Anshun 3-Day Itinerary: Waterfalls & Hidden Gems

I've shuttled countless groups through Anshun, and the #1 mistake I see? Trying to cram Huangguoshu, Longgong, and the ancient towns into two days. You end up exhausted and miss the magic. Here's a relaxed 3-day plan that actually works—with my personal shortcuts to dodge the tour-bus crowds.

Day 1 – Huangguoshu Waterfall (the big one)

Get an early start. I mean early—arrive at the park gate by 8:00 AM. Why? The tour buses roll in around 10:30. You'll have the main viewing platform almost to yourself.

Address: Huangguoshu Town, Zhenning County, Anshun.
Ticket: 160 RMB adult, 80 RMB child (1.2–1.4m).
Hours: 8:00–18:00, last entry 17:00.
Book ahead: Yes, you must reserve at least one day in advance via the official WeChat mini-program or Trip.com. Walk-up tickets are almost never available on peak days.

Getting there: From Anshun West Bus Station, take the direct bus to Huangguoshu (22 RMB, 1 hour). Or grab a taxi/Didi for about 100 RMB (40 min). If you're driving, park at the main gate—30 RMB for the day.

My route: Enter through the main gate, take the elevator down (50 RMB round trip—worth it to save legs), then walk the lower path to the waterfall. The spray will drench you, so bring a poncho (vendors sell cheap ones for 5 RMB near the entrance, but they rip easily). Stick to the Left viewing platform—the right one is always packed. Around 11:00, the sun hits the mist perfectly for a rainbow. I've had clients cry happy tears.

After the main falls, explore the Waterfall Cave (inside the cliff) and the little bridge area. Skip the “Stalactite Cave” inside the park—it's dim and crowded. Instead, exit by noon and grab lunch at a farmhouse restaurant across the street. Try the sour fish hotpot—it's the local Buyi specialty. One my regular spot: Xiao Mai Farmhouse (right outside the south exit). A full meal for two: about 80 RMB.

Afternoon: By 1:30 PM, head to the Doupotang Waterfall (included in the same ticket). It's a 5-minute bus ride inside the park. Less crowded, wider, and you can walk right behind it. Wear water shoes—the stone path gets slippery. I always tell my groups: spend max 45 minutes here, then head back to the hotel for a nap.

Pro tip: The toilets near the main waterfall entrance are notorious for long lines. Use the ones at the bus drop-off point instead.

Day 2 – Longgong Cave + Tunpu Ancient Town

Morning – Longgong Cave (Dragon Palace)
Drive from Anshun city center takes about 30 minutes (Didi ~60 RMB). Or take bus #51 from the south station to Longgong (5 RMB).

Address: Longgong Town, Xixiu District, Anshun.
Ticket: 130 RMB includes the boat ride inside the cave. No extra charge for the “water cave” section.
Hours: 8:00–17:30.

The cave system is massive—you boat through a narrow underground river, then walk through lit chambers. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes, but you'll wait longer in line. Go straight to the boat dock upon entry; skip the “dry cave” path first (most people do that and then queue). Bring a light jacket—inside temp is 16°C year-round.

Watch out: The walk after the boat has low ceilings. I've seen tall travelers hit their heads. Duck where signs indicate.

Lunch: There's a small village outside Longgong with decent noodle shops. Try the Anshun beef noodles (clear broth, hand-pulled, spicy tolerance optional). Old Zhang's Noodles (Google Maps: 4.3 stars) charges 15 RMB per bowl, cash only—bring small bills.

Afternoon – Tunpu Ancient Town
30-minute drive from Longgong (taxi ~50 RMB). Or bus #8 from Anshun to the Tunpu stop.
Address: Tunpu Village, Xixiu District.
Ticket: 90 RMB for the main scenic area (includes the Ming Dynasty fortress).
Hours: 8:30–18:00.

Tunpu is a living Ming dynasty settlement. The stone houses, narrow lanes, and old ladies weaving batik will transport you back. But here's the thing: the main tourist street is underwhelming—all souvenir stalls. Walk past it to the residential area. That's where you'll find the real charm. A local guide (often retired teachers) may offer to show you around for 20 RMB—worth it.

Don't miss: The Dixi opera performance (masks, loud drums) at the central square around 3 PM. It's free, but they'll ask for a small tip (5 RMB). The masks for sale are cheap but not authentic; skip them.

Evening: Head back to Anshun city. Have dinner at Laomao Hotpot on Huangguoshu Street (Google Maps 4.5). Their spicy beef tripe hotpot is legendary. Average 60 RMB per person. Pay with WeChat or cash—no international credit cards.

Day 3 – Anshun City & Local Life

Morning – Anshun Confucian Temple & Old Street
Start at the Confucian Temple (free) in the city center. It's small but peaceful. Then stroll along Lao Dong Jie (Old East Street). The street is lined with Qing-era buildings, most turned into cafes and gift shops. Grab a coffee at Shuixing Coffee (3rd floor, great view of the temple roof). A latte: 28 RMB.

Alternative: If the weather is bad, swap for the Anshun Museum on South Ring Road. Free entry, exhibits on Buyi and Miao culture. Open 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays.

Lunch – Try something bold
Anshun is famous for Huajiang dog meat. I know it's controversial for many Westerners. I'd say: if you're open, go to Huajiang Dog Meat Restaurant on Depot Road. It's boiled in a light broth with herbs, not spicy. Otherwise, order the Anshun tofu balls – crispy outside, fluffy inside, dipped in chili powder. 10 RMB for a portion.

Afternoon – Tianlong Tunpu or Bingla Ancient Town?
If you have energy: Visit Tianlong Tunpu (30 min north by taxi, ticket 60 RMB). Less commercial than the main Tunpu, with a giant “heavenly” inscription on the cliff.
If you want to relax: Go to Bingla Ancient Town (free, 20 min south). It's a canal-side walking area with nice views and fewer tourists. Perfect for an easy stroll before your flight.

Important finishing touch: At 4:30 PM, head to Anshun West Station if you're taking the high-speed train to Guiyang (45 min, 46 RMB). The station is modern, but there are few food options, so eat before arriving.

Where to Stay in Anshun

My pick: For most travelers, stay in the city center (Marriott or similar). You're close to restaurants and transport, and you can take day trips to the sights. The waterfall area is quiet after 6 PM—boring if you're not an early sleeper.

What to Eat (and what to skip)

Anshun's food is a spicy-sour adventure. Here's the must-try list:

1. Beef Noodles – Thin rice noodles in beef broth, topped with chunks of meat. Add pickled cabbage. Best at Xiao Beef Noodles on Zhonghua Road. 12 RMB. Cash only.

2. Sour Fish Hotpot – A tangy tomato-based broth with whole fish. The one at Miao Family Hotpot near the station is legendary. 80 RMB for two. Google Maps 4.6. They have an English picture menu.

3. Sticky Rice with Meat – Street food wrapped in leaves, filled with pork and chestnuts. Look for a cart outside the Confucian Temple. 5 RMB each. Look for the one with the longest line—that's the good one.

What to skip: “Anshun spice cakes” sold at tourist shops. They're mass-produced and taste like cardboard. Also, avoid the fried insects unless you're really adventurous—they're often stale.

Frequently Asked Questions