Hua Sun
Let me paint you a picture: a roaring curtain of water, mist soaking your face, and rainbows dancing in the spray. That's Huangguoshu, Anshun's superstar. But here's the thing — Anshun has way more than just that one waterfall. I've dragged groups here for years, and I keep finding new corners that most tourists miss. So if you're mapping out your Anshun must-visit places, stop looking at those cookie-cutter blog lists. This is the real deal, with the mistakes I've made so you don't have to.
1. Huangguoshu Waterfall: The Main Event
You can't skip it. But you need to time it right. I've seen too many people show up at noon, fight the crowds, and leave grumpy. My go-to move? Arrive at 3:30 PM. The tour buses start rolling out around 4, and you get golden light for photos. Plus the afternoon sun hits the waterfall from the side — perfect for rainbows.
Tickets & Booking
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | ¥160 (peak season Mar-Nov), ¥150 (off-peak). Includes waterfall + nearby sights. |
| Discounts | Students (¥80), seniors 60+ (free with ID). Kids under 1.2m free. |
| Booking | Must reserve online via WeChat mini-program "黄果树景区" or on Trip.com at least 1 day ahead. Walk-up tickets often sold out. |
| Hours | 7:30–18:00 (last entry 17:00). Summer: 7:00–18:30. |
| Transport from Anshun | Bus from Anshun West Station (¥22, 40 min). Or train to Huangguoshu Station (¥10, 20 min) then shuttle (¥5). |
Inside, you'll walk about 2 km. There's an elevator (¥30 one way) but honestly, the walk is easy and scenic. The Water Curtain Cave behind the falls is a must — bring a raincoat (sold everywhere for ¥5).
2. Longgong Cave: Underground River Cruise
About 30 km west of Anshun, Longgong (Dragon Palace) is a massive karst cave system. You take a small boat through lit caverns on an underground river. It's otherworldly.
What to Know
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Ticket | ¥150 (includes boat ride). Student price ¥75. |
| Hours | 8:00–17:30 (last boat 16:30). Closed during heavy rain – check weather. |
| Getting there | Bus from Anshun South Bus Station direct to Longgong (¥15, 50 min). |
| Best time | Morning, before 10 AM. Afternoon gets crowded with tour groups. |
Watch your head in the cave — my tall friend bonked himself twice. The boat ride lasts about 20 minutes, then you walk through illuminated chambers. There's a skylight opening where sunlight pours in; that's your photo spot. Bring a jacket, it's cool inside (18°C year-round).
3. Tianlong Tunpu: Ming Dynasty Village
This is where history nerds (like me and my favorite groups) lose their minds. Tianlong is a fortified village built by soldiers from the Ming Dynasty (600 years ago). The ladies still wear the blue dress of that era.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Ticket | ¥60. Combine with Yunfeng Mountain (¥99 combo). |
| Hours | 8:00–17:30. |
| Address | Xixiu District, about 18 km from Anshun city center. Take bus 11 to the stop "Tianlong" then walk 10 min. |
| Must see | The old stone streets, the ancestral hall, and the free performance of Dixi (local opera with wooden masks) – usually at 11 AM and 2 PM. |
I once brought an American couple who thought they'd just see old houses. They ended up spending 3 hours talking to a grandma who showed them how she embroiders. Bring cash — small vendors sell handmade masks and snacks, they don't take cards.
4. Yunfeng Mountain: Hiking with a View
Right next to Tianlong, this mountain offers a panoramic view of the surrounding karst peaks. It's a 30-minute climb, moderate difficulty. If you're short on time, skip it. But if you want that "I'm in China" photo, it's worth the sweat.
Ticket included in combo with Tianlong (¥99). Open 8:00–17:30. Wear good shoes – the steps can be slippery after rain.
Where to Eat: Anshun's Hidden Food Gems
Anshun's food is a spicy, sour explosion. Don't leave without trying these. I'm biased, but I've eaten through every alley.
| Dish | Where | My two cents |
|---|---|---|
| Huajiang Kao Yu (spicy grilled fish) | Lao Ding Huajiang Yu on Zhonghua Road. Google Maps: 3.9 stars. | ¥60–80 per person. Order mild if you can't handle heat. The fish is crispy outside, tender inside. Peak at 7 PM – wait 20-30 min. |
| Huangshutang Doufu (tofu pudding) | Street stall near Confucian Temple. Look for old lady with red cart. | ¥5 a bowl. Sweet or salty. I always get the spicy version with crushed peanuts. Stand and eat – no tables. |
| Zhangzhong Cu (sour soup) | Xiaoguo Yuan at South Street. Popular with locals. | ¥30 per person. A tangy broth with bamboo shoots and meat. Cash only, no English menu – point at what others eat. |
FAQs About Anshun Must-Visit Places
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision. Prices and policies may change – always verify on official channels before your trip.
We visited the Yunfeng Tunpu (Yunfeng Eight Banners) and my kids couldn’t stop talking about the stone watchtowers. Climbing to the top gave us a panoramic view of the surrounding rice terraces – simply stunning. The small museum inside a Ming-era house explained how the soldiers’ descendants still live there. Easy walk, not crowded, and the locals were super friendly. A must for families who love off-the-beaten-path history.
Anshun’s old town is a pleasant surprise – far more laid-back than Guiyang. I spent a lazy afternoon at the Confucius Temple and the nearby antique market. Found a beautiful handmade batik scarf for just 30 yuan. The night market along the river is lively but not too touristy; the grilled stinky tofu was an adventure for my taste buds. A perfect combo of culture and local life.
Longgong Cave (Dragon Palace) was impressive but felt overcrowded even on a weekday. The boat ride through the caves was cool, especially the section with the waterfall inside. However, the constant pushing and loud tour groups really killed the peaceful vibe. The scenery is beautiful, but I’d recommend going early morning or off-season if you want to enjoy it properly.
We took a day trip to Getu River Cave and it was absolutely surreal. The boat glides through an underground river with dramatic rock formations and colorful lights – felt like being in another world. Our guide even pointed out a stalactite that looks like a giant panda. The hike up the mountain to the cave entrance was steep but totally worth it. Bring sturdy shoes!
Tianlong Tunpu was the hidden gem I didn’t expect. The ancient stone houses and the authentic Ming-dynasty vibe blew me away. Walking through the narrow alleys, I could almost hear the echoes of soldiers training. The local lady making handmade dried tofu let me taste a piece right off the stone – smoky and chewy. Skip the crowds and come here for real history.