Anshun

Introduction

You can explore Anshun, located in the southwestern Guizhou province of China. This region offers proximity to the Huangguoshu Waterfall, which stands as the tallest waterfall in the country.

Your visit to the prefecture allows you to experience local landmarks including:

• The Long Gong Dragon Caves
• The Getu River

Before you go

Prepare for a trip to Anshun during the warmer months when you can enjoy the region's waterfalls, caves, and cool temperatures. As you explore the area, you will encounter the cultural heritage of the Bouyi minority, whose traditional batik industry utilizes highly developed textile skills. The surrounding landscape is defined by scenic karst hills, providing a striking backdrop to the local scenery.

While exploring the region's famous sights, such as the towering Huangguoshu Falls or the subterranean Dragon Palace Cave, you can also take time to wander through the countryside. The road between Anshun and Huangguoshu passes through Bouyi country, where you can experience the local landscape and folk culture.

Getting there

You can reach Anshun by taking frequent buses from Guiyang, which provide a convenient connection between the two cities. If you are traveling from Xingyi or Weining, you can also request to be dropped off in Anshun on any bus bound for Guiyang. For those traveling by rail, the new Anshun West railway station serves as a stop on the Kunming–Guiyang High Speed Train line. This high-speed route offers a much faster journey from Kunming South than traditional trains or driving.

• The north bus station provides transport to Zhijin town for visiting Zhijin Cave.
• Most other buses depart from the new east bus station, located east of the city center.
• Local bus routes and taxis can navigate the area between the stations and local landmarks.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a local bus network that connects key transit hubs and landmarks. Choose from several routes depending on your destination: Bus 1 travels from the train station, along Tashan Donglu, and past the Hongshan Binguan, while Bus 2 provides a connection between the train station and the north bus station. If you are traveling from Zhonghua Nanlu, you can take Bus 16 to reach the east bus station.

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for more direct travel across the city.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations in Anshun, though many mid-range options catering to tour groups are described as drab and undistinguished. Budget-friendly choices near the train station offer basic rooms with very small bathrooms or cramped layouts. Other budget options feature aging decor or simple facilities like cubby-hole showers. For a more polished experience favored by international travelers, you can choose between two western branded properties.

One option sits on the edge of Hong Shan Lake in the city center, offering views of the water and proximity to local landmarks like the Wen Temple of Anshun. Another choice features tastefully decorated rooms with a sky garden and hot spring facilities, making it suitable for families. For those seeking different atmospheres, you can find accommodations in the Xixiu District or near the Huangguoshu Scenic Area.

Food & drink

You can find various dining options throughout the area, from small bakeries and hole-in-the-wall eateries along Gufu Jie to a large supermarket on Zhonghua Nanlu where you can stock up on snacks for your day trips. A food market tucked away in an alley off Zhonghua Nanlu offers another local option. Be aware that dog meat is common in this region; you may see skinned animals displayed outside restaurants as a way to attract customers.

Savor regional specialties such as Bing Jiang, a refreshing treat made with milk, ice cubes, and fresh fruit. You can also sample authentic Guizhou cuisine or local dishes like Buyi eight bowls.

What to see and do

Explore the cultural heritage of Anshun by visiting the Confucian Temple, an ancient site that now serves as an elegant tea-house. You can also experience local traditions through Anshun Opera, a form of ground opera dating back to the Ming dynasty where performers wear traditional masks and symbolic colors to portray different characters.

Nature lovers can explore several significant landmarks in the surrounding region:

• Huangguoshu Falls: One of the largest waterfalls in China, where you can walk through a cave behind the falls to view it from the back.
• Longgong Caves: A vast network of caves featuring the Dragon Castle and Tianchi Lake, which includes a long water Karst cave and a large mountain lake that creates a powerful waterfall.
• Shítouzhai: A 600-year-old Bouyei hamlet filled with stone houses and cobbled lanes where you can observe traditional batik production.
• Yunshan: A fortified village featuring old structures and the Qiyan Qiao, a seven-arch bridge.
• Tiantai Shan: A forested hill topped with a Buddhist temple.
• Zhenning County: An area featuring traditional Bouyi villages with drystone walls and slate roofs, including Shishao, which is known for its Ground Opera.
• Hongshan Shuiku: A large reservoir located near the downtown area.

When to go

You can experience a variety of conditions in Anshun, which experiences a humid subtropical climate influenced by monsoons. During the short winter months, you will find the weather cool and damp.

The summer monsoon season brings very warm conditions with frequent rainfall throughout the period.

Three days in Anshun

Day one, you can begin your journey in Anshun before traveling toward the majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall. You can explore the surrounding area and experience the natural beauty of the region.

Day two, you can visit the Dragon Palace Cave or explore other nearby caves such as Zhijin Cave. These locations offer a different perspective on the local landscape.

Day three, you can choose to travel toward Guiyang or Kunming. You can take the Guiyang High Speed Train or find your way through neighboring areas like Xingyi or Weining.