Chen Liu
π What's inside β jump to your interest
I've been leading tours through Guizhou for over a decade, and Anshun is one of those cities that surprises people. It's not just a pit stop to Huangguoshu Waterfall β it's a legit destination with its own food scene, old alleys, and a laid-back vibe. But the question I get most often from travelers: where should I actually lay my head? The answer depends on whether you're chasing waterfalls, dodging crowds, or wanting to eat your weight in spicy street food. Here's my breakdown, no sugar-coating.
First thing first: Anshun has no single 'best area' β it's about matching your itinerary. The city center is convenient for food and transport, but nothing special visually. The area near Huangguoshu is touristy and expensive, but you save 40 minutes of driving each day. Old Town is charming but dead after 9 PM. Let's dive into each.
ποΈ Anshun City Center (Downtown) β Best for first-time visitors & food lovers
This is where most hotels, restaurants, and bus connections converge. If you're on a tight schedule or want to explore the city's night market, stay here. I usually base myself near Rufei SquareΒ or Guofeng Road β walkable to just about everything.
1. Anshun Anhang Hotel
Price: Β₯200β350/night (off-peak) | Vibe: Clean Chinese business hotel with English-speaking staff at front desk (basic but helpful). Wi-Fi: Solid, even in rooms. Downside: Street-facing rooms can be noisy on weekend mornings. Best for: Solo travelers and couples who want reliability without breaking the bank.
2. Holiday Inn Express Anshun
Price: Β₯350β500/night | Why I recommend it: International chain standard β you know exactly what you're getting. Breakfast includes both Western options (toast, eggs, coffee) and local noodle soup. Location: 5-minute walk to the main bus stop for Huangguoshu buses. Downside: Feels a bit generic. Best for: Families or anyone craving a consistent experience.
Traffic tip from my own mistakes: Avoid booking a hotel on Yongfeng Avenue if you're a light sleeper β it's the main truck route. Stick to side streets near the pedestrian zone.
π Near Huangguoshu Waterfall β For those who hate morning rush
Look, the waterfall is 40 km from city center, and the road gets jammed by tour buses by 8:30 AM. If you can afford it, staying in Huangguoshu TownΒ lets you be the first one at the ticket gate. I did this once with a group and we had the place almost to ourselves for an hour. Worth every extra yuan.
1. Huangguoshu Villa
Price: Β₯600β1,200/night (steep, but you're inside the scenic area). Perk: You can walk to the waterfall entrance in 5 minutes. Breakfast: Included but very Chinese (porridge, pickles, steamed buns). Downside: Rooms are dated β think early 2000s decor. Best for: Photographers who want sunrise shots and don't mind paying for proximity.
2. Home Inn
Price: Β₯250β400/night | Location: 10-minute taxi from waterfall entrance. Pros: Clean, predictable, and there's a convenience store downstairs. Cons: The area is basically a strip of tourist restaurants β nothing authentic. Best for: Budget travelers who prioritize early access over local culture.
ποΈ Anshun Old Town (Ancient Street Area) β For charm and authenticity
The old town around Wenmiao and the Ancient StreetΒ is a maze of Ming-Qing style buildings. It's beautiful, peaceful, and full of little tea houses. But β and this is a big but β most accommodations here are budget guesthouses with thin walls and shared bathrooms. If you're okay with rustic, it's magical. If you need a proper shower, skip it.
1. Old Town Guesthouse
Price: Β₯120β200/night | Atmosphere: A converted courtyard house with creaky wooden floors. The owner, Auntie Zhang, makes amazing tofu pudding in the morning. Bathroom: Shared, but kept clean. Wi-Fi: Spotty in rooms, good in the courtyard. Best for: Backpackers and anyone who wants to experience old-school Anshun.
Reality check: I love this area, but I never recommend it for families with young kids or elderly travelers. The cobblestones are uneven, and there's no elevator anywhere. Also, the nearest hospital is 15 minutes away by taxi.
π Near Anshun West Railway Station β For transit warriors
If you're only in Anshun for one night between train rides or using it as a base for day trips to Longgong and Tianxingqiao, staying near the high-speed rail station saves you hassle. The area is new, a bit sterile, but functional.
1. JI Hotel
Price: Β₯280β400/night | Why pick it: Soundproof windows (crucial β train announcements can be loud), good Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour convenience store in the lobby. Downside: Nothing interesting within walking distance β you'll taxi to eat. Best for: Transfer passengers and business travelers.
2. 7 Days Inn
Price: Β₯150β220/night | Basic but decent. The staff can call a taxi for you (show them the Chinese address of your destination). Traffic: 10-minute walk to the station entrance. Best for: Budget solo travelers catching early trains.
Heads-up: Taxis from the station to the city center cost about Β₯25β30. Avoid touts offering 'fixed price' Β₯50 β just use the official taxi line.
π Longgong (Dragon Palace) Area β For nature lovers who want quiet
Longgong is a massive karst cave system about 20 km from Anshun. The area around it has a few resorts that are perfect if you're planning to visit both Longgong and Huangguoshu (they're only 30 km apart). This is a trade-off: you're isolated, but surrounded by lush hills and rice paddies.
Longgong Shanshui Hotel
Price: Β₯350β600/night | Setting: Right at the Longgong scenic area entrance. Rooms have balconies overlooking the river. Food: The restaurant serves excellent local fish and wild vegetables β I recommend the sour soup fish. Cons: No nightlife whatsoever; bring your own entertainment. Best for: Nature photographers and couples on a romantic getaway.
Comparison table β Quick overview
| Area | Best for | Price range (Β₯) | Convenience to attractions | Food scene |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Center | First-timers, foodies | 150β500 | Good (bus hub) | Excellent night market |
| Huangguoshu Town | Waterfall chasers | 250β1,200 | Excellent (walk to gate) | Touristy, limited |
| Old Town | Culture lovers, backpackers | 100β250 | Far from falls (40 min) | Local snacks only |
| West Railway Station | Transit, business | 150β400 | Good (taxi to all) | Minimal |
| Longgong Area | Nature, peace & quiet | 350β600 | 30 min to falls | Resort restaurants |
β FAQs β Your real questions, answered from experience
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Information is based on firsthand visits. Always double-check hotel prices and bus schedules as they may change.
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