Ting Chen
Let me be blunt — most foreign tourists mess up their Guiyang and Anshun itinerary by trying to squeeze in too many cities. I've guided hundreds of travelers through Guizhou, and the ones who have a blast stick to these two bases. Within four days you can see the region's crown jewel, Huangguoshu Waterfall, without feeling chased.
Here is the secret most guidebooks miss: the waterfall is busy until 2 PM. Base your day around arriving after 2 PM for calm boardwalks and dramatic side-lighting. And the only reliable way to get tickets is via Trip.com or the official WeChat mini-program — cash won't work at the entrance.
So, before you book anything, read this route. I promise it will save you hours.
Quick Route Summary
- Why Do Guiyang and Anshun Belong in One Trip?
- How Many Days Do You Need for This Itinerary?
- How Do You Get From Guiyang to Anshun?
- Day-by-Day Guiyang and Anshun Itinerary
- Top Attractions: Tickets, Hours & Insider Tips
- Where Should You Stay in Guiyang and Anshun?
- What to Eat on Your Guiyang and Anshun Itinerary?
- Foreign Traveler Survival Guide
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Why Do Guiyang and Anshun Belong in One Trip?
These two cities are the odd couple that actually makes sense. Guiyang is the provincial capital, the transport hub, and the food mecca. Anshun, about 100 km to the southwest, hides the monstrous Huangguoshu Waterfall and some of the most underrated karst landscapes in China. The high-speed train links them in just 30 minutes, so there's no excuse to skip either.
Every time I bring a group to Anshun, they expect just a waterfall. Then I take them to the Tunpu villages near Tianlong and they're stunned. These are villages built like fortresses by Han Chinese soldiers 600 years ago — you won't read about them in many travel guides.
Pro Tip: If you only have a weekend, fly into Guiyang, take the train to Anshun, and spend one full day at Huangguoshu. That's a compact 2-day Guiyang and Anshun itinerary that still feels rewarding.
How Many Days Do You Need for This Itinerary?
The sweet spot is 3 full days plus a half day for travel. With two days, you'll have to choose between the waterfall and the ancient town. With four days, you can comfortably add Tunpu villages and take a cooking class in Guiyang.
Here is a rough breakdown:
- 2 days: Huangguoshu only (fly into Guiyang, overnight in Anshun)
- 3 days: Guiyang urban sights + Huangguoshu
- 4 days: Everything above plus Qingyan Ancient Town and Longgong Cave
I recommend 4 days if you want to actually taste Guizhou, not just rush past it.
How Do You Get From Guiyang to Anshun?
There are three main ways to cover the 100 km between these cities:
| Transport | Duration | Cost (per person) | Best For | Insider Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (D or G series) | 30-40 minutes | Around 36-50 RMB (second class) | Speed and comfort | Buy on Trip.com or 12306. Sit on the left side for karst views. |
| Bus from Guiyang Jinyang Station | 2 hours | Around 50 RMB | Budget travel | Fewer departures in the afternoon; not ideal. |
| Private car / Didi | 1.5 hours | 200-300 RMB | Flexibility to stop at scenic spots | International licenses aren't valid; use a driver. |
Book your train tickets at least 3 days in advance during holidays. The train from Guiyang North (贵阳北站) to Anshun West (安顺西站) leaves every 20 minutes.
Day-by-Day Guiyang and Anshun Itinerary
Day 1: Guiyang Arrival, Riverside Tranquility and Night Market Snacks
This first day is intentionally lazy. After landing at Longdongbao Airport (KWE) or the high-speed rail station, check into your hotel in the city center. Light sleepers should avoid rooms facing the main avenue — the honking starts at 6 AM. At 11:00 AM, walk to Hebin Road. You'll spot Jiaxiu Tower jutting from the Nanming River.
Have lunch at a local 肠旺面 (chang-wang-mian) stall. Ask for it with extra 面 and less oil — the stabbing pork bone broth will fix any jet lag. Afternoon at the riverside promenade is my favorite hangover cure.
At 6 PM, head to Erqi Road Night Market (二七路小吃街). Try 丝娃娃 (rice-wrapped veggie bundles) and 烙锅 (griddle-cooked meat). It gets crowded by 7:30 PM, so go early.
Plan B for rain: Visit the Guizhou Museum (free with passport) to understand the Miao and Buyi cultures you'll see later.
Day 2: Qingyan Ancient Town and a Sour-Spicy Dinner Evolution
Take it slow on the outskirts. At 8:30 AM, grab a Didi to Qingyan Ancient Town (30 km, 50 minutes, about 80 RMB). The old town is photogenic, but the paid attractions inside (around 80 RMB) are skippable — I'd rather get lost in the alleyways where vendors sell silver pendant and corn.
Lunch in Qingyan: find a courtyard restaurant that does 卤猪脚 (butter pork feet). The sweetness cuts the spicy air. Return to Guiyang around 3 PM to rest.
Evening: You can't leave Guiyang without trying 酸汤鱼. I always bring groups to 老凯里酸汤鱼 — it's touristy but consistent. The sour fish soup (木姜子-flavored) is a mind-bender; order the beef-tofu mixed platter if you're wary.
Plan B: If it's pouring, skip Qingyan. Instead, visit the Underwater World tunnel in Guiyang (a bit corny but fun in rain) or take a cooking class.
Day 3: Huangguoshu Waterfall — The Grand Finale, Done Right
This is the moment. Take the 7:20 AM high-speed train from Guiyang North to Anshun West. You'll have a 20-minute taxi to the Huangguoshu scenic area entrance. Bags can be checked at the left luggage office.
At 10:00 AM, ride the shuttle to the third stop — Tianxing Bridge (天星桥) — before the group tours flood it. The walk along the karst boulders and under the aerial roots is surreal. Finish this section by 12:30 PM.
Eat lunch at one of the simple restaurants near the bus stop. At 2 PM, walk down to the main waterfall. This is the perfect time: the spray catches the sun, long exposure photographers go crazy, and the crowds thin out. The Waterfall-Crossing Corridor (through the cave behind the falls) is a mandatory shower — wear a jacket.
Take your time. Take a dozen photos. Then catch the last shuttle at 5:30 PM and head to your hotel in Anshun city center.
Plan B: If the falls are closed for water flow (rare), swap Day 3 and Day 4 — do Longgong Cave instead.
Day 4: Dragon Palace Cave, Tunpu Villages and the Ride Back
You can't miss the underground river. Start early at Longgong (Dragon Palace, 龙宫). Entrance is around 150 RMB with a boat ride. The first cavern's wide ceiling and hidden streams will make you forget the world. The second cave pass requires crouching — try not to hit your head.
After that, if you have the energy, take a taxi to Tianlong (天龙) Tunpu village. The women in black dresses and swordsmanship on stage are a glimpse into a Ming dynasty time capsule. It's a 40-minute ride back to Anshun West. Catch the 4 PM train to Guiyang.
On your last evening in Guiyang, order a bowl of 肠旺面 again — the taste will be even better. Raise a glass of 茅台王子 to four days well spent.
Top Attractions: Tickets, Hours & Insider Tips
| Attraction | Location | Adult Ticket | Hours | Passport/Booking | My Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huangguoshu Waterfall | Anshun, 40 km West | Around 160 RMB (includes 3 sections and shuttle) | 7:30-18:30 (last entry 18:30) | Yes. Need passport. Book via Trip.com. | Ride shuttle to the third stop first; waterfall at 2 PM is golden. |
| Longgong (Dragon Palace) | Anshun, 27 km East | Around 150 RMB (combined with boat) | 8:30-17:30 | Yes. Passport required. | Carry a raincoat; expect a splash on the cave boat. |
| Qingyan Ancient Town | Huaxi District, Guiyang | Around 80 RMB combined; the main streets are free | 8:30-18:00 | Passport only if you buy combined ticket | Skip the paid mansions; eat local noodles on the side streets. |
| Jiaxiu Tower | Guiyang city center | Around 30 RMB | 9:00-17:00 | No booking needed | Free viewpoint from the river path, 10 minutes before sunset. |
| Guizhou Provincial Museum | Guiyang, Guanshanhu District | Free | 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays | Passport for free ticket | Spend time on the silver ornaments and batik textiles. |
Where Should You Stay in Guiyang and Anshun?
Choosing the right base matters more than you think. Here are my go-to options after years of testing.
| Hotel | Location | Price Range | Best For | Wi-Fi & Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pod Inn Guiyang (中山西路店) | Zhongshan West Road | 60-200 RMB | Budget backpackers | Free Wi-Fi, elevator, English at front desk, luggage storage |
| Ibis Guiyang Central | Near Renmin Square | 300-400 RMB | Couples | Stable Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, breakfast box available |
| Howard Johnson Park Hotel | Guanshanhu District | 500-800 RMB | Families | No lifts? Actually there is; pool and gym, larger rooms |
| Home Inn Huangguoshu | Near scenic entrance | 200-300 RMB | Early birds | Basic Wi-Fi, thin walls, earlier access to park |
| Anshun Jinglu Hotel | City center, 15 min to station | 400-600 RMB | Comfort travelers | Solid Wi-Fi, quiet rooms, Chinese-English menu |
Note: All prices fluctuate with season. Book with free cancellation on Trip.com or Booking.com.
What to Eat on Your Guiyang and Anshun Itinerary?
Guizhou cuisine is a bold acid-trippiness of sour and spice. Here are the dishes that will define your trip.
- 酸汤鱼 (Sour Fish Soup): Your first meal. The fermented tomato base delivers a tangy brothy kick. Best with fresh river fish and a dip of chili.
- 肠旺面: A Guiyang staple. The “three treasures” are noodles, pig blood and pork. Slick with chili oil. Order it for breakfast.
- 丝娃娃: Make it yourself. Thin tropical rolls filled with shredded veg, dipped in sour sauce. Fun at night markets.
- 烙锅: A DIY griddle plate with marinated meat and spicy powder. Anshun is a legend for this.
- 波波糖: Sesame candy – get it in Anshun old town as a gift.
For specific restaurants, I can't name a sit-down in Anshun because my favorite is a stall by the North Gate bus stop. The people in the long line know what's good.
Foreign Traveler Survival Guide
Let's deal with the logistics that make or break your trip.
Payments and Cash
Assume Alipay and WeChat Pay are the only accepted methods at 90% of spots. Link your international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay/Hint: You can also link a card to WeChat Pay now. Tourist attractions like Huangguoshu only accept QR code payments after you get the physical ticket – but the ticket machine may still require a Chinese ID? Actually the group counter for passports accepts cards. Still, have the apps ready.
Navigation
Google Maps is useless here. Use Apple Maps (it uses AMap). Or install AMap and switch to English. Always save the Chinese name of your destination and show it to the taxi driver.
Booking Trains and Attractions
The golden rule: use Trip.com. It works with non-Chinese passports. For hotels, Booking.com is solid. For train tickets, Trip.com adds a small service fee but avoids the headache of the 12306 app.
Wi-Fi and VPN
Install a VPN before you fly. Astrill provides servers that bypass slowdowns in Guizhou. AirHelp? No. If you don't have a VPN, your phone will still function for calls, but many apps (Instagram, Facebook) will fail.
Language
Download the Apple Translate or Baidu Translate offline pack. Have a phrase for “not spicy” (不辣, bù là) and “super spicy” (很辣, hěn là). In Anshun, some locals speak the Miao language, not Mandarin.
Pro Tip: At the attraction ticket booths, saying “tui ci” (I can't receive cash) in Chinese will get you a puzzled look. Instead, pull out the Alipay app, and a local visitor will guide you. Or simply go to the counter marked “Foreign passports” – it usually exists but is unmarked.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This Guiyang and Anshun itinerary is the one I recommend to every friend who asks for a “nature + food” trip in China. It's not a white-knuckle marathon; it's a paced ride through South China's wild heart.
Start with the rice noodles. End with the roar of the waterfall. In between, you'll stumble onto a stone village that'll make you wonder why nobody else knows about it.
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
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