Anshun: Gateway to Huangguoshu Waterfall and Longgong Cave

Anshun's appeal is its proximity to world-class natural sights. Huangguoshu Waterfall is the headline draw, a thundering 70-plus-metre curtain of water you can even walk behind via a cave passage, while nearby Longgong Cave offers a magical boat ride through an illuminated underground river.

Beyond the big attractions, the area around Anshun rewards slower exploration. The tunpu stone villages preserve a unique six-century-old garrison culture, and the wider karst landscape is dotted with smaller waterfalls and caves. Just over an hour from Guiyang, Anshun is one of the easiest ways to experience Guizhou's natural drama without a long journey.

• Stand before Huangguoshu Waterfall, China's largest, and walk the Water Curtain Cave passage behind the falls.
• Take a boat through Longgong Cave, gliding along an underground river beneath dramatic karst formations.
• Visit the Doupotang and Star Bridge falls, smaller cascades within the wider Huangguoshu scenic area.
• Explore Tianlong tunpu village, a Ming-dynasty stone settlement that still performs masked Dixi opera.
• Wander Anshun's old streets and Confucius temple for a taste of the city's frontier history.
• Sample local snacks such as Anshun's well-known wrapped rolls and Guizhou's sour-spicy dishes.

Anshun is just over an hour from Guiyang by high-speed train, making it a very easy day trip or overnight stop. The city has its own rail stations and is also served by frequent buses from Guiyang.

The main sights, however, are spread out in the countryside, and public transport between them can be slow and inconvenient. For Huangguoshu, Longgong and the tunpu villages, a private car with a driver or a door-to-door transfer saves a lot of time and hassle. Each scenic area charges its own entrance and shuttle fees. See our China transport guide, and confirm current tickets and shuttle arrangements before you go.

For Huangguoshu, the rainy summer months (roughly June to August) bring the most powerful water flow, when the falls are at their thunderous best, though crowds and humidity are higher. Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and still-impressive cascades with thinner crowds, making them ideal all-rounders.

Winter sees lower water volume but quieter sites and occasional misty beauty. As always, avoid the National Day holiday in early October if you can, when the waterfall is extremely busy. Our best time to visit China guide can help you weigh weather against crowds.

You can see Huangguoshu in a long day trip from Guiyang, but to combine it with Longgong Cave and the tunpu villages, plan one to two nights based in or near Anshun. Staying close to the Huangguoshu scenic area lets you arrive early and beat the tour buses.

Options range from budget guesthouses in Anshun city to hotels and resorts near the waterfall entrance, which are pricier but very convenient. Guiyang, with its wider choice of accommodation, is also a viable base given the short train ride. Confirm current rates and whether transport to the scenic areas can be arranged.

With its sights scattered across the countryside and each charging separate tickets and shuttles, Anshun is far smoother with local help. A guide or driver can sequence Huangguoshu, Longgong and a tunpu village into a single efficient day, handle ticketing and translate along the way. On HeroGuide, verified local guides and drivers bid on your trip, so you can compare offers and choose someone who knows the area and speaks your language.

Pair Anshun with Guiyang and the ethnic villages of Xijiang for a rounded Guizhou trip. Post your trip and let local guides bid to make the waterfalls and caves effortless.