A waterfall plunges three thousand feet, a natural wonder like a fairyland on earth.

### 2025 Huangguoshu Waterfall Travel Guide: Tips and In-depth Itinerary **1. Pre-trip Preparations** 1. **Ticket Reservations** - Huangguoshu Scenic Area implements a timed entry reservation system. It is recommended to purchase tickets 1–15 days in advance through the official mini-program "Anlv Tong." Peak season (March–November) tickets are CNY 160 + CNY 50 for the sightseeing bus, and off-season (December–February) tickets are CNY 150 + CNY 50 for the sightseeing bus. Tickets are valid for 3 days. - **Discounts**: Visitors born in the Year of the Dragon, teachers, medical staff, and students nationwide can enjoy free admission before January 28, 2025 (valid ID required). Residents of Jiangsu, Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan enjoy periodic free admission. 2. **Essential Items** - **Raincoat or waterproof jacket**: The Water Curtain Cave has heavy mist, and the disposable raincoats sold in the scenic area are of poor quality. It is recommended to bring your own. - **Non-slip shoes**: The stone paths in the scenic area are slippery, especially during the rainy season and around the waterfalls. - **Cash**: The mobile payment signal may be weak in some areas. 3. **Best Time to Visit** - **April or November**: Moderate water flow and fewer tourists. Summer (June–August) has the highest water volume but is crowded. - **Early morning or evening**: Avoid peak tour group hours. It is recommended to enter the park before 7:00 am. **2. Transportation Guide** 1. **External Transportation** - **High-speed Rail**: Take the high-speed train from Guiyang North Station to Anshun West Station (approx. 30 mins), then transfer to Bus No. 22 (CNY 12) directly to the scenic area. - **Self-driving**: New regulations in 2025 require private cars to park at the visitor center (5 km away) and transfer to the sightseeing bus to enter the park. - **Airplane**: Anshun Huangguoshu Airport has flights to Beijing, Kunming, and other cities. Alternatively, fly to Guiyang and transfer to the scenic area's direct bus. 2. **Internal Transportation** - **Sightseeing Bus**: A must-buy at CNY 50/person, connecting the three core scenic spots (Huangguoshu Waterfall, Tianxingqiao, and Doupotang Waterfall). - **VIP Ticket**: Approx. CNY 100 more expensive than regular tickets, offering access to exclusive rest areas and priority boarding, suitable for visitors with limited time. **3. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Near the Scenic Area**: Huangguoshu Hotel (includes breakfast, 10-min walk to Huangguoshu Waterfall) or Jianglv·Cunxiao (a century-old stone house renovated into a B&B, offering a Buyi ethnic experience). - **Zhenning County**: 15 mins by taxi, with cost-effective B&Bs (approx. CNY 150/night). The Starry Sky Terrace Stilt House is recommended. - **Huangguoshu New Town**: Family guesthouses are available for approx. CNY 80/night, with complimentary local glutinous rice wine. **4. Core Scenic Spots and Route Planning** 1. **Classic One-day Tour** - **7:00 am**: Head straight to **Huangguoshu Waterfall** to avoid crowds and capture the rainbow at the Water Curtain Cave (east viewing platform is the best spot). - **10:00 am**: Visit **Doupotang Waterfall** (filming location of *Journey to the West*), and witness the spectacular "Roaring Waterfall." - **Afternoon**: Explore the **lower section of Tianxingqiao** (Silver Chain Waterfall, Tianxing Cave), avoiding the crowded upper section where tour groups gather. 2. **Two-day In-depth Tour** - **Day 1**: Huangguoshu Waterfall + Water Curtain Cave exploration → Night light show (Colorful Waterfall + ethnic song and dance). - **Day 2**: Tianxingqiao karst landscape → Dishuitan Waterfall (free, 410m drop) → Stone Village bamboo rafting (CNY 30/person). **5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities and Hidden Gems** 1. **Dishuitan Waterfall**: The highest waterfall in the Huangguoshu Waterfall group (410m drop), free and less crowded. Requires a hike through a cornfield to reach. 2. **Stone Village**: The hometown of Buyi batik, where you can rent bamboo rafts (CNY 30) and taste freshly picked cucumbers (CNY 2/piece). 3. **Night Activities**: Light and shadow technology transforms the waterfall into a rainbow, combined with *Journey to the West*-themed performances. There's also a beer festival in the summer. **6. Food Guide** - **Inside the Scenic Area**: Avoid overpriced corn. "Zheng Ji Ice Pulp" is recommended (mango glutinous rice smoothie with crushed peanuts, CNY 15). - **Zhenning County**: "Century-old Taste" sour soup beef hot pot (CNY 50/person), served with grey tofu and Anshun wraps. - **Local Snacks**: Buckwheat jelly and Tunpu cuisine. Gufu Street is a hub for authentic snacks. **7. Avoiding Scams and Safety Tips** 1. **Scam Alert**: Be wary of the "CNY 30 shortcut to see the waterfall" scam, which involves climbing over walls or forced consumption. 2. **Safety Precautions**: The stone steps at Tianxingqiao are slippery, so pay attention to your footing. Avoid staying in the Water Curtain Cave for extended periods to prevent falling rocks. 3. **Rainy Season Preparations**: Heavy rain is common from June to August, and some trails may be closed. Check the weather forecast in advance. **8. Photography and Experiences** - **Best Photo Spots**: Rhinoceros Pool for panoramic waterfall views, next to the stone inscription at the Water Curtain Cave for double rainbows, and Wangshui Pavilion for overlooking the waterfall. - **Cultural Experiences**: Participate in batik making at Stone Village, stay overnight in a Buyi village, and join a bonfire party. By planning your itinerary wisely and avoiding crowds, your trip to Huangguoshu will not only allow you to experience the awe-inspiring "First Waterfall in Asia" but also delve into the karst landscape and ethnic culture. Choose a one-day express tour or a two-day in-depth tour based on your available time, and experience the dual charm of nature and culture!