Anshun Travel FAQ
I only have 2 days in Guizhou – is it worth it?
Short answer: only if you accept you'll see one highlight. Fly into Guiyang, take the first train to Anshun, and spend the day at Huangguoshu. Sleep in Anshun, then either spend the next morning at Qingyan Ancient Town or a quick half-day at the Miao village near Kaili. It's rushed, but you'll get a taste. Don't even attempt to add Xingyi or Fanjingshan.
Is a 7-day trip too long for Guizhou?
Actually, 7 days is perfect if you enjoy hiking and culture. Beyond the classic loop, you can head southwest to Malinghe Canyon or the massive Wanfenglin peaks. Many travelers tell me they wished they had a 8th day. Just be honest about your fitness – Fanjingshan is 7,800 steps of pure lung burn.
How do I book tickets to Guizhou's scenic spots as a foreigner?
The most convenient method is to book through Trip.com or Klook – both have English interfaces and accept passports. For Huangguoshu, the official WeChat mini-program has a passport option, but it's all in Chinese. If you're stuck, buy at the on-site 'Foreigner Ticket' window – it exists, though you might wait 10 minutes. Don't trust black-market ticket sellers; they often sell expired group tickets.
Is Guizhou safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Guizhou is generally very safe. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The biggest risks are traffic and pickpockets in crowded bus areas. I've sent dozens of solo female clients, and the only complaints they had were about the steep stairs and spicy food. Use same travel common sense you would in any city: keep your bag zipped, avoid walking alone in unlit areas after midnight, and share your live location with a friend.
What's the best time of year to visit Guizhou?
November to March tends to be cloudy and wet. For waterfalls, May to September brings the most water – but during Chinese holidays (first week of May and first week of October), Huangguoshu becomes a sea of tourists. I always suggest late April or late September: good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices.
Is it safe to travel to Guizhou as a solo tourist?
Yes, overall it’s very safe. Crime is low, and locals are genuinely curious about foreigners. The biggest risks are getting lost and falling on slippery paths. I’d recommend staying in well-reviewed guesthouses and keeping your belongings close in crowded areas, but you won’t face violent crime.
What should I do if my international card doesn’t work at a ticket office?
That’s common. Carry 300-500 RMB in cash as backup. Also, show your passport — some offices can process foreign cards. If that fails, ask a staff member to help you pay via Alipay; you can give them cash. It sounds weird, but it works. My last resort is to call my guide or use a pay-by-link from Trip.com.
Can I visit Guizhou without speaking Chinese?
Honestly, it’s hard but doable. You’ll rely on translation apps and pointing. Trains and major attractions have English signs. But I recommend booking tours through a local agency for at least the first day. After that, you get the hang of it.
How long should I spend in Guizhou to see the main attractions?
A minimum of 5 days for the classic loop. If you want to include Fanjingshan, plan for 7 days. Don’t try to do Huangguoshu and Xiaoqikong in one day — that’s a common mistake my clients regret.
Do I need to book the Guiyang to Anshun high speed train in advance?
Not necessarily. Ticket availability is usually fine, except during Chinese national holidays (Oct 1-7, May 1-3, etc.). But since it's so easy to book on Trip.com, just do it the night before to save stress.
Recent Reviews
Anshun is the kind of city that makes you love Guizhou. I came with a cheap backpack and no plan. The people at my small hotel were so helpful, drawing maps and teaching me how to eat the local huajiang tofu. The Dragon Palace cave boat ride felt like another planet, and the old Confucius Temple area was calm and beautiful. In the evening, the night market by the river smelled like grilled fish and hand-torn tofu. Cheap, friendly, and full of character. Five stars without a doubt.
As a photography trip, Anshun was a dream. Got up before sunrise and caught the Huangguoshu Waterfall with mist rolling over the cliffs — zero crowd, pure magic. The stone-built Tunpu houses in the afternoon light gave me more than a thousand shots. I was worried about the rain season, but the falls were actually fuller and more powerful. Coming from Guiyang, the high-speed train only took 30 minutes, which made it easy. Only regret: I didn’t bring extra memory cards. Will be back.
Anshun absolutely blew me away. I planned one day for Huangguoshu and ended up staying three. The waterfall thundered so loud I felt it in my chest, and the mist was like light rain. The Tunpu villages nearby are full of stone houses and ladies doing embroidery, and the local snacks — especially the sour and spicy noodles — were incredible. Everything is cheap if you know where to look. This is the real Guizhou, not a tourist trap. I would recommend it to anyone traveling in southern China.
Solid four stars for Anshun. The highlights are Huangguoshu and Dragon Palace; both are stunning and make the trip worthwhile. I did the whole loop in one long day and my legs were dead, but the walk behind the waterfall is something I’ll never forget. Only reason it’s not five stars: the shuttle buses inside the scenic area felt chaotic, and there wasn’t much English signage. Bring cash and a translation app. Still, a great stop in Guizhou.
Huangguoshu Waterfall is obviously the big draw, and yes, it’s massive. But I left Anshun with mixed feelings. The public bus from the city to the falls was crammed and slow, and a private driver quoted me four times the normal price. The scenic area itself is well organized, but the ticket plus shuttle cost added up fast. Also, the food at the tourist restaurants near the entrance was bland and overpriced. Beautiful waterfall, frustrating everything else. If you come, book a tour or rent a car.
Dragon Palace is the hidden gem everyone should know. You take a small boat through karst caves, and the light reflecting on the turquoise underground lake is unreal. The water comes from underground, so it's incredibly clear. The whole area feels less developed than Huangguoshu, which I really appreciated. I honestly felt like an explorer. Don't skip the walking path above the cave. Best day of my two-week trip.
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