Things To Do
in Anshun

Anshun is a city in southwestern Guizhou province known for spectacular karst landscapes and the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of Asia's largest waterfalls. The city blends ethnic Miao and Bouyei culture with Han Chinese traditions, reflected in local festivals, handicrafts and cuisine. Visitors find a compact city center with easy access to dramatic natural attractions like caves, gorges and terraced farmland.

Anshun is a practical base for exploring Guizhou’s geology, rural life and less-touristed cultural sites while offering developing tourism infrastructure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day at the Anshun Confucius Temple, a beautiful historical site where you can learn about Confucianism and its influence on Chinese culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding gardens, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture. Don’t forget to capture some photos of the intricate carvings and the serene pond nearby.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Anshun Museum to delve deeper into the region's rich history and culture. The museum showcases artifacts from various dynasties, including ancient pottery and traditional clothing. Engage with friendly staff who can provide insights and answer any questions about Anshun's past.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to the vibrant night market in the city center. Indulge in local street food delicacies such as spicy grilled fish and sweet potato cakes while mingling with locals. The lively atmosphere, combined with the aroma of delicious food, will create a memorable dining experience.

day 2
Visiting Huangguoshu Waterfall
morning
:

Begin your day with an early trip to the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in Asia. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the stunning views in peace before the crowds arrive. Take a short hike to get different perspectives of the waterfall and feel the refreshing mist on your skin.

afternoon
:

After exploring the waterfall, have lunch at a nearby restaurant where you can savor local specialties such as rice noodles and fish dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic area surrounding the waterfall, including the scenic trails and smaller cascades. Make sure to stop by the waterfall museum to learn about its geological significance and folklore.

evening
:

Return to Anshun and unwind at a local teahouse, enjoying a traditional tea ceremony. Sipping on fragrant teas while reflecting on the breathtaking sights of the day is a perfect way to relax. As night falls, take a leisurely walk through the city’s illuminated streets, soaking in the local ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
🥟Street food/snack$1-3
🚕Short taxi ride (within city)$2-5
🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse per night$20-40
🎟️Entrance to Huangguoshu Scenic Area$10-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning karst landscapes and the impressive Huangguoshu Waterfall
  • Rich ethnic minority culture and traditional villages
  • Less crowded than China's major tourist cities; authentic local experiences
  • Limited English signage and fewer international amenities
  • Rainy season can make outdoor activities slippery and unpredictable
  • Public transport connections are improving but can be slow for some remote sites
  • "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
  • "不要辣 (Bù yào là)" - No spicy, please
  • "厕所在哪儿? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎr?)" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Anshun

Visit one of these nice places.

Huangguoshu Waterfall

Iconic multi-tiered waterfall offering dramatic compositions from viewing platforms, the Water-Curtain Cave behind the falls, and nearby bridges — best photographed in morning or late afternoon light.

Dragon Palace (Longgong) Cave

Karst cave system with boat-filled caverns, stalactites and subterranean rivers — moody cave interiors and reflections make striking images.

Rural Villages and Terraced Fields

Picturesque ethnic villages and terraced farmland on the surrounding hillsides provide cultural and landscape shots, especially during planting and harvest seasons.

Local Markets and Street Scenes

Early-morning markets and food stalls are great for candid street photography of vendors, traditional garments and daily life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Anshun

Anshun’s cuisine reflects Guizhou flavors: bold, sour-spicy notes, and a reliance on rice, corn and local vegetables. Snacks and street foods are hearty and often use fermented, pickled or chili-based seasonings. Local ethnic groups contribute unique dishes and cooking techniques, making dining varied and interesting. Many restaurants are simple but flavorful, with markets and street vendors offering quick, affordable bites.

Anshun Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Huangguoshu Suan Tang Yu (Sour Fish Soup)

A regional sour-spicy fish soup using local river fish, pickled vegetables and chilis — commonly found near scenic areas and local eateries.

Must-Try!

Anshun Cold Noodles (Liangfen/Cold Rice Noodles)

Chilled rice or starch noodles tossed with chili oil, vinegar, garlic and minced toppings — a popular street snack on warm days.

Miao-style Sour Pork

Fermented or pickled pork prepared in Miao tradition, often paired with steamed buns or rice; strong flavor, available at ethnic restaurants or markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Anshun Morning Markets

Local markets where vendors sell rice noodles, buns, pickles, fresh produce and snacks — great for tasting breakfast items and regional specialties.

Food Stalls near Huangguoshu Scenic Area

Clusters of stalls serving noodle soups, grilled skewers, pancakes and sweet snacks — convenient for hikers and waterfall visitors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Anshun has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months (monsoon season), making late spring and summer lush but wet. Autumn tends to be the driest and most comfortable season for travel, while winters are cool and damp but rarely severely cold.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect Local Customs

Be polite when photographing people — especially ethnic minority villagers — and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or ceremonies.

Gift and Food Etiquette

If invited into a home, bring a small gift; remove shoes if hosts request. Try at least a small amount of food offered as a sign of respect.

Public Behavior

Keep noise levels moderate in public spaces; speaking loudly or creating disturbances is frowned upon. Follow guidance at religious or cultural sites (modest dress, no smoking in restricted areas).

Safety Guide

Safety

Anshun is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime; common concerns are petty theft in crowded areas and traffic safety on rural roads. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit isolated areas at night, wear sturdy shoes on slippery trails, and check weather before hiking. If traveling to remote villages, inform someone of your plans and carry basic supplies.

Tipping in Anshun

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not a strong custom in most of China, including Anshun; staff generally do not expect tips in restaurants, taxis or shops. For exceptional private guides or drivers, a small tip is appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash (RMB) is accepted widely, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate in cities and tourist areas — some smaller vendors may accept only cash, so carry modest cash for markets and rural stops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Cool to mild temperatures with occasional rain; the countryside greens up and waterfalls are often fuller — bring a light rain jacket and layers.

Summer

Warm, humid and rainy (June–August) with peak waterfall flow and lush landscapes; expect afternoon showers and pack breathable, quick-dry clothes and mosquito repellent.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures and clearer skies (September–November) — one of the best times for outdoor activities, photography and hiking.

Winter

Cool to chilly winters with occasional frost at higher elevations; some attractions are quieter, and indoor heating may be limited — bring layers and a warm jacket.

Nightlife Guide

Anshun at Night

Anshun's nightlife is low-key compared with big Chinese cities: expect small bars, tea houses, karaoke (KTV) venues and casual night markets near busy streets or tourist areas. Evenings are a good time to enjoy local snacks, watch cultural performances if available, or relax in a modest bar; nightlife winds down earlier than in major metropolitan areas.

Hiking in Anshun

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Huangguoshu Waterfall Trails

Short circuits and viewing paths around the waterfall and adjacent hills; accessible and scenic with opportunities for photography and moderate walking.

Dragon Palace (Longgong) Walks

Walks around the karst cave entrances and nearby trails; combines cave boat tours with short above-ground hikes and viewpoints.

Rural Village and Terrace Walks

Local footpaths linking ethnic villages and terraced fields — ideal for cultural encounters and mild to moderate day hikes; trail conditions vary so wear sturdy footwear.

Airports

How to reach Anshun by plane.

Anshun Huangguoshu Airport (AVA)

The regional airport serving Anshun with limited domestic flights; convenient for fast access to the Huangguoshu area. Ground transport options include taxis and airport shuttles to the city and scenic spots.

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)

Major regional hub about 1.5–2 hours by road from Anshun with frequent flights to large Chinese cities. From here you can take a bus, train or hire a car/taxi to reach Anshun.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center and tourist zones are reasonably walkable, with short distances between markets, restaurants and hotels. Scenic areas have marked walking trails and viewing platforms, but exploring rural areas and some attractions requires taxis or local buses. Street surfaces can be uneven in older neighborhoods and villages.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority population, concentrated in urban and many rural areas, involved in commerce, services and administration.

Miao (Hmong)

A significant ethnic minority in the region with distinctive dress, festivals, crafts and cuisine — their communities are important to local cultural tourism.

Bouyei

Another prominent minority group in Guizhou with unique traditions and agricultural lifestyles; Bouyei villages are part of the cultural landscape.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is widely played in schools and communities; you'll often see pickup games in city parks and courts.

Traditional Ethnic Sports and Folk Games

Local festivals sometimes feature traditional competitions, dances and skill-based folk games, reflecting Miao and Bouyei heritage.

Hiking/Trekking

Outdoor walking and hiking along karst landscapes and trails are popular among residents and visitors who enjoy the natural scenery.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Anshun is generally moderate; city streets are calmer than major metropolitan centers but can get congested during rush hours and festival periods. Public transportation includes buses and taxis; long-distance buses connect to Guiyang and other regional destinations. Roads to scenic sites are mostly paved but may be narrow and winding — drive cautiously, especially in wet conditions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Anshun.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, rice/noodle soups without meat) but many dishes use meat stock or fermented meats; request 'bu yao rou' (不要肉) and confirm no meat broth.

Vegan

Vegan dining is possible but trickier — check for use of animal-based broths, egg and lard. Carry a translated note explaining 'no meat, no fish, no eggs, no dairy' to show vendors.

Halal

Halal options are limited in Anshun itself; seek out Muslim restaurants in larger nearby cities like Guiyang, or look for labeled halal vendors. When in doubt, ask about pork and alcohol ingredients.

Gluten-free

Rice-based dishes are common and usually safe, but many sauces and snacks contain wheat; ask about soy sauce and fried batters and prefer plain steamed rice or rice noodle dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Anshun has local hospitals and clinics capable of handling routine medical needs; for specialized care or major emergencies, larger hospitals in Guiyang (about 1.5–2 hours away by road) provide more advanced services. Carry any regular medications, basic first-aid supplies, and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if you will be visiting remote areas.

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