Anshun boasts the most enchanting landscapes in southwestern Guizhou.
Here, the masterful "hand of karst" has sculpted a kaleidoscope of caves, thunderous waterfalls, and meandering streams. The roaring currents of Huangguoshu echo far and wide, while the pulse of Getu River paints a gallery of natural wonders across miles. Nestled in the mountains, the ancient Tunpu villages whisper tales of Guizhou’s centuries-old past.
The homeland of peak forests, rapids, and waterfalls
Many people knew of the Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall long before they became acquainted with the gentle and enchanting city of Anshun.
The Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake once visited here, and from then on, the title "City of Waterfalls" became known far and wide. In fact, beyond Huangguoshu, Anshun boasts over 100 waterfalls of various sizes and more than 1,200 discovered caves. Whether above ground or below, you can enjoy a remarkable "geological feast" anytime, anywhere.
【1】Huangguoshu Waterfall
Recommended duration of stay: 1 day.
It is suggested to follow the route of "Slope Waterfall - Tianxing Bridge - Great Waterfall."
Huangguoshu is not the name of a single waterfall but rather a collective term for a scenic area that includes diverse landscapes such as Slope Waterfall Tianxing Bridge and the Great Waterfall.
Doupotang Waterfall
Located upstream of the grand waterfall, this is the widest waterfall in the Huangguoshu Scenic Area. With a vertical drop of 21 meters, its width is a full five times greater than its height. The iconic scene from the TV series Journey to the West, where the four pilgrims lead their horse across the river, was filmed here. A leisurely walk around the waterfall takes about half an hour to complete.
Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area
This area is the largest in the scenic zone and boasts the most unique landscapes. The area is divided into upper and lower sections. Most tour groups guide visitors through the upper section to admire the "stone paths on water," but only a few travelers know that the true beauty lies in the lower section. The enchanting "Bridge-on-Bridge-on-Bridge," the vibrantly colored "Tianxing Cave," and the pearl-like cascades of the "Silver Chain Waterfall" are the real highlights that make Tianxing Bridge truly breathtaking.
After visiting the lower section of the scenic area, there is a shuttle bus that will take you directly to the exit. It's a 15–20 minute walk to the shuttle bus boarding point.
Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall is the most renowned attraction within the Huangguoshu Scenic Area. With a height of approximately 80 meters (equivalent to a 23-story building) the waterfall cascades down into the Rhinoceros Pool at its . Its thunderous roar and the mist it generates can be felt from hundreds of meters away allowing visitors to hear its mighty sound even before catching sight of the waterfall itself.
Tips:
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This is the only waterfall in the world that can be viewed from a 360-degree angle.
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Looking up from the offers a classic angle for photographing the grand waterfall while near the third viewing platform you can capture a level perspective of Huangguoshu Waterfall.
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The most worthwhile experience in the scenic area is walking through the "Water Curtain Cave" behind the waterfall where you can touch the rushing water from the back of the falls. Please stay safe and remember to bring a raincoat and shoe covers.
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The elevation drop from the shuttle bus stop to the waterfall is quite steep so it’s recommended to purchase a round-trip escalator ticket. A one-way ticket costs 30 yuan while a round-trip is 50 yuan—pricey but truly saves effort.
The reservation time slots are divided into 9 periods as follows:
7:30-8:30 8:30-9:30 9:30-10:30
10:30-11:30 11:30-12:30 13:00-14:00
14:00-15:00 15:00-16:00 16:00-17:00
After reserving a ticket visitors must enter the park within the reserved time slot. Considering factors such as transportation and queues the scenic area allows visitors to enter up to 30 minutes earlier than the reserved time slot and the latest entry time for each slot is extended by 30 minutes.
If you have any questions, please call the scenic area for details: Official Scenic Area Hotline 4008009998
【2】Dragon Palace Scenic Area
Recommended duration of stay: 3–4 hours.
It is suggested to follow the route "Wolong Lake → Longmen Waterfall → First Cave of Dragon Palace → Second Cave of Dragon Palace."
This place boasts the lowest natural radiation levels in the world, making it an ideal destination for urban dwellers seeking a tranquil retreat to breathe in fresh air.
The Dragon Palace Scenic Area consists of two main sections: "Secret Realm of the Dragon Pool" and "Tongxuan Pastoral." Several underground rivers connect numerous spectacular karst caves divided into "First Dragon Palace" and "Second Dragon Palace" which visitors explore by boat. After exiting the Dragon Pool you can continue to the Tongxuan Pastoral Scenic Area passing by the massive "Dragon" Character Inion—perfect for photos though it’s a spring-exclusive attraction.
Business Hours: 08:30–19:00 last entry at 17:00.
Ticket Price: Admission + sightseeing bus + boat ride + scenic area accident insurance: 160 RMB.
How to Get There: Daily shuttle buses from Huangguoshu Scenic Area to Longgong Scenic Area depart at 09:30/12:00/14:00. Alternatively take the high-speed rail to Anshun West Station and board the shuttle bus to Longgong Scenic Area at 11:30/13:30/15:30.
The Land of Tunpu, Where Ming Dynasty Charm Endures
Tunpu (pù) means "a fortress garrisoned with troops." During the Ming Dynasty, people from major cities in the Central Plains traveled thousands of miles to settle here for military purposes. They preserved the customs of their homeland while also blending with the local culture.
In Xixiu, Zhenning and Pingba of Anshun you will find the best-preserved Tunbao architecture in the world. Having withstood the test of centuries these structures still stand tall today. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the architectural s and cultural customs of the Ming Dynasty.
Plan your trip
How many days are suitable for visiting?
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Huangguoshu is the most popular scenic area in Anshun. Visiting all three sections (Doupotang: 1 hour, Tianxingqiao: 3–4 hours, and the Great Waterfall: 1 hour) requires at least one full day. Currently, the entrance ticket is valid for 3 days (reportedly, it will soon be extended to 10 days, while the sightseeing bus ticket remains valid for 3 days). If time permits, you can explore at a leisurely pace.
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If you plan to visit Tianlong Tunbao or Yunfeng Tunbao, allocate an additional half-day for sightseeing.
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There are limited attractions in downtown Anshun, but if time allows, you may visit the Confucian Temple and Wang Ruofei’s Former Residence. Reserve half a day for transit and casual exploration.
- Getu River is quite far from the city center, so driving there is recommended. Depending on your itinerary, an additional 0.5 to 1 day may be needed.
Where is a good place to live?
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If you only plan to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, it is recommended to stay in Guiyang and make a day trip. Using Guiyang as a transit hub, you can easily visit attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village, China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), and the Small and Large Seven Arches in a single day, saving time on moving luggage.
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Downtown Anshun also offers some great accommodation options. Those with higher standards for comfort can stay at hotels like Kaiyuan or DoubleTree by Hilton. Staying near Rulin Road or the train station provides convenient access to dining options.
What to eat for delicious food?
Near Rulin Road, you can find many great local snacks, such as Anshun spring rolls, chilled sweet soup, tofu balls, and Chongchong cake, which are usually affordable and very tasty.
Ready To Craft Your Own Itinerary ?
by a Local Advisor