Ling Wu
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I've been guiding tours in Guizhou for over a decade, and Anshun always surprises first-timers. Most people think it's just Huangguoshu Waterfall — but there's way more. Here are the five spots I never skip when showing friends around. And I'll tell you exactly how to avoid the crowds and save money.
1. Huangguoshu Waterfall – the Showstopper
This is China's largest waterfall (77.8m high, 101m wide). In summer, the roar is deafening. But here's the trick: go early. I mean, arrive at the park gate before 8:30 AM. After 10 AM, tour buses flood in.
Ticket & Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 160 RMB (220 RMB during peak July–Aug) |
| Student / senior | Half price (need ID) |
| Online reservation | Required on WeChat mini-program '黄果树景区' (book 3 days ahead) |
| Address | Huangguoshu Town, Zhenning County, Anshun |
| Opening hours | 7:30–18:00 (last entry 17:00) |
| Best time to visit | June–October (water volume highest) |
Getting there: From Anshun city, take bus line 'Anshun–Huangguoshu' (30 min, 22 RMB). Or join a minibus from Kaili or Guiyang. I prefer the bus because you can nap.
What most guides don't tell you
Bring a raincoat! The spray at the waterfall viewing platform soaks you in seconds. There are vendors selling cheap ponchos (5 RMB) but they rip easily. Also, the best photo spot is at the 'Waterfall Cave' path — you walk behind the falling water. Do that at 9 AM when the sun hits the mist; you'll see rainbows.
Wear non-slip shoes. I've seen too many people slip on wet stone stairs. Avoid weekends if possible.
2. Longgong Cave – the Underground Secret
Longgong (Dragon Palace) is a massive limestone cave system with underground rivers and boat rides. It's less crowded than Huangguoshu but equally impressive.
Ticket & Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 150 RMB (includes boat ride) |
| Student discount | 75 RMB |
| Reservation | Needed via WeChat (search '龙宫景区') |
| Address | Longgong Town, Xixiu District, Anshun |
| Opening hours | 8:00–17:30 (last boat 16:30) |
Getting there: Take bus No. 9 from Anshun Railway Station (1 hour, 15 RMB). Or take a taxi (about 80 RMB).
Insider tips
The cave is chilly (16°C year-round) — bring a light jacket. The boat ride goes through narrow passages; watch your head. I always tell my groups: the second boat section is more spectacular. Don't rush back after the first boat; keep walking deeper for the waterfall inside the cave.
Also, the 'Huaguo Mountain' section is a bit of a tourist trap — skip it if short on time.
3. Tianlong Tunbao Ancient Town – Ming Dynasty Living
This is a preserved military settlement from the Ming Dynasty. The locals still wear traditional costumes and speak an ancient dialect. It's like stepping back in time.
Ticket & Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 60 RMB |
| Address | Tianlong Town, Pingba District, Anshun |
| Opening hours | 8:30–18:00 |
| Performance | Daily at 11:00 and 15:00 (local opera, included) |
Getting there: Bus from Anshun East Bus Station to Pingba (25 min), then local bus to Tianlong (15 min). Total 40 min.
What to do
Watch the 'Dixi' (ground opera) performance — it's UNESCO listed. The masks are incredible. After that, walk the stone alleyways and try the local snack 'er kuai' (rice cake). I recommend the fried version with chili.
One mistake tourists make: they visit only the main street. Go behind the main street to see the real residential areas where old ladies embroider. They'll sell you handicrafts for a fair price.
4. Getu River National Park – for Adventurers
Less known but my personal favorite. It's a karst landscape with a huge natural bridge, rock climbing routes, and a crystal-clear river. Not crowded at all.
Ticket & Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 100 RMB (plus 40 RMB for shuttle bus) |
| Address | Getu River Scenic Area, Zigong County (actually in Anshun area, about 60km south) |
| Opening hours | 8:00–17:30 |
Getting there: Best to hire a driver for the day (around 300 RMB from Anshun). Public buses are infrequent.
My advice
Bring a swimsuit if you dare — there's a spot for river swimming. But the water is cold even in summer. The hanging walkway near the natural bridge is not for the faint-hearted. I bring clients who want a workout.
Plan for 3–4 hours. And pack lunch; the on-site restaurant is mediocre.
5. Yunfeng Tunpu – the Laid-Back Alternative
Another tunpu (military village) but smaller and less touristy than Tianlong. I send my repeat visitors here. The entrance fee is only 20 RMB.
What's special
The stone architecture is photogenic. There's a small working distillery where you can taste the local rice wine (80 proof! — not for lightweights). I always buy a bottle for gifts.
Getting there: Take bus to Pingba, then a motorbike taxi (15 min, 20 RMB).
Spend about 1.5 hours here. Combine with Tianlong if you're pressed for time.
I fell in love with Tunpu Ancient Town's quiet charm. Unlike some tourist traps, this place still feels authentic with locals living their daily lives. I sat in a small tea house for an hour just watching people go by. The stone houses and narrow alleys are perfect for photography. No loud music or tacky souvenir shops - just real culture. If you want to escape the crowds and experience genuine Guizhou life, come here.
Longgong Cave was a magical boat ride through underground rivers! The cave system is huge and the boat operators are very skilled at pointing out interesting rock formations. We saw bats hanging from the ceiling - so cool! The boat ride is calm and peaceful, a nice break from the crowds above ground. Make sure to bring a jacket because it gets chilly inside. A must-do in Anshun!
Zhijin Cave is massive and the stalactites are impressive, but honestly I expected more. The lighting inside felt gaudy in some sections, almost like a theme park rather than a natural wonder. The guided tour was rushed - we barely had time to take photos before being herded to the next spot. Also, the humidity made it hard to breathe. For the ticket price (220 yuan), I think there are better caves in China.
Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town was a nice surprise. The Ming-style architecture is well preserved and you can really feel the history. We joined a local guide who explained the unique 'dixi' performances. The food stalls inside sell some interesting snacks, though prices were a bit high. Not a must-see if you're short on time, but a pleasant half-day trip from Anshun city.
Huangguoshu Waterfall was absolutely breathtaking! The sheer power of the water crashing down is something you have to feel in person. We took the walk behind the waterfall and got completely soaked - totally worth it. The park is well-maintained and the paths are easy to navigate. I'd recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Definitely the highlight of our Guizhou trip!