Anshun: A Chinese City Where History Lives in Caves and Ming Dynasty Traditions

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nestled in the karst mountains of Guizhou, Anshun is a city defined by its dramatic geography and deep historical roots. From the world's only year-round cave settlement to villages where residents still wear Ming dynasty clothing, this prefecture-level city offers a rare glimpse into ancient traditions preserved through time.

Anshun, a prefecture-level city in southwestern Guizhou, is defined by its rugged karst landscape and high altitude, ranging from 1,102 to 1,694 metres. This environment has shaped both its natural wonders and human history. The region is home to the Huangguoshu Waterfall, Asia's largest, and the Longgong Dragon Caves, where visitors can sail through subterranean stalactite formations. Perhaps most striking is Zhongdong, a massive limestone cavern 1,800 metres up a mountain, which serves as a year-round home for twenty families—a unique settlement in modern China.

The city's cultural identity is deeply tied to the Ming dynasty. During the Hongwu reign (1368–1398), troops were stationed in the region to secure the frontier, establishing 'Tunbao' towns. In places like Tianlong Tunbao, residents have maintained these centuries-old customs, continuing to wear traditional Ming-era clothing and living in period-appropriate stone houses. This historical continuity extends to the arts; Dixi Opera, often called a 'living fossil' of Chinese performance, features actors in xylographic masks singing in ancient styles, while the Buyi minority continues the traditional craft of batik dyeing.

Anshun's history is a layered narrative of shifting administrative control, from the ancient Yelang Kingdom, which was the largest in the region during the Warring States period, to its incorporation into the Han dynasty in 111 BCE. The city has survived significant upheavals, including the 1673 Revolt of the Three Feudatories. Today, it balances this rich heritage with modern development. While agriculture and traditional handicrafts remain vital, the city has emerged as a significant hub for military aircraft production and testing, signaling a transition from its frontier origins to a contemporary industrial and aerospace center.

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