Guiyang to Anshun High Speed Train: Insider Tips

I remember the first time I took a group of tourists from Guiyang to Anshun. They were exhausted, jet-lagged, and Google Maps had led us into a rice field. That's when I realized — you need the high speed train.

If you're searching for “Guiyang to Anshun high speed train”, you've already figured out the best way to reach Huangguoshu Waterfall. But the tricky part for foreigners? Booking online, navigating the station, and connecting to the actual scenic area.

Here's the deal: the fastest and most stress-free route is the bullet train from Guiyang North Station to Anshun West. It runs every 20–30 minutes, takes about 35 minutes, and costs around 40 RMB. Book it via Trip.com or WeChat, but have your passport and VPN ready.

Why Take the High Speed Train from Guiyang to Anshun?

If you're debating between bus, car, or train, stop right now. The high speed train is hands-down the best option for most travelers. Here's why:

• Speed: A drop from 2.5 hours on the highway to just 35 minutes on the rails.
• Cost: About the same as a bus ticket (roughly 40 RMB for second class), but far more comfortable.
• Reliability: No traffic jams, no delays from weather, and a fixed schedule.

I always tell my clients: “The train is the only way to go unless you have a private driver with a death wish.” The old mountain road between Guiyang and Anshun is twisty and frequently congested. The train zips through tunnels and over bridges, literally cutting the province in half.

High Speed Train vs Bus vs Car: A Quick Comparison

As you can see, the train wins on time and comfort for a price that's negligible. The only reason to choose a car is if you're going directly to a smaller destination not served by rail.

How to Book Guiyang to Anshun High Speed Train Tickets

Booking is straightforward, but there are a few landmines that catch foreigners. Let me walk you through.

The Best Platforms for Foreigners

You have two reliable options:

1. Trip.com: The international version. You can book with your passport and pay with a foreign credit card. They'll email you a booking confirmation, and you just show your passport at the station.
2. 12306.cn: The official China Railway website. It has an English version, but you'll often get blocked if you don't have a Chinese phone number. Trip.com is far easier for most foreigners.

Personally, I always recommend Trip.com. I've used it myself when my Chinese apps glitch. Just remember to input your passport number exactly as it appears on your visa.

How to Buy Tickets at the Station (If You Don't Pre-book)

Yes, you can buy tickets on-site. At Guiyang North Station, there are self-service machines and manual counters. But here's the catch: many machines only accept Chinese ID cards or Alipay/WeChat payments. If you show up without a ticket, do this:

• Go to the manual ticket office window that says “Foreigners” (usually window 3 or 4).
• Have your passport ready.
• Have exact cash (though some windows now accept international credit cards, it's still not common).

Insider Advice: Even if you plan to buy at the station, check the departure times on Trip.com the night before so you know what to ask for. Also, buy a ticket for the next available train — you don't need to commit to a specific time in advance.

Payment Methods – What Actually Works?

• Alipay / WeChat Pay: If you've linked a foreign card, these work for online purchases. Many foreigners set this up, so it's the easiest way.
• Cash: Accepted at manual ticket counters, but not at self-service machines.
• International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard): Often rejected by the machines, but might work at the manual counter. Don't rely on it.

For Trip.com, your international card works fine. So my recommendation: set up Alipay or WeChat before you arrive, or just use Trip.com.

The Passport Rule – Don't Ignore It

Your ticket is tied to your passport. When you scan your ticket at the gate, you'll also need to show your passport to the staff. If your passport photo doesn't match your face (beard removed, hair cut), they might ask for extra verification — always travel with your passport in hand.

Guiyang to Anshun High Speed Train Schedule and Duration

Now, let's talk about times. The route between Guiyang North and Anshun West is part of the Shanghai–Kunming high speed rail line. That means there are lots of trains passing through.

Typical Train Times and Frequencies

• First train: around 6:30 AM
• Last train: around 9:30 PM
• Frequency: roughly every 20–30 minutes during peak hours

The journey itself is unbelievably short — on average 35 minutes, though some trains do it in 30. Most trains are “G” or “C” series, which means they're the fastest.

Here's a typical day snapshot (check Trip.com for exact times):

These are just examples. Real times change seasonally, so always check live schedules.

How Much Time Should You Allow?

I tell my clients to arrive at the station at least 40 minutes before departure for a domestic trip. That gives you time to wait in the security line, get to the correct waiting room, and find your boarding gate. If you're buying tickets on the spot, add another 20 minutes.

Which Stations Do You Need to Know?

There are multiple “Guiyang” and “Anshun” stations, and getting the wrong one can ruin your day. Let me clear it up:

Guiyang North Station (贵阳北站)

Address: South of Guanshanhu District, Guiyang, Guizhou 550081

How to get there: Metro Line 1 directly connects to the station. Take it from the city center to “Guiyang North” station. Taxis are cheap, but beware of fake taxis — use the official waiting area outside the main exit.

Facilities: Big station with lots of food courts and convenience stores. But it can get chaotic, so follow the signs carefully.

Anshun West Station (安顺西站)

Address: Anshun West Station, Economic Development Zone, Anshun, Guizhou 561000

How to get there: From the train hall, exit towards the main square. You'll see bus stops and taxi stands.

Facilities: Smaller but modern. There are restrooms, a few small eateries, and a convenience store.

Pro Tip: Never confuse Anshun West with the old Anshun Station (which serves regular trains). The high speed trains only stop at Anshun West. If your ticket says “Anshun” without “West”, it's likely the old station — double-check!

What to Expect Inside the Train and Station

Boarding a Chinese high speed train is surprisingly smooth if you know the drill.

Boarding Process

1. Enter the station and walk through security (like airport security, but faster).
2. Find your waiting room. Your ticket (or Trip.com email) will list the “候车室” or “Waiting Room” number.
3. When boarding is announced, present your passport and ticket (if physical) at the turnstile.
4. Walk to the platform — follow the yellow line your train number is located.
5. Match your carriage number (e.g., “05” for carriage 5) painted on the platform floor.

On-Board Comfort

• Seats: Second class is 3+2 layout, comfortable enough for a short ride. First class is 2+2 with more legroom.
• Luggage: Overhead racks are small. A 28-inch suitcase probably won't fit. There's storage space near the carriage ends, but it fills up quickly. Board early.
• Food: A snack trolley passes through, but I'd grab a Boxed Rice (盒饭) at the station before boarding — it's cheaper.

Wi-Fi and Charging

Train Wi-Fi? Some trains have it, but it's spotty. I tell everyone to download offline maps and movies beforehand.

Charging outlets: Under the window or between seats. Bring a power bank — you'll need it for navigation later.

How to Get from Anshun West Station to Huangguoshu Waterfall

The real reason you're going to Anshun is likely Huangguoshu. The waterfall is about 45 km from Anshun West Station. Here's how to connect:

Option 1: Direct Tourist Bus (Cheapest)

Exit the station and look for the “景区直通车” (Scenic Area Shuttle Bus) signs. The bus to Huangguoshu Scenic Area runs from the station's main square.

• Cost: Around 22 RMB one-way.
• Frequency: Roughly every 30 minutes, but there's a fixed schedule — check the times at the kiosk or ask staff.

Option 2: Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Fastest)

Use Didi (Chinese Uber) or Alipay's ride-hailing. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs 100–150 RMB. Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers who quote inflated prices.

If you use a taxi, make sure the meter is running. Write down “请打表” (“please use the meter”).

Option 3: Bus via City Center (Most Complicated)

This route saves little money but costs extra time. First take the local bus from the station to Anshun's main bus terminal (安顺东客运站), then switch to the direct bus to Huangguoshu. Only recommended if the direct shuttle is full.

Insider Advice: The tourist shuttle from Anshun West has a habit of waiting until full before departing, which can add 20 minutes. If you're in a hurry, hop in a Didi. The cost is worth it when you're already on a tight schedule.

One-Day Guiyang to Anshun High Speed Train Itinerary

Let me give you a realistic day plan that I've refined after dozens of trips with clients. It's tight but doable.

Morning – Departure and Arrival

• 7:30 AM: Arrive at Guiyang North Station. Grab breakfast at the station — the KFC is actually decent.
• 8:00 AM: Board your train (book the 8:02 departure, for example).
• 8:37 AM: Arrive at Anshun West.

Mid-morning – Head to Huangguoshu

8:45 AM: Exit the station, find the shuttle bus stand. Go to the bathroom NOW — the ride is 45 minutes.

9:30 AM: Arrive at Huangguoshu Scenic Area entrance.

Afternoon – Exploring the Waterfall

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Follow the main loop: first the waterfall itself, then the Tianshengqiao (Natural Bridge) section, and finally the Doupotang waterfall. Wear comfortable shoes — you'll walk 10,000+ steps.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant inside the scenic area. Try “Huangguoshu fish” or the local beef noodles.

Late Afternoon – Return

• 2:30 PM: Take the shuttle back to Anshun West.
• 3:15 PM: Buy a return ticket for 4:00 PM. You'll have a little time to relax at the station café.
• 4:35 PM: Back in Guiyang. If you're hungry, head to Erqi Road Night Market for dinner.

Rainy Day Plan B

If the weather turns bad (which happens often in Guizhou), skip the waterfall and visit:

• Anshun Confucius Temple – A quiet, historic site in the city center.
• The Tunpu Fortresses – Ancient stone villages near Anshun with unique culture.

These alternatives are closer to the city and won't leave you soaked.

What Nobody Tells You About the Guiyang–Anshun High Speed Train

You've got the basics, but here are the tricks that only a local would know:

• Avoid the 5 PM return rush: If you leave Huangguoshu too late, the station gets jammed. Grab a train before 4 PM if possible.
• The “fastest” train isn't always fastest: Some trains make an extra stop at Pingba (平坝), adding 5–10 minutes. On Trip.com, look for the shortest duration.
• Buy a seat in Carriage 10: That's often the first-class carriage, and it's closer to the exit at Anshun West – saving you a long walk on the platform.
• Don't forget your ticket is electronic: You only need your passport for the gates. But if you want a paper ticket for souvenirs, ask a staff member after boarding.

FAQ: Guiyang to Anshun High Speed Train

Now, let me leave you with this: the Guiyang–Anshun high speed train isn't just a ride — it's the doorway to one of China's most spectacular natural wonders. Follow this guide, and you'll be shooting selfies at Huangguoshu before you know it.