of the kapok trees that surround the fall are in full bloom, symbolizing success. Throughout the autumn months, though, the area around the waterfall turns golden-yellow, creating a harvest scene. In the summer, visitors feel a complete freedom of mind and ease of spirit as they see the waters of the fall cascade with the momentum force of an avalanche. During winter, on the other hand, the fall's clear water drops slowly, making visitors feel even-tempered and good-humored. The Detian Waterfall appears to be a sculpture made by nature.

Fifty-three kilometers away from the county seat of Daxin is the Mingshi Tourist Attraction, a state-level scenic spot known as the Lesser Guilin. The Mingshi River winds its way through green hills and flat land, and its banks are dotted with groves of bamboo. The tranquil waters of the river, along with the green hills, terraced fields, and farmers' houses around the Mingshi Bridge, form a beautiful countryside scene.

The Heishui (Black Water) River Tourist Attraction is another state-level scenic spot that is 33 kilometers away from the county seat of Daxin. It is located in a 45.5-kilometer section of the river between Shatundie Waterfall in Shuolong Township and the Leipingnaan Hydropower Station. By the river, there are a number of trees and odd-shaped pinnacles, whose inverted reflection in the river's blue water is the color black, hence the name of the river. With pinnacles, groves of bamboo and longan trees, and farmers' houses, this section of the river looks like an elegant Chinese ink and wash painting throughout the seasons.

Shatundie Waterfall, also known as Niandi Waterfall, is 55 kilometers away from the county seat of Daxin. The fall has seven tiers; and if you view it from afar, it looks like a flight of steps made of water. Compared with the Detian Waterfall, it is moderate and calm.

Visitors from other parts of the country can travel by air, train, or long-distance bus to Nanning, the capital city of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. From Nanning, they can take scheduled buses, dispatched every 20 minutes, to the county seat of Daxin. There are tourist buses to every scenic spot in the county.

(China Pictorial January 29, 2003)