Classic Anshun Itinerary: Waterfalls & Ancient Villages in 3 Days

I've been leading tours in Guizhou for over a decade. And Anshun? It's one of those places that sounds simple on paper – a waterfall, a cave, some old villages – but the devil is in the details. Most travelers spend 2-3 days here, and this classic Anshun itinerary is exactly what I use with my groups. No fluff, just what works.

Day 1: Huangguoshu Waterfall – The Main Attraction

Why early? The waterfall faces east, so morning light gives you rainbows without the harsh midday glare. Plus, tour buses roll in around 10:30. Beat them, and you'll have the viewing platforms almost to yourself.

Ticket & Timing

Getting There

From Anshun city: Take bus No. 9 from Anshun Railway Station (departs every 30 min, 1 hour ride, 22 RMB). Or ride-share DiDi about 80-100 RMB. From Guiyang: High-speed train to Anshun West (30 min, 46 RMB), then bus or taxi (50-70 RMB).

Inside the scenic area, you'll see three main sections: the main waterfall, Water Curtain Cave (you walk behind the falls – wear a rain poncho, they sell for 5 RMB outside but 15 inside), and the smaller waterfalls downstream. Total walking distance about 4-5 km. Take water and snacks – food inside is overpriced and mediocre.

How long to spend?

4-5 hours if you arrive at 8 AM. By 1 PM, you'll be ready for lunch. Don't eat at the tourist restaurants right outside the gate – the food there gave me an upset stomach once. Instead, head to the nearby town of Huangguoshu (about 2 km). I recommend Laoma Restaurant – their tofu with local chili and sour fish soup are fantastic. Google Maps rating 4.3. About 40-50 RMB per person. No English menu, but they have pictures.

Day 2: Longgong Cave & Tunpu Ancient Villages

Today is about contrast – a massive karst cave in the morning, then a 600-year-old Ming dynasty village in the afternoon.

Longgong Cave (Dragon Palace)

You'll take two boat rides inside the cave. The first is short (5 min) through a narrow canal, the second is the main one (20 min) through huge caverns with coloured lighting. Honestly, the lighting is a bit tacky, but the scale is impressive. Wear a light jacket – it's 18°C inside even in summer.

Afternoon: Tunpu Ancient Villages (Tianlong or Benzhai)

There are several Tunpu villages – I recommend Tianlong Tunpu because it's on the way back from Longgong (25 min drive). These settlements were built by Ming dynasty soldiers who stayed after conquering the region. The architecture is pure stone – walls, roofs, even tools.

Entry fee: 60 RMB for Tianlong Tunpu. Opening hours: 8:00-18:00. The village is small – you can walk it in 1.5 hours. Highlights: the old theater stage, the martial arts hall, and the costume show at 2:30 PM (included). If you want to see a more authentic village without tourist shops, go to Benzhai (free, no official entrance). But it's harder to reach – you'll need a car.

Lunch tip: In Tianlong, try Tunpu Baba (a kind of rice cake with minced pork) and sour soup fish. The restaurant right inside the village gate is decent – ask for "Laoban Niang" – she speaks a little English. About 40 RMB per person. Cash preferred, but WeChat Pay works.

Day 3: Anshun City – Temples & Street Food

You've seen nature and history. Now it's time for urban Anshun – a laid-back city with a wonderful food scene. Pace yourself.

Morning: Anshun Confucian Temple & Wen Miao

Address: No. 9 Wenmiao Road, Xixiu District. Entry 20 RMB. Opens 8:30-17:30. This is the best-preserved Confucian temple in Guizhou, built in the Ming dynasty. The stone carvings are delicate – look for the dragon pillars. Tourist tip: The place is empty before 10 AM. I once had the entire courtyard to myself. Take your time reading the inscriptions (English translations are poor, but you can use a photo translator app).

Late morning: Anshun Ancient Street (Rufei Street)

About a 10-minute walk from the temple. This pedestrian street is lined with shops selling local handicrafts and street food. Don't miss the Xiufeng Snacks – their fried tofu with pickled vegetables is addictive. About 10 RMB for a plate. No seating – eat on the go like locals.

Afternoon: Optional – Longtan Lake or just relax

If you have energy, walk to Longtan Lake (about 20 min from the ancient street). It's a calm park with a pagoda and paddle boats. Or do what I often do: find a tea house near the lake and watch the old men play Chinese chess. Yunshui Teahouse is my go-to – a pot of green tea costs 30 RMB, free refills, great people-watching.

Where to Stay in Anshun

Recommendation for most travelers: Stay near Tower Square – it's central, walkable to main attractions, and has many restaurants. The Holiday Inn Express is a safe bet for first-timers.

Where to Eat – Local Favorites

Anshun Night Market (near Tower Square)

Open from 6 PM to midnight. This is where locals come. Try the following stations:

• Laoba Tang – a soup with beef and herbs. Rich, savory, perfect for cool evenings. About 20 RMB per bowl.
• Grilled stinky tofu – smells terrible, tastes amazing. Vendors have grills on carts. Look for the one with a long queue – it's the best. 5-8 RMB per skewer.
• Shuixi Noodles – a local rice noodle in spicy red oil. Thicker than pho, with minced pork and peanuts. My personal must-eat. 15 RMB at Shuixi Noodle House (123 Ruijin Road).

Getting Around

From Guiyang to Anshun: High-speed trains run every 30 minutes from Guiyang North or Guiyang East. Travel time 30 min to Anshun West Station. Ticket 46.5 RMB. Book on 12306.cn (official) or Trip.com. Avoid the slow K-trains – they take 1.5 hours and are often delayed.

Within Anshun: Taxis start at 8 RMB, DiDi is cheaper (about 6 RMB base). Public buses cost 2 RMB and are fine for short trips. For Huangguoshu and Longgong, I recommend taking an organized minibus from the Anshun East Bus Station – they leave when full and are cheaper than a private car (around 25 RMB per person to each site).

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