3 Days in Anshun: Avoid Crowds & See the Best

I've led dozens of groups through Anshun, and honestly, most travelers make the same mistake: they try to cram too much into 48 hours and end up exhausted. With 3 days, you can actually breathe. This itinerary skips the fluff and focuses on what's worth your time – and what's not. I'll show you how to dodge the tour bus crowds at Huangguoshu, where to find the real Tunpu culture, and which street food will make you forget about Michelin stars.

Day 1: Huangguoshu Waterfall – The Main Event (But Not How You Think)

Most people arrive at 10 a.m. and get stuck behind hundreds of selfie sticks. Bad move. Here's my routine:

The official name is Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area (address: Huangguoshu Town, Zhenning County). Take a taxi from Anshun city – about 40 minutes, roughly 80-100 RMB. Or catch a bus from Anshun East Coach Station to Huangguoshu, 22 RMB, every 30 minutes.

Tickets: 160 RMB for adults (includes the main waterfall plus the surrounding zones). You must pre-book on the official WeChat mini-program “黄果树景区” – no English interface, so ask your hotel to help. Students and seniors over 60 get half price, but bring ID. Skip the ticket booth – the QR code scan at the gate is faster.

Inside the park: The main waterfall is a 15-minute walk downhill from the entrance. Don't take the elevator (50 RMB round trip) – it's a rip-off for such a short walk. The real magic is the Water Curtain Cave, a tunnel behind the falls. Wear a raincoat! You'll get soaked even with an umbrella. I always bring a dry bag for my phone. The cave is slippery – wear grippy shoes.

After the main waterfall, most tour groups rush to the next stop. Instead, walk upstream to the Steep Slope Waterfall (part of the same ticket) – it's wider and less crowded. The whole area takes about 4-5 hours if you take it slow. By noon, the crowds overwhelm the place, so plan to leave around 11:30.

Lunch: Eat at the visitor center food court. It's overpriced and average. Better option: bring snacks or eat at a local restaurant outside the park – I recommend Laomao Restaurant on the main road, about 1 km from the entrance. Try their Suanni (a sour fish soup), 40 RMB per person. They accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, not international cards. No English menu, but point at what other tables are eating.

Head back to Anshun by 2 p.m. Rest at your hotel. Evening – explore Anshun's night market near the Confucius Temple. Don't miss Huajiang dog meat (if you're adventurous) or the safer option: Sangengchang stinky tofu – actually it's not smelly, it's deep-fried and crispy. 10 RMB for a skewer.

Day 2: Tunpu Villages – Step Back 600 Years

Anshun is famous for its Tunpu culture – descendants of Ming Dynasty soldiers who built fortress-like villages. Skip the touristy Tianlong Tunpu (it's been Disneyfied). Instead, head to Bao'an Tunpu (address: Bao'an Village, Xixiu District). No entry fee, and you'll see real life.

Getting there: Take bus No. 11 from Anshun Railway Station to the final stop (about 40 minutes, 2 RMB). Then walk 15 minutes into the village. Or take a taxi for 40 RMB. The village has stone walls, narrow alleys, and elderly women in traditional batik clothing. They'll smile and let you take photos if you buy a small batik handkerchief (10 RMB).

Don't miss the Wusheng Temple inside – it has a stunning stage for Dixi (ground opera) performances. If you're lucky, locals put on a show in the afternoon. Check with the village's cultural center (ask at the entrance).

For lunch, try a farmer's home-cooked meal. Knock on a door showing a bamboo sign with “Nongjiale” (farm stay). Expect simple dishes like river shrimp, pickled vegetables, and rice. About 30 RMB per person. No menu – just accept what they serve. I once ate at a place run by a 70-year-old lady who insisted I try her homemade plum wine. It was dangerously good.

In the afternoon, visit the Anshun Batik Factory (address: 63 South Street, Xixiu District). Free entry. You'll see how the blue-and-white wax-resist dyeing is done. If you want a piece, haggle – a 40x40 cm cloth should be 50-80 RMB. They're happy to bargain.

Evening: try Huajiang fish hotpot at Lao Huajiang Fish Restaurant (Jiefang Road). The broth is spicy and numbing – lots of Sichuan peppercorns. Price: about 60 RMB per person. Cash or Chinese mobile payment only.

Day 3: Anshun City – Temples, Parks & Last Bites

Start at Confucius Temple (Wen Temple) in the old town. Entry is 20 RMB (free for children under 1.2m). Built in the Ming Dynasty, it's peaceful and photogenic. Go before 9 a.m. to avoid the tour groups. The temple has a beautiful pond with koi fish.

Next, walk to Anshun Museum (free with ID). It has exhibits on the area's Miao and Buyi ethnic groups, plus the history of the Tunpu. The museum is small – 1 hour is enough. Address: Shifu Road, Xixiu District. Closed on Mondays.

For a final food crawl, head to Ruijin Road Night Market (opens from 5 p.m.). My must-eat list:

• Ershang noodles – thick noodles in a savory sauce with crushed peanuts. 8 RMB.
• Liangfen (cold starch jelly) – ask for spicy version. 6 RMB.
• Gui flower rice balls – sweet osmanthus syrup, perfect for dessert. 10 RMB.

If you have a few hours before departure, visit Longgong (Dragon Palace) – a massive cave system with an underground river. It's 27 km from Anshun. Take bus from Anshun East Coach Station (12 RMB, 40 minutes). Entry 150 RMB, includes a boat ride inside the cave. The cave is lit with colorful lights – cheesy but impressive. The boat trip takes 45 minutes. Trust me, the boat staff will rush you – take your time to enjoy the silence. Avoid midday weekends when queues for the boat can exceed an hour.

Practical Tips to Make Your 3 Days Smoother

Honest warning: Anshun is not a polished tourist city. Sidewalks are uneven, traffic is chaotic, and some toilets are squat-style with no paper. Keep a stash of toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fact-check statement: Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. All pricing and transit info reflects the current situation; always confirm opening hours via official channels.