CHONGZUO, China, Nov. 08, 2024 — China and Vietnam officially launched the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone on October 14th, with a joint statement announcing its commencement. The official opening ceremony was held on October 15th by the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China and People’s Council of Cao Bằng Province.

The Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone entered a trial phase on September 15th, 2023, allowing tourists from China and Vietnam to cross the border through pre-arranged tour groups. Visitors are restricted to designated routes and time limits, with the number of cross-border visitors capped. By October 10th, 2024, the Zone had welcomed 1,232 cross-border tour groups with a total of 17,991 visitors.

Following its official launch, the Publicity Department of Daxin County will enhance the cross-border travel model. Key improvements include:

1. **Expanded Scale:** The daily visitor limit will be increased from 500 to 1,000 for each side, with adjustments based on tourist numbers.

2. **Extended Operating Hours:** Operating hours will be extended from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Beijing time), allowing tour groups to spend up to six hours across the border.

3. **Optimized Border Entry and Exit Procedures:** A “face-scan” permit application system is implemented using the Guijing Tongban WeChat Mini Program for identity verification and registration. A “one-window” service will be provided for entry and exit, household administration, and traffic police matters. Visitors holding valid passports can enter the Cooperation Zone without additional documents, traveling in tour groups arranged by authorized operators.

4. **Simplified Declaration of Belongings:** Advanced technologies will facilitate visitor and belongings inspection, simplifying the declaration process for commonly carried personal items like cameras. This aims to provide a seamless customs experience.

5. **Accelerated Inspection Process:** Vietnamese visitors traveling in organized tour groups entering and exiting China are eligible for “three exemptions” (fingerprint collection, border control stamping, and alien entry card completion) for convenience. Chinese visitors benefit from a “manual + express” dual customs clearance mode and stamp-free border control clearance, signifying enhanced service quality.

Source: The Publicity Department of Daxin County

CONTACT: Contact person: Mr. Zeng, Tel: 86-10-63074558