Anshun · 贵州

Anshun

The thunderous power of Huangguoshu Waterfall and the uncanny craftsmanship of Longgong Karst Cave make Anshun the heart of Guizhou's landscapes.

Anshun

About this destination

Anshun, a prefecture-level city in Guizhou Province, southwestern China, is a place where nature's grandeur meets rich cultural heritage. Known for the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall, Asia's largest waterfall, Anshun has been a vital transportation hub and cultural crossroads for centuries. Its history dates back over 600 years to the Ming Dynasty, when it served as a military garrison and trading post on the ancient Tea Horse Road. The city's unique blend of Han Chinese and ethnic Miao and Bouyei cultures creates a vibrant tapestry of traditions, festivals, and crafts that continue to thrive today.

Anshun is administratively divided into two urban districts—Xixiu and Pingba—and four counties: Puding, Zhenning, Guanling, and Ziyun. The urban core, Xixiu District, is the political, economic, and cultural center, bustling with modern amenities while retaining historic charm. Each county offers distinct landscapes and ethnic diversity: Zhenning is home to the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guanling boasts the ancient fossil site of Guanling Biota, and Ziyun is known for its Miao and Bouyei villages and the breathtaking Getu River Scenic Area. The city's layout is shaped by the karst mountains and rivers that surround it.

Travelers to Anshun can expect a journey through dramatic karst scenery, cascading waterfalls, and mysterious caves. The city serves as a gateway to some of Guizhou's most iconic natural wonders, including the Huangguoshu Waterfall, Dragon Palace Cave, and Getu River. Beyond nature, visitors can immerse themselves in the local ethnic cultures, savoring unique cuisines like sour fish soup and rice noodles, and exploring ancient towns like Tianlong Tunpu, where Ming Dynasty customs are preserved. Anshun offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable destination for any traveler.

Anshun covers an area of 9,267 km² and has a population of approximately 2.3 million. It administers 2 districts and 4 counties. The city is home to the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia and a UNESCO Global Geopark, and is renowned for its well-preserved Ming Dynasty Tunpu culture.

Anshun

What to see & do

  • Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall, witness the majestic momentum of Asia's largest waterfall
  • Walk through the Water Curtain Cave and feel the mist on your face from behind the waterfall
  • Doupotang and Tianxing Bridge, see the karst wonders featured in Journey to the West
  • Boat through Longgong Karst Cave, explore the underground river and stalactites

Recommended itineraries

Anshun Classic Panorama
3 days · 2 nights

Anshun Classic Panorama

See Asia's largest waterfall and the underground dragon palace in three days · Top choice for first-time visitors to Anshun

View details →
Anshun In-Depth Cultural Experience
2 days · 1 nights

Anshun In-Depth Cultural Experience

Two Days Exploring Ming Dynasty Tunpu and Anshun's Cultural Heritage · Touching 600 Years of Han Culture

View details →
Anshun Local Food Experience
2 days · 1 nights

Anshun Local Food Experience

Two Days Eating Through Anshun's Streets and Alleys · From Wet Markets to Late-Night Snacks

View details →
Anshun Nature & Outdoors
4 days · 3 nights

Anshun Nature & Outdoors

4-Day Trek of Getu River and Huangguoshu · Exploring Karst Landscapes

View details →
Anshun Family Trip with Kids
3 days · 2 nights

Anshun Family Trip with Kids

3 Relaxed Days with Kids · Waterfalls, Caves & Tunpu Handicrafts

View details →

Car & transfers

FleetAirport pickup & drop-offChauffeur by the dayIntercity transfers
Economy
Economy
Sedan · Toyota · 5 seats
from $84Book →from $280Book →from $170Book →
Comfort
Comfort
MPV · Buick · 7 seats
from $134Book →from $448Book →from $272Book →
Luxury
Luxury
MPV · Mercedes-Benz · 7 seats
from $202Book →from $672Book →from $408Book →
Special vehicles
Special vehicles
Coach · seats+
For groups of 7+, please contact our trip designer for a quote

prices may vary by date & route

Anshun

Travel guide

City Overview

Anshun is a prefecture-level city in Guizhou Province, located in southwestern China. It is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, including the world-famous Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia. The city has a long history dating back to the Ming Dynasty and is a cultural melting pot of Han, Miao, and Bouyei ethnic groups.

The city's terrain is characterized by mountains, caves, and rivers, with a subtropical monsoon climate that offers mild winters and cool summers. Anshun serves as a major tourist destination and a gateway to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Guizhou.

Getting There & Around

Anshun is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Anshun Huangguoshu Airport (AVA) offers flights to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The city is also on the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway, with frequent trains from Guiyang (about 30 minutes) and Kunming (about 2 hours). Long-distance buses connect Anshun to other cities in Guizhou and neighboring provinces.

Within the city, public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are available. For attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall, located about 45 km from the city center, tourists can take dedicated tourist buses or taxis. Renting a car with a driver is also a convenient option for exploring the region.

Food & Where to Eat

Anshun's cuisine is characterized by sour and spicy flavors, typical of Guizhou. Local specialties include sour fish soup (suantang yu), rice noodles (mifen), and various dishes made with local herbs and chili. The city's night markets and food streets offer a wide range of street food, such as grilled tofu, fried potatoes, and glutinous rice cakes.

  • Sour Fish Soup
  • Anshun Rice Noodles
  • Grilled Tofu
  • Fried Potatoes
  • Night Market Stalls

Shopping

Shopping in Anshun offers a mix of modern malls and traditional markets. Visitors can buy local handicrafts such as batik, embroidery, and silver jewelry from ethnic minorities. The city's main shopping areas include Xixiu District's commercial streets and the Dongmen Market. Popular souvenirs include Guizhou tea, medicinal herbs, and Miao embroidery.

  • Xixiu District Commercial Streets
  • Dongmen Market
  • Batik and Embroidery Shops
  • Local Tea Shops
  • Miao Silver Jewelry

Nightlife

Anshun's nightlife is relaxed and centered around food streets and night markets. Visitors can enjoy local snacks, barbecue, and beer at outdoor stalls. For a more cultural experience, some venues offer traditional Miao and Bouyei performances. The city's nightlife is not as bustling as in major metropolises, but it offers a charming and authentic atmosphere.

  • Night Markets
  • Food Streets
  • Cultural Performances

Best Time to Visit

Anshun has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild winters and cool summers. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is moderate. Summer (June to August) is the rainy season, but it's also when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Winter (December to February) is cool and dry, with fewer tourists.

PeriodTemperatureConditions
Mar–May10-22°CSpring is pleasant with blooming flowers and moderate rainfall. Ideal for outdoor activities.
Jun–Aug20-28°CSummer is the rainy season, but waterfalls are at their fullest. Bring rain gear.
Sep–Nov15-25°CAutumn offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for sightseeing.
Dec–Feb4-10°CWinter is cool and dry, with fewer crowds. Some waterfalls may have reduced flow.

Meet your local guides

Hand-picked, licensed guides based right here. Tap book to start a conversation and lock in your dates.

Violet Shen
Violet Shen
Gold Guide
AnshunEnglish · Chinese
10 yearsExperience
1137 travellersGuests hosted
95%Positive reviews
Ethnic culturesMuseum toursFamily trips
Caleb Ye
Caleb Ye
Silver Guide
AnshunEnglish · Chinese
8 yearsExperience
767 travellersGuests hosted
94%Positive reviews
HikingHistory & cultureShopping guideCity walks
Evan Li
Evan Li
Bronze Guide
AnshunEnglish · Chinese · Italian
4 yearsExperience
363 travellersGuests hosted
93%Positive reviews
Medical interpretationShopping guideEthnic culturesFood tours
View all guides →
Anshun

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Anshun?

Most travellers spend 3 days in Anshun, though many stay longer once they arrive. If you want to combine Anshun with other cities — pandas, mountains, food streets — our consultants design one private itinerary at your own pace.

Can I explore Anshun with a private licensed guide?

Yes. MyGuideTrip arranges vetted, licensed local guides in Anshun and across China. Your guide speaks fluent English, stays with you for the entire trip, and handles tickets, transport and restaurant picks. Meet them on the Guides page.

What is Anshun best known for?

Anshun is best known for Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall, witness the majestic momentum of Asia's largest waterfall. The recommended itineraries below cover these highlights with smart timing to beat the crowds.

How do I plan a trip to Anshun?

Send us your dates, group size and interests — a dedicated consultant replies within 24 hours with a tailor-made Anshun itinerary covering guide, driver, hotels and tickets. Start with a free consultation below.

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