### The Colorful Huangguoshu Scenic Area: Healing Waters, Towering Trees, and Majestic Mountains!

Below is a travel guide designed for the Huangguoshu Scenic Area, incorporating the latest information and covering transportation, accommodation, attractions, itinerary planning, and precautions to help you efficiently explore this "First Waterfall in Asia": --- ### **1. Pre-Trip Preparations** 1. **Ticket Reservations** - Huangguoshu Scenic Area implements a real-name, timed-entry reservation system. Purchase tickets 1–15 days in advance through official platforms (such as the "Anlv Tong" mini-program). Advance booking is strongly recommended during peak season. - **Ticket Composition:** Peak season (March–November): CNY 160/person; Off-season (December–February): CNY 150/person. Includes a CNY 50/person sightseeing bus ticket. Escalator: CNY 30/one-way, CNY 50/round-trip (recommended for visitors with limited mobility). - **Discounts:** Free admission for seniors over 60 and children under 15. Free admission for journalists, military personnel, and people with disabilities with valid credentials (only admission ticket is free; sightseeing bus tickets must be purchased separately). 2. **Essential Items** - Non-slip shoes, raincoat/umbrella (essential for the Water Curtain Cave), sunscreen, and a lightweight backpack. Due to extensive walking, it is recommended to bring some snacks for energy. --- ### **2. Transportation Guide** 1. **External Transportation** - **Airplane:** Fly to Anshun Huangguoshu Airport and transfer to the scenic area's shuttle bus (approx. 1 hr). - **High-Speed Rail:** Disembark at Guiyang North Station/Anshun West Station and transfer to a tourist bus to the scenic area (approx. 1 hr from Anshun to Huangguoshu, CNY 20). - **Car:** Approx. 2 hrs from Guiyang. Parking lot fee is CNY 10/day. Arrive early to secure a parking spot during peak season. 2. **Internal Transportation** - Sightseeing buses connect the three main attractions: Doupotang Waterfall, Tianxingqiao Scenic Area, and Huangguoshu Waterfall. Bus tickets are mandatory and buses operate on a fixed, circular route. --- ### **3. Accommodation Recommendations** 1. **High-End Options within the Scenic Area** - **Banyan Tree Resort:** Adjacent to Huangguoshu Waterfall, offering hot spring wellness experiences, especially recommended in winter (approx. CNY 4,000+/night). - **Huangguoshu State Guesthouse:** A cost-effective choice, averaging CNY 750+/night, within walking distance of the scenic area entrance. 2. **Budget-Friendly Accommodation outside the Scenic Area** - Anshun city or Zhenning County: Chain hotels such as JI Hotel and Kaiyuan Manju offer rooms for CNY 200–500/night, approx. 1 hr drive from the scenic area. --- ### **4. Must-See Attractions and Itinerary Planning** 1. **Classic One-Day Itinerary** - **Doupotang Waterfall** (1 hr): Filming location for the ending credits of the 1986 version of *Journey to the West*. The waterfall is 105m wide and offers great photo opportunities in the morning when there are fewer crowds. - **Tianxingqiao Scenic Area** (3 hrs): - First half: Shushengbu (Numbered Steps) and Gaolaozhuang (the scene where Zhu Bajie carries his wife in *Journey to the West*). - **Highlights in the second half:** Bridge on Bridge, Tianxing Cave, and Silver Chain Waterfall (resembling a silver chain falling into a deep pool, a karst wonder). - **Huangguoshu Waterfall** (2–3 hrs): - Panoramic view from the viewing platform → Water Curtain Cave (raincoat required) → Rhinoceros Pool for upward shots of the waterfall. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. 2. **In-Depth Two-Day Itinerary** - **Day 1:** Doupotang Waterfall + Tianxingqiao Scenic Area. Check in to a hotel within the scenic area in the evening and experience night tours (such as the upgraded Dragon Palace Cave with its light show). - **Day 2:** In-depth exploration of Huangguoshu Waterfall + nearby niche attractions (such as Hongyan Tianshu and Dishuitan Waterfall). --- ### **5. Local Cuisine Recommendations** 1. **Local Flavors** - **Anshun Guorjuan:** Rice skin wraps filled with sour and spicy ingredients, refreshing and appetizing. - **Suantang Fish:** Miao specialty, sour, spicy, and savory. Recommended at farmhouses near the scenic area. - **Tofu Balls:** Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a unique dipping sauce. 2. **Dining Suggestions** - Dining options within the scenic area are limited and expensive. It is recommended to bring your own snacks or dine at guesthouses. "Jinyu Mama" restaurant (Yu Village Market) is highly recommended; reservations are required. --- ### **6. Important Notes** 1. **Safety and Comfort** - The ground in the Water Curtain Cave is slippery; hold onto the railings. Be mindful of waterproofing electronic devices due to heavy mist from the waterfall in summer. - Large temperature differences in winter; bring a windproof jacket. Avoid visiting during rainy days in the rainy season, as the water quality of the waterfall will be murky, affecting the view. 2. **Tips for Avoiding Crowds** - During holidays, tourist numbers surge. It is recommended to enter the park before 7:30 am or visit Huangguoshu Waterfall after 3:00 pm. 3. **Environmental Protection and Etiquette** - Drones are prohibited within the scenic area. Do not litter. Respect local customs in the Buyi cultural area. --- ### **7. New Experiences and Surrounding Attractions** 1. **Winter Exclusives:** Hot springs at Banyan Tree Resort and the Buyi "Hot Pot" Cultural Festival offer a taste of local culture and warmth. 2. **Science and Tourism Integration:** Discovery Exploration Park (high-altitude net array, hot air balloons) and Balinhe Bridge study tours are suitable for families and adventure enthusiasts. 3. **Nearby Extensions:** Dragon Palace Cave (even more magical after the lighting upgrade) and Tianlong Tunpu (a living fossil of Ming Dynasty Han culture), both within 1 hr drive. --- **Useful Tools:** Scenic area maps and real-time crowd information are available through the "Anlv Tong" mini-program. **Best Time to Visit:** June–August for the most spectacular waterfall views with maximum water volume. Winter offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. We hope you experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Huangguoshu Waterfall and create unforgettable memories!