Chongqing to Anshun Train: Tickets, Routes, Insider Tips

Let me kick this off with a confession: the Chongqing to Anshun train ride isn't glamorous. At least not the way influencers make it sound. After years of dragging clients through this route, I've learned exactly where the pain points hide — from the chaotic ticket office at Chongqing West Station to the taxi scrum outside Anshun Railway Station. But here's the good news: once you know the moves, this route is surprisingly easy. In this guide, I'll break down every step, from booking to arrival, so you can skip the mess and spend your energy on the real star — Huangguoshu Waterfall.

Quick Facts: Chongqing to Anshun Train

Here's the most important number you need: the fastest journey takes about 3.5 hours with one transfer. But let's not sugarcoat it — the direct overnight train takes over 10 hours but lets you skip hotel costs. I've put together the essential facts in one glance.

How to Book Chongqing to Anshun Train Tickets as a Foreigner?

The golden rule: never show up at the station without a pre-booked ticket. I've seen too many travelers stuck for hours. Here’s the step-by-step that works.

Your Booking Options

You have three reliable ways to secure your seat.

• Trip.com or 12306 Official: I always recommend Trip.com for beginners — it has an English interface and accepts foreign credit cards. You'll need your passport number. That's it.
• WeChat mini-program: If you're comfortable with Chinese, the official 12306 mini-program lets you skip the booking fee, but the interface is a maze. I usually have my hotel concierge do it for me.
• Station window: This is the fallback, but expect a queue of 30+ minutes and zero English support. Bring a printed itinerary in Chinese to show the clerk.

Pro-Tips for Booking

These small habits save travelers from major headaches.

• Book at least 7 days ahead, especially for overnight sleepers. They sell out faster than a hotpot table on Friday night.
• Use the passport number exactly as it appears on your travel document. A single typo will block you from boarding.
• If you're transferring in Guiyang, buy both legs at once — the system often finds connections with enough layover time.

Insider Advice: Don't fall for the 'discount ticket sellers' near the station. They charge double and sometimes hand you invalid tickets. Use official channels only.

What to Expect on a Chongqing to Anshun Train Ride?

Your train experience will dramatically differ based on whether you choose the overnight sleeper or the high-speed route. Let me walk you through both, because comfort matters.

The Direct Overnight Sleeper Experience

If you're short on time but long on budget, this is your ride. The train is old — think 1990s Chinese railway, not Shinkansen. The soft sleeper (4 beds) is cramped but functional. I always tell my clients to bring:

• Noise-cancelling earplugs (the snoring is real)
• A jacket — the AC cranks to Arctic levels at night
• Your own snacks — the dining car closes early

On the plus side, you wake up in Anshun and save a night's hotel cost. Just don't expect a peaceful slumber; the train stops at every small station.

The High-Speed Rail Experience

This is the tourist-friendly option. From Chongqing West, you'll board a bullet train to Guiyang North (around 2 hours). Then transfer to a connecting train to Anshun West (30–40 minutes). The seats are spacious, there's free Wi-Fi on most G-trains, and dining cars serve boxed rice dishes for around ¥30. The only headache is the transfer — you'll have about 20–40 minutes of idle time in Guiyang North. Use it to grab a coffee; the station has Starbucks and some decent local noodle shops.

Direct Train vs High-Speed Transfer: Which Saves More Time?

If you value your vacation hours, the high-speed transfer wins by a landslide. But the overnight sleeper has its own charm. Here's a side-by-side comparison from my tour log.

My honest take? Unless you're on a strict budget or love sleeper trains, go for the high-speed transfer. The extra ¥100 saves you 8 hours of your life — that's worth more than any souvenir.

Navigating Chongqing's Stations Without Tears

Knowing your departure station is half the battle won. Chongqing has two main stations that serve this route, and they're far apart.

Chongqing West Station (重庆西站)

This station serves the high-speed trains. It's a modern hub with decent English signage. Pro-tip: the entrance can get chaotic, so arrive 40 minutes before departure. To get there, use Metro Line 5 (station name: Chongqing West Station) or take Didi from the city center — it's about ¥40 from Jiefangbei. There's a large waiting area with a few snack shops, but don't expect gourmet dining.

Chongqing North Station (重庆北站)

The direct overnight sleeper usually departs from this older station. It's closer to the city center and connected to Metro Line 3 and 4. The facilities are dated — the restrooms are grim, and escalators sometimes break. Allow extra time if you're hauling heavy luggage. And whatever you do, don't listen to the touts outside who claim to offer 'faster tickets' — they're scammers.

Pro Tip: Double-check your ticket for the station name. A friend once went to West Station when he was supposed to be at North — that's a 40-minute taxi ride in traffic. Don't be that person.

Arriving in Anshun: Getting to Huangguoshu

Both Anshun stations have tourist services geared toward foreign travelers. Here’s what to do when you step off the train.

From Anshun West Station (High-Speed)

Anshun West is modern and clean. Outside, you'll find official taxis with meters — a ride to the city center should cost about ¥20–30. For Huangguoshu Waterfall, the best bet is the direct tourist bus from the station's bus terminal. It departs roughly every hour, costs ¥15, and takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, a private taxi will charge around ¥150 — negotiate firmly before getting in.

From Anshun Station (Direct Train)

If you arrive here, you're in the old town. Taxis are available, but they'll try to charge you a flat rate as if you don't know any better. Insist on the meter, or better yet, use Didi. The city center is walkable. To reach Huangguoshu from here, you'll need to take a bus from Anshun Bus Terminal — bus number 1 or 2, and tell the driver your stop. It's about ¥10 and 50 minutes.

Essential Apps for Anshun

Without these apps, you'll waste time and money.

• Didi — for taxis with prices mapped out in advance
• AMap (高德地图) — offline maps with English support
• WeChat Pay or Alipay — most drivers won't take cash or foreign cards

A Realistic Itinerary for the Chongqing to Anshun Journey

Let me give you a template that works for 90% of my clients. This assumes one full day in Anshun, focused on Huangguoshu.

Option A: The Day-Tripper (via High-Speed)

This is the tightest but most efficient plan.

1. 7:30 am: Depart Chongqing West on an early G-train to Guiyang North.
2. 9:30 am: Transfer to Anshun West — your connecting train is usually on the same level, just follow the blue signs for 'Anshun West'.
3. 10:00 am: Arrive at Anshun West. Take the tourist bus or taxi towards Huangguoshu.
4. 11:00 am: Enter Huangguoshu Scenic Area. I always recommend starting at the waterfall viewpoint, as the crowd peaks after lunch. (Time: 3–4 hours)
5. 3:00 pm: Catch the shuttle back to Anshun West. Grab a quick snack at the station.
6. 4:30 pm: Return train to Chongqing via Guiyang.
7. 8:30 pm: Back in Chongqing, ready for a late hotpot dinner.

This is tight but doable if you move fast. For a more relaxed pace, stay overnight in Anshun — there are decent hotels near the waterfall for ¥250–400.

Option B: The Budget Sleeper

This plan maximizes your night train experience.

1. 6:00 pm: Board the direct sleeper from Chongqing North.
2. 6:30 am: Wake up in Anshun, have hearty street breakfast at the stalls near the station.
3. 9:00 am: Overnight bag at a tourism office (some hotels provide this for a fee), then head to Huangguoshu.
4. All day: Explore the falls and the nearby Rhinoceros Pool area.
5. 8:00 pm: Overnight sleeper back to Chongqing.

Both options work, but remember: the sleeper's departure times aren't always convenient. Always check the latest schedule on 12306.

Frequently Asked Questions