Anshun

Guizhou is relatively cool in the mornings and evenings and often rainy, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket and rain gear.

Anshun combines mountain and water scenery, caves, and local cuisine. With its relaxed pace, it is well suited to a 3-day, 2-night trip. The itinerary below combines classic attractions with outdoor destinations, which you can choose between according to your interests.

• Huangguoshu Waterfall: Asia’s largest waterfall, consisting of three main areas: the Great Waterfall, Tianxingqiao, and Doupotang. It is advisable to enter early and reserve Water-Curtain Cave in advance to experience the spray from the waterfall up close.

• Longgong Scenic Area: Known mainly for its water caves and underground rivers, where you can take a boat through formations of stalactites. It is advisable to arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid the crowds.

• Anshun Ancient City: The area includes the Confucian Temple, Martial Temple, and the old street of Rulin Road. The Ming dynasty openwork coiled-dragon stone pillars at the Confucian Temple are especially worth seeing. Visit the ancient city in the evening and browse the night market, when the atmosphere is lively.

• Tianlong Tunpu: This area preserves 600-year-old stone fortresses, Ming dynasty traditions, and performances of local ground opera. It is suitable for visitors interested in historic architecture and local customs.

• Tonggudang: The area features extensive karst stone forests and alpine meadows. It is suitable for camping, hiking, and photography, and is generally relatively quiet.

• Wanfengding: A natural viewing platform at an altitude of 1,421 meters, offering distant views of karst peaks and Fenghu Lake Reservoir. Arrive in the evening to watch the mountain sunset.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Anshun, explore the ancient city, and sample local food
  • Afternoon: After arriving at Anshun West Railway Station, take a taxi to your hotel in the city and check in.
  • Evening: Explore Anshun Ancient City and visit the Confucian Temple and Martial Temple to learn about the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
  • Night: Visit the night market on Gufu Street and the old street of Rulin Road to try local snacks such as grilled small intestines, guojuans, and iced pulp.
• Day 2: Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area
  • All day: Take a bus or direct shuttle from downtown Anshun to Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area, visiting Doupotang, Tianxingqiao, and the Huangguoshu Great Waterfall in that order. When visiting Tianxingqiao, it is advisable to continue to the latter half of the route.
  • Tips: The scenic area is extensive, so it is advisable to buy a sightseeing-bus ticket. When visiting the Great Waterfall, you can buy an escalator ticket to save energy. On sunny days, you may have the chance to see a rainbow.
• Day 3: Visit a cave or hike in the countryside before heading home
  • Option A (classic and relaxed): Visit Longgong Scenic Area in the morning and take a boat to explore the underground river. Return to the city in the afternoon, have a cup of Gongding Tea, enjoy bean-and-rice hot pot, and then head home.
  • Option B (countryside hiking): Visit Tonggudang or Wanfengding to admire karst meadows, peak forests, and the sunset. This option is suitable for visitors who prefer outdoor activities and photography; depart in the afternoon.

Anshun’s Must-Try Local Foods

Anshun’s local flavors are concentrated mainly in the city’s streets and lanes. An average of 50–60 yuan per person is usually enough for a generous meal. The following are some representative choices:

• Anshun Guajuan: Thin rice wrappers filled with bean sprouts, peanuts, kelp, and other ingredients. You can choose a green-chili or tomato flavor; the taste is refreshing.

• Duoduo Rice-Noodle Hot Pot: The broth is made by simmering fermented chili peppers and tomatoes. It is usually served with soft pork bits, rice tofu, and other ingredients for cooking in the pot. The remaining broth is also excellent mixed with rice.

• Anshun Grilled Small Intestines: A Tunpu-style specialty in which marinated small intestines are slowly grilled over charcoal. They are crisp and fragrant on the outside and tender inside, and can be eaten with houttuynia dipping sauce or dried chili powder.

• Poxu Buns: The bun layers are distinct and have a light, flaky texture. The Sanxian buns feature the flavors of bean paste and fresh meat, combining savory and sweet notes, and make a suitable breakfast.

• Small-Pot Cold Rice Noodles: Cold rice noodles, sweet-potato noodles, and potatoes are slowly cooked over charcoal in a small clay pot, then combined with fermented tofu sauce and toasted chili peppers for a hot, fragrant, and savory flavor.

• Gongding Tea: A local Anshun tea drink available in flavors such as matcha guava and avocado. It is refreshing and suitable for drinking while exploring the ancient city.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay:
  • Near Gufu Street or Hongshan Lake in the city center: Dining and daily transportation are convenient, with plenty of guesthouses and hotels to choose from. It is also easy to visit the night market in the evening.

• Near Huangguoshu Scenic Area: If you plan to get up early to avoid the crowds, you can stay near the entrance to the scenic area. However, there are fewer dining options nearby in the evening and prices are higher, so staying here for the entire trip is not recommended.

• Getting there:
  • High-speed rail: Anshun West Railway Station is directly accessible from various cities. A taxi from the station to downtown costs around 15–20 yuan; the drive to Huangguoshu Scenic Area takes about 50 minutes.
  • Plane: Fly to Guiyang Longdongbao Airport first, then transfer to a high-speed train; Anshun can be reached in about 30 minutes.
• Getting around the city: Taxis are convenient within the city, with fares starting at around 7 yuan. To reach Huangguoshu or Longgong, you can take a direct scenic-area shuttle or a bus. For lesser-known hiking destinations such as Tonggudang and Wanfengding, driving yourself or hiring a car is recommended.

Travel Notes

• Book in advance: Huangguoshu Scenic Area and Water-Curtain Cave require reservations 1–2 days in advance through the official WeChat account; tickets may not be available for purchase on site.
• Choose suitable footwear: The ground at Longgong can be damp, while Huangguoshu and the hiking routes have many steps. Comfortable, slip-resistant flat shoes or sports shoes are recommended.
• Be aware of the temperature difference between morning and evening: Guizhou is known for having “no three consecutive sunny days.” Mornings and evenings are relatively cool, so bring a light jacket. When it rains, there can be a great deal of spray, so consider bringing a raincoat and umbrella.
• Buying local products: Local products at scenic areas are usually relatively expensive. For souvenirs and local snacks, look for established shops in the city’s streets and lanes.
• Hiking safety: When visiting wild hiking spots such as the Eye of the Great Sage and Niudaoyan, travel with companions and carry a powerful flashlight. Roads are slippery in rainy weather, so avoid going whenever possible.