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Anshun is located in the central and western part of Guizhou Province, 90 kilometers away from the provincial capital Guiyang. It is the tourism center of western Guizhou. Due to its prominent geographical location, Anshun is known as the "throat of Yunnan and the belly of Guizhou" and is "the most prosperous commercial city in the province."
Anshun preserves a unique Tunpu culture. Tunpu are historical relics of the Ming Dynasty's farming and warfare economy in Anshun, Guizhou. The culture they embody can be summed up in eight words: "Ancient Ming Dynasty style, lingering Jianghuai charm." Famous examples include Tianlong Town and the Eight Villages of Yunfeng (Yunshan Tun, Benzhai, etc.). Here, you can witness the legacy of the Han Chinese culture of the Ming Dynasty, dating back over 600 years.
The main purpose of traveling to Anshun is to enjoy the mountains and rivers. July and August in summer are the best time; July and August are the flood season of the world-famous Huangguoshu Waterfall.
Huangguoshu Waterfall
Huangguoshu Waterfall is the centerpiece, with more than a dozen other waterfalls dotted around it. Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest of the group's first-tier waterfalls, named after the numerous "Huangguoshu" trees that grow in the area. The waterfall is surrounded by peaks and ridges, lush vegetation, canyons, caves, and stone forests and pillars.
Dragon Palace
Dragon Palace is located in the southern suburbs of Anshun City, adjacent to the Huangguoshu Waterfall. It is divided into three parts: the Dragon Palace Central Scenic Area on the west side is the essence of the cave, the Xuantang on the east side is mainly pastoral scenery, and the Qunfang Valley between the two is a small area of hills and valleys.
Tianlong Tunbao
Here, you can leisurely walk for half an hour in the typical karst countryside, climb up Tiantai Mountain, step onto Wulong Temple on the cliff, overlook the land, and experience the most typical Tunbu life.
Star Ferry Bridge
The Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area is divided into three major areas: the Tianxing Bonsai Area, the Tianxing Cave and the Water Stone Forest. The main attraction here is the wonderful combination of stones, trees and water. It is a natural scenic area transformed from the water stone forest.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Anshun is a historic city in Guizhou, famous for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the Huangguoshu Waterfall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is also known for its ancient towns like Tianlong Tunpu. The city has a long history of ethnic diversity, particularly with the Miao and Dong people, and boasts significant architectural and cultural landmarks.
Anshun is located in the southwestern part of China in Guizhou province, about 100 kilometers from Guiyang, the provincial capital. You can reach Anshun by bus or train from Guiyang, or by taxi for more convenience. Public transportation within Anshun includes buses and taxis.
The city itself doesn't have specific opening hours, but individual attractions such as the Huangguoshu Waterfall and Dragon Palace Cave typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant for sightseeing.
The entrance fees for major attractions vary: Huangguoshu Waterfall costs around 100 RMB (14 USD), while the Dragon Palace Cave is about 80 RMB (11 USD). Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through online platforms for added convenience.
It is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended to do so during peak seasons or holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance is generally sufficient for most attractions.
You can explore the main attractions in Anshun in 1-2 days. A full day is typically sufficient to visit the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the Dragon Palace Cave, and Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town.
Guided tours are available at major attractions, including the Huangguoshu Waterfall and Dragon Palace Cave. Most guides speak Mandarin, but some also offer basic English tours. Audio guides in Mandarin are available at some sites.
Night visits and light shows are not generally available at the main attractions in Anshun, but some sites, like Huangguoshu Waterfall, may offer illuminated views in the evening. Special night tours are not common.
Anshun can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons of late autumn and early spring.
Most major attractions, such as Huangguoshu Waterfall, have basic facilities including toilets, rest areas, and small shops. Food and drink are also available at these sites, though the options may be limited. It's advisable to bring water and snacks, especially for more remote areas.
Most of the attractions in Anshun, including the Huangguoshu Waterfall, offer some level of accessibility for elderly or disabled visitors, with paved paths and viewing platforms. However, some sites may involve uneven terrain or stairs, making it difficult for those with mobility issues to fully explore.
Cash is widely accepted in Anshun, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations, particularly at smaller shops or local markets.
There are several local restaurants and eateries offering Guizhou cuisine, including spicy rice noodles, sour fish, and local hotpots. Options are available near major attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall and Tianlong Tunpu.
Vegetarian options are available, though they may be limited in some areas. Halal food options can be found in the city center, especially in areas frequented by Muslim visitors. Vegan food options are fewer but may be found in larger restaurants.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near major attractions in Anshun. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, Miao-style clothing, silver jewelry, and regional snacks like spicy pickles and tea.
The best transportation options to continue your trip after visiting Anshun are buses or trains to Guiyang or other nearby cities. Taxis and private cars are available for more convenience if you're traveling to more remote areas.
