Standing majestically on the border between the Chinese mainland and Vietnam, the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall is more than just a breathtaking natural wonder; it is a symbol of burgeoning friendship and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.
Since October last year, this magnificent waterfall—the largest cross-border waterfall in Asia—has become a focal point of cross-border tourism. The Chinese side, located in Chongzuo, a border city in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Vietnamese side in Cao Bang, have jointly opened the area to tourists from both countries. This initiative allows visitors to experience seamless customs clearance within the cooperation zone.
To facilitate this unique tourism experience, a series of management arrangements have been implemented. These include group bookings, time-limited cross-border travel, streamlined group entry and exit procedures, and designated tour routes. These measures not only enhance convenience for tourists but also promote sustainable and organized tourism development in the region.
Hu Fan, vice chairman of Guangxi, expressed optimism about the initiative. In an interview with Xinhua prior to the establishment of the cooperation zone, he remarked that the official launch is expected to provide valuable insights for high-level opening up and collaboration between the two countries. “The Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall cooperation zone serves as a model for cross-border cooperation, enriching the content of China-ASEAN relations,” he said.
This cross-border tourism zone is a shining example of the deepening people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN members. Through closer connections in tourism, culture, and other fields, mutual understanding and trust are being strengthened. Such initiatives inject strong impetus into building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, fostering regional harmony and prosperity.
The success of the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall project underscores the potential for similar collaborations across the region. As more joint initiatives emerge, the bonds between China and ASEAN countries are expected to grow even stronger, benefiting not only the participating nations but also offering enriching experiences for global travelers and cultural enthusiasts.
Reference(s):
China, ASEAN see fruitful cooperation in people-to-people exchanges
cgtn.com
