Detian Waterfall Family Trip! A Guide to Avoiding Crowds and Taking Beautiful Photos～

Date:
We specifically chose September 23rd (Tuesday) to take the kids to Detian Transnational Waterfall, and this timing was perfect! It’s the "off-peak within the peak season," so the scenic area wasn’t crowded. With the stroller and taking photos, there was no need to squeeze through crowds, making it very peaceful～ Plus, we were super lucky—no typhoons 🌀 during those days, the weather was cool and not stuffy, the kids didn’t get tired no matter how far they walked, and the adults felt much more relaxed. This time of year is really ideal to visit!

🎫Tickets:
Regular tickets are 115 RMB per person. Various travel platforms offer group discounts, and you can get tickets for as low as 110 RMB, saving a bit is always good～ If you have children or students who qualify, or if you’re traveling with seniors aged 60-70 or over 70, there are special discounts. You can check the specific discount policies on the platform in advance or inquire at the scenic area ticket window～
⚠️Parents driving and staying at guesthouses near the scenic area entrance, pay attention! You must buy the 80 RMB ticket at the Tourist Distribution Center! This ticket is only sold at the distribution center window, and there is only one window selling it, so don’t go to the wrong one～ After buying the ticket, you can drive directly from the distribution center to the scenic area entrance (see route in picture 2). No matter what the staff at the window say, just show your guesthouse booking and drive in; if someone stops you, say “I booked accommodation inside,” and you will definitely get in～ Also, if you buy this 80 RMB ticket from other channels, you can drive directly to the scenic spot entrance via the county road without taking a detour～

🏨Accommodation Tips:
You can’t compromise on accommodation when traveling with kids! We chose a **top-tier wild luxury hotel** near the scenic area, and the environment was amazing～ The hotel is hidden in the forest; opening the window reveals lush green trees and mist from the distant waterfall, with especially fresh air. It’s very quiet at night, and the kids slept very soundly～ The hotel offers exclusive family services, including a children’s room (with a small slide, picture books, and soothing toys), baby cribs, and baby food preparation tools. They even provide baby sun hats and mosquito repellent patches, which is very thoughtful～ After a tiring day, you can play with the kids by the pool (there’s a shallow area), and at night watch the stars from the terrace. Traveling with kids can also be a “slow vacation” full of joy～

🌄Scenic Area:
1️⃣ Family-friendly tour route: Detian Archway → Jungle Boardwalk (along the way, there’s a bamboo raft boarding point; you can stop if you want to try it; there’s also a boundary marker where you can tell the kids some facts about the China-Vietnam border; halfway there’s a rice field café where you can rest if tired) → Boardwalk Viewing Platform (let the kids get close to the waterfall and feel the grandeur of nature) → Bronze Drum Square (features unique bronze drum sculptures that kids will be curious about) → China-Vietnam Cross-border Style Street (buy some Vietnamese snacks as a reward for the kids) → Finally, go to the viewing platform for a family photo～ The route is very gentle and easy for kids to complete～
2️⃣ The scenic area isn’t very large; if you’re in a hurry, you can finish in 1 hour. But with kids, it’s recommended to spend 2 hours to take photos and enjoy the experience slowly～ The magic carpet uphill project is now closed, and walking uphill is not allowed, so there are fewer activities, which is actually good because you don’t have to rush. It’s easier to stroll with kids and let them observe the flowers, plants, and trees around～
3️⃣ Important reminder! Don’t spend money on the last sightseeing bus! Remember this! First, the distance isn’t long; walking slowly with kids takes only about ten minutes. Second, there are 6 viewing platforms along the way, each offering a different perspective of the waterfall. Taking the bus means missing all of them～ Pictures 12-16 were all taken at the viewing platforms, and every shot looks like a masterpiece. Walking and taking photos with the kids allows for interaction and creates meaningful memories～
4️⃣ There is a bamboo raft project in the scenic area, costing 48 RMB per person. We didn’t take it this time because the kids were afraid of water splashing on them～ Parents interested can try it, but note that when the water flow is strong, the bamboo raft operation will be suspended. It’s best to ask the staff in advance whether it’s available that day to avoid a wasted trip～

📷Photos:
The scenic area is full of photogenic spots! All the live photos were taken directly with a phone, no filters added, and they look great～ Especially picture 4, taken in panorama mode with a phone, capturing the full view of the waterfall, connecting the blue sky, green mountains, and waterfall, which is very stunning. Taking photos with the kids standing beside makes the scene very warm and touching～ It’s recommended to dress the kids in bright colors to contrast with the green background, making the photos more lively～

🎑Postcards:
If you want to leave a travel souvenir for the kids by sending postcards, remember this! You must cut off the transparent part on the postcard yourself before mailing it (see picture 18). The whole postcard cannot be mailed as is～ I didn’t notice this before and took the whole postcard to the post office. The staff cut it for me, wasting a very beautiful postcard. Later I learned it must be cut in advance, so don’t make the same mistake!