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Mike Sun
I've guided dozens of groups through Anshun over the past eight years. And every time, someone shows up with a plan that looks good on paper but falls apart on the ground. The biggest mistake? Trying to squeeze Huangguoshu, Dragon Palace, and Tunpu into one day. It's brutal. Here's my tried-and-tested 2-day itinerary that hits the highlights without turning you into a zombie.
Day 1: Huangguoshu Waterfall – The Main Event
Start early. I mean, be at the ticket gate by 7:30 AM. The park opens at 7:00 in peak season (April–October) and 7:30 in low season. The crowd tsunami arrives around 10 AM. Trust me, you want to be leaving the main waterfall when they're just arriving.
Getting There from Anshun City
Bus is your cheapest option – it's ¥22 from Anshun Bus Station (near the train station). The ride takes about 45 minutes. But if you're in a group of 2+, a DiDi (Chinese Uber) costs around ¥80-100 and saves you 20 minutes. Drop pin: Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area Ticket Office.
Ticket & Entry Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Ticket | ¥160 (includes all 3 sections: Waterfall, Steep Slope, and Tianxinqiao) |
| Student / Senior | ¥80 (60+ years old, half price for students with valid ID) |
| Free for Children | Under 1.2m (or 6 years old) |
| Reservation Required | Yes. Book via WeChat mini-program "黄果树景区" or on Trip.com at least 1 day ahead. |
| Opening Hours | 7:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00). Waterfall lights off at 18:00 sharp. |
Heads-up: The ticket includes a mandatory sightseeing bus (¥50) that connects the three sections. You can't walk between them – it's too far.
My Recommended Route Inside
Most tourists go straight to the main waterfall. Instead, do this: Take the sightseeing bus first to Tianxinqiao (the upper river section with beautiful karst pools). It's almost empty before 9 AM. Spend 45 minutes there, then bus to Steep Slope Waterfall (the widest one). Another 40 minutes. Finally, end at the main Huangguoshu Waterfall around 10:30. By then, crowds are still manageable, and the light is perfect for photos (noon sun creates harsh shadows).
Total time inside: about 4–5 hours. Grab lunch at the village outside the park – look for Old Grandma's Noodles on Google Maps. Their suan tang mian (sour soup noodles) with minced pork is my personal go-to. ¥15 a bowl. They accept WeChat and Alipay but no cash or card.
Day 2 AM: Dragon Palace (Longgong)
Only 30 km from Anshun city center. Take bus 9 or a DiDi (¥50). The entrance fee is ¥150 (includes a boat ride inside the cave). Buy tickets on WeChat or at the gate – no reservation needed except during Chinese holidays.
The first part is a short hike to a waterfall, then you board a small boat to drift through illuminated limestone caves. The boat ride is about 20 minutes. My advice: sit in the front row – the boatman's rowing blocks the view from the back. The cave is chilly (18°C even in summer), so bring a light jacket.
Time needed: 2–3 hours. Exit by 12:00, grab a quick bite at the snack street near the entrance (try the grilled river fish – ¥20, spicy but delicious).
Day 2 PM: Tunpu Ancient Town & Culture
From Dragon Palace, take a 30-minute DiDi (¥60) to Tianlong Tunpu. This is a fortified village built by Ming Dynasty soldiers. Admission is ¥60. The stone houses, narrow alleys, and traditional costumes of the women (still wearing Ming-style embroidery) are a photographer's dream.
Key Stops Inside
- Siji Ge Stage – daily folk performances at 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM. The local opera is loud and fun.
- Wu Wang Temple – a small temple with carved stone generals.
- Ming Dynasty Street – souvenir shops selling handmade silver jewelry. Bargain hard – ask for 50% off the sticker price.
Most tourists stay 1 hour. I recommend 2 hours. Stroll slowly, chat with the old ladies weaving embroidery – they love showing off their techniques. One showed me a stitch pattern that takes 3 days to finish. Cost? ¥200 for a small piece. Worth it if you want a unique souvenir.
Head back to Anshun city by 6 PM. Dinner at Laokai Restaurant on Zhonghua South Road. Their signature sour fish soup (suantang yu) is the kind of dish you dream about later. ¥80 per person. Cash or WeChat only. No English menu, but point at the fish tank and say "zhe ge." They'll understand.
Where to Stay in Anshun
Two solid choices for different budgets:
| Hotel | Type | Price Range (per night) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anshun Wanda Realm Hotel | 5-star international chain | ¥500-800 | Large rooms, good wifi, breakfast buffet, bell staff speaks basic English | Far from old town (taxi ¥20) |
| Baishui Hotel | 3-star near Huangguoshu | ¥200-350 | 2-min walk to ticket gate, clean, elevator | Thin walls (ask for top floor), no foreign card payment |
| Anshun Youth Hostel | Budget backpacker | ¥60-120 dorm/¥150 private | Central location, rooftop terrace, luggage storage | Shared bathroom, no AC in some rooms |
Personally, I'd pick Baishui Hotel if your focus is Huangguoshu, and Wanda Realm if you want comfort and have a car. The hostel is great for solo travelers on a tight budget.
My Top Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
- Buy snacks before entering Huangguoshu – food inside is 2x the price and mediocre. I always grab a few steamed buns and water from the OK Mart at the bus stop.
- Rain poncho is a must – the mist from the waterfall soaks you even if you're 50 meters away. Street vendors sell them for ¥5.
- Avoid Chinese holidays – especially May Day (May 1-5) and National Day (Oct 1-7). The waterfall becomes a sea of selfie sticks. I brought a family there on Oct 3 last year – we spent 2 hours just getting on the sightseeing bus.
- Download Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go. Many small vendors, bus tickets, and even some hotels don't accept foreign credit cards. Bring some cash as backup (¥500 is enough).
- Wear long pants for Dragon Palace – mosquitoes inside the cave are aggressive. Bug spray doesn't help much.
Frequently Asked Questions (From My Tour Groups)
Fact-checked by the editorial team. All prices and policies verified as of last site visit. Always confirm opening hours before your trip.
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