Zhenyuan Ancient Town

The city lights up at night making it absolutely gorgeous. Walking along the river during the day and night is a lovely time. The people are very friendly. There is a cave you can visit that looks out over the river. #china #ancienttown #summer

The beautiful Zhenyuan Ancient Town is one of the top destinations in Guizhou. The traditional village is surrounded by caves, pavilions, unique architecture and natural landscapes. This ancient town is totally REAL and it’s FREE, it’s absolutely worth visiting! . . . #staycation #scenicspotguide #china #tripaway #triplocal #naturalwonders #guizhou

Found to the east of Guizhou Provinxe, Zhenyuan is an ancient town that is rich in cultural relics and history. From caves and rivers to temples and pavilions, there’s quite a lot to explore here, so you might want to stay at least two nights in order to see it all! While here, be sure to hit these key spots: - Black Dragon Cave: an ancient temple located on Zhonghe Mountain - Wuyuang River: a charming and picturesque river with multiple scenic spots to explore! 📍Zhenyuan Ancient Town, Guizhou #leaveyourmark

One must make a trip to Guizhou's Zhenyuan Ancient Town, which is hailed as the existence of the Oriental Venice. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, where the river meanders in an 'S' shape through the town. Both city walls were built during the Ming Dynasty, and there are many ancient buildings, traditional residences, and historical docks inside and outside the city. In the first year of the Shao Ding era of the Song Dynasty, it was granted the name Zhenyuan State, and the name 'Zhenyuan' has been used ever since. Zhenyuan has a long history, with more than 2280 years since the county was established in the 30th year of King Zhao of Qin.

| Zhenyuan (1087). Zhenyuan Ancient Town is located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. The river meanders through the town in an 'S' shape, with the old government city on the north bank and the old garrison city on the south bank. Both cities were built during the Ming Dynasty, and some parts of the city walls and gates still exist today. There are many ancient buildings, traditional residential houses, and historical docks inside and outside the city. According to records, ancient Zhenyuan was situated at the junction of the 'Wuxi Barbarians' and the 'Baiyue people' in history. In the first year of Shaoding of the Song Dynasty (1226), it was granted the name Zhenyuan State, and the name 'Zhenyuan' has been used ever since. Zhenyuan has a long history, dating back more than 2280 years to the 30th year of King Zhao of Qin (277 BC) when it was first established as a county. During the Yuan and Qing Dynasties, it was the location of a Tao and a government office for over 700 years.

Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a famous town in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, located on the banks of the Wuyang River, surrounded by mountains. The river meanders in an 'S' shape through the town, with the old prefectural city on the north bank and the old garrison city on the south bank. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a museum of China's mountain cliff architecture culture. The ancient streets and alleys in the town are winding and secluded, with stone bridges and city walls scattered in an orderly fashion, the green water and morning mist present a myriad of postures, and the spring river fishing fires are full of poetic charm. It boasts over 160 sites of great viewing and scientific research value, including the majestic and world-renowned national key cultural relics protection unit, the Qinglong Cave ancient architectural complex, as well as ancient Ming and Qing residences, alleys, docks, and city walls. The architectural style features blue bricks and black tiles, high enclosing firewalls, flying eaves and upturned corners, and carved beams and painted rafters. Every piece of bluestone and every blue brick records historical relics, weeping the vicissitudes of the thousand-year-old ancient town. From a distance, it resembles a Tai Chi diagram. Both cities were built during the Ming Dynasty, and some parts of the city walls and gates still exist today.

According to records, the ancient Zhenyuan was located at the junction of the 'Wuxi Barbarians' and the 'Baiyue people' in history. In the first year of the Shaoding era of the Song Dynasty (1226), it was granted the name Zhenyuanzhou, and the name 'Zhenyuan' has been used ever since. Zhenyuan has a long history, dating back more than 2280 years to the 30th year of King Zhao of Qin (277 BC) when it was first established as a county. During the Yuan and Qing dynasties, it was the location of a Dao (administrative division) and a prefecture for over 700 years.

Guizhou is a province rich in tourism resources, not only with beautiful and spectacular natural scenery such as Huangguoshu Waterfall, Fanjing Mountain, Libo's Seven Holes, Xingyi Wanfenglin, etc., but also with colorful cultural landscapes such as Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, Yelang Valley, Zhaoxing Dong Village, Zhenyuan Ancient City, etc. Our self-driving route to Guizhou this time perfectly integrates scenery and culture, both leisurely and out of the picture, and there are many special delicacies, which is very suitable for traveling in this season. The self-driving route is: Zhenyuan Ancient City——Shibing Yuntaishan——Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village——Zhaoxing Dong Village, let's take a look at these places where scenery and culture coexist. Zhenyuan Ancient City Zhenyuan Ancient City is located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. The county has a history of more than 2000 years. It can be said that the scenery is beautiful and the history is long. The winding Wuyang River runs through the city, and the houses on both sides of the river are antique, beautiful like a painting. The name "Zhenyuan" originated from the Song Dynasty. This place has been the location of Tao and Fu for more than 700 years. There are still many cultural relics and ancient buildings, such as Qinglong Cave, Tianhou Palace, Zhongyuan Zen Temple, and many ancient houses and ancient lanes. Among them, Qinglong Cave is the most special. It is built on a cliff halfway up the mountain, overlooking the Wuyang River. It can be said that it is a great place for geomantic omen. Standing on the opposite bank and looking far away, it looks a bit like the Hanging Temple in Shanxi. Its architecture is also very special. It is a combination of Central Plains architecture and Miao and Dong stilt buildings. It has a history of more than 600 years. When you come to Zhenyuan Ancient City, in addition to visiting ancient buildings, walking along the river is also a very poetic way of traveling. The willows on both sides of the river are drooping, and when the lights are on, the water reflects rows of lanterns, which makes people feel like a dream. At this time, find an open-air table by the river, order a special tofu grilled fish from Zhenyuan, drink the rice wine brewed by the locals, listen to the songs of the wandering singers, and feel like traveling through time, comfortable and cozy. PS: Zhenyuan Ancient City is a national 5A scenic spot, free of charge, very suitable for staying for two or three days, and slowly playing. Shibing Yuntaishan When it comes to Yuntaishan, many people's first impression will think of Henan's Yuntaishan, but in fact, Shibing County in Guizhou also has a Yuntaishan, which is a World Natural Heritage, and the scenery is very similar to Zhangjiajie in Hunan, both of which are karst landforms. However, unlike ordinary mountains, Shibing Yuntaishan is relatively easy to climb. The regular hiking route only takes two hours to go back and forth, and most people can finish it relatively easily. The trees along the way are shaded, and even the big sun does not shine. Although the scenery is not stunning, it is very durable. The highest point of the regular route is Yindou Pavilion. Looking down from above, you can see all the small mountains. The viewing platform is surrounded by cliffs and cliffs, which is breathtaking. There are stone pillar peaks surrounded by the distance, rising from the ground with different shapes. If there is a sunrise and sea of clouds, the scenery will be very beautiful. PS: If you want to see the sunrise and sea of clouds in Yuntaishan, it is recommended to stay in a homestay at the foot of the mountain for one night. Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village This is the largest Miao gathering place in the world, where thousands of households live. The houses are built on the mountain and stacked on top of each other. After the lights are turned on at sunset, the mountain is full of thousands of lights, which is known as the "real version of Spirited Away". When you come to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, it is recommended to stay in a guesthouse on the hillside. Sitting on the balcony and drinking tea, you can watch the stilted buildings stacked on the opposite side, with a very wide view. In the early morning, walk along the river from the No. 6 Wind and Rain Bridge to the No. 1 Wind and Rain Bridge. The sunlight passes through the gaps in the leaves and falls on the river surface, sparkling like broken silver, shining with dazzling light. At this time, whether it is taking pictures of the scenery or portraits, it comes with a beauty effect. At noon, find a coffee shop with a wide view to drink tea, drink coffee, read books, leisurely and cozy. In the afternoon, find a travel photography studio to take a set of beautiful Miao costume travel photos, so that this trip will not leave regrets. After makeup, put on Miao clothes, put on silver ornaments, walk on the stone road lined with stilted buildings, and feel like a Miao girl. At sunset, go to the viewing platform to watch the night view, and watch the thousands of lights slowly light up below, you will feel as if you have walked into the movie "Spirited Away". For dinner, come to the food street for a special sour soup fish from Kaili. The sour and spicy taste makes people want to eat more. PS: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is very large, suitable for staying for a few days, leisurely strolling, and slowly savoring. Zhaoxing Dong Village Zhaoxing Dong Village is known as the "First Village in Dongxiang". It is one of the largest Dong villages in the country, with more than 1,000 households living in it. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and two streams pass through the village. The terraces outside the village are layered, the scenery is beautiful, and it has been selected by "China National Geographic" as one of the "Six Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in China". If you want to experience the customs of ethnic minorities in Guizhou, Zhaoxing Dong Village is a good choice. Unlike the commercialization of many ancient cities and towns in China, this place is still relatively primitive. Most of the people living here are local Dong people. Old people wearing Dong costumes can be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys, and people often see people blowing reeds under the drum tower. This time to Zhaoxing Dong Village, I also encountered a full moon wine, followed the gift money and sat with the locals. Before each drink, I will sing a few toasts, which is very interesting. The enthusiastic brothers and sisters enthusiastically introduced the local special dishes on the table. The most impressive one is red meat. It is said to be boiled pork mixed with fresh pig's blood, plus various spices, mixed and stirred, and then sprinkled with a layer of folded ear root that people in Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan like to eat. Although the method sounds a bit scary, the taste is actually not bad. If you come to Zhaoxing Dong Village, there is no need to rush to the attractions. Walk along the river, turn into the alley, the dyeing tubs of batik, the glutinous rice drying, the old people sunbathing, the women carrying firewood, the aunts washing clothes and the ancient stilted buildings are all a long-lasting picture. PS: Zhaoxing Dong Village is one of the sub-venues of the 2018 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. The five drum towers here have been recorded in the Guinness World Records and are very distinctive. If you also like places that integrate scenery and culture, you might as well follow my route to take a look.

Visiting Guizhou, if you miss this ancient town, you will definitely regret it! 1️⃣ Accommodation: Due to the off-season, the prices are beautiful. We stayed in a riverside inn located inside the ancient town. It was the most expensive one with the most beautiful scenery, yet the price was unbeatably beautiful! The rooms in the inn were also exceptionally clean. 2️⃣ Cuisine: When we arrived, it was noon and both of us were famished. We went to a rice noodle shop fifty meters away from the inn and each ordered a bowl of rice noodles with an extra braised egg. It was delicious, affordable, sour, and spicy; for the next two days, we checked in at different small shops, Yuan's Tofu Old Shop, He Lao Wu's Mutton Noodles, Miaoling Tofu Grilled Fish, etc., all delicious and affordable, and all must-visit places; the milk tea was also so cheap it was almost like having no friends, Happy Sweet Potato two cups of bubble milk tea cost the price of one usually, Mixue Bingcheng coconut milk tea was also cheap and very authentic! 3️⃣ Scenery: The ancient town is built along the street; the inn's balcony faces the riverside, where the morning crowing and chirping of birds make any casual photo beautiful; the streets are filled with local residents, and taking a leisurely stroll in the morning and evening makes you feel like a local; the lights along the street at night reflecting off the glittering river surface and the willow trees about to sprout green buds are irresistible; there is a bar by the river, the owner is also the lead singer, singing folk songs one after another, which perfectly matches the tranquility of this ancient town. The beauty and coziness of the scenery really need to be appreciated in person, and you definitely won't regret it! If you want to take photos in Miao ethnic clothing, this is definitely the best choice in Guizhou, hundreds of times better than Qianhu Miao Village, and much more affordable!

🕰 Ten years have passed, and this place still retains its original charm. 👨‍🌾 This is a traditional Chinese village that is only filled with the atmosphere of daily life. 🎨 The unique karst landscape, the scenery of mountains and rivers, and the underground world are like scenes from a science fiction movie. 🌳 A small village with mountains, waterfalls, where time seems to have stopped. 🎊 This is Guizhou! A desirable village town! 🎈 Here, with few people and a small world, every meal and season is filled with warmth and healing. 🤩 If you don't want to work, come and stay here for a few days! 📍1. Zhaoxing Dong Village: The first village of the Dong people, rated as a place on the edge of time. Direct access by high-speed train, making it easy to enjoy a happy weekend trip with everything you need for eating, living, and traveling! 📍2. Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village: The largest Miao village in China and even the world, a must-visit! It's like stepping into the world of 'Spirited Away'. 📍3. Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area: The 'Emerald on Earth', rated by 'National Geographic' as one of the most beautiful places in China, and a must-visit destination by Lonely Planet in one's lifetime! 📍4. Bing'an Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old red castle on the cliff, one of the four great ancient towns of Guizhou, and the first crossing point of the Red Army's Long March over the Chishui River, worth a visit! 📍5. Xiangyan Rock Scenic Area: As dazzling as the Milky Way, Guizhou's waterfalls are absolutely amazing! There's also the number one waterfall in China, Huangguoshu, and the largest waterfall in Asia waiting for you to unlock! 📍6. Zhenyuan Ancient Town: The 'Venice of the East', come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains. 📍7. Longtushui/Feilong Lake: A giant dragon spitting water from the cliffs, with the world's longest dragon of 999 meters by the lake, astonishing! 📍8. Danzhai Kalach Village: Kalach Village, with 7 intangible cultural heritages and over 400 years of history in birdcage weaving skills. Moreover, the local cockfighting is also famous! 📍9. Paimo Village: A great place to experience intangible cultural heritage - batik! Feel the wisdom passed down from generation to generation by the Miao people. 📍10. Wanfenglin Scenic Area: One of the five most beautiful peak forests in China, the beauty of Xingyi Wanfenglin is waiting for you to explore! 📍11. Benzhai: A 600-year-old Tunbao, one of the best-preserved ancient Tunbao villages, as if you are in a stone version of the City in the Sky. 📍12. Tianlong Tunbao: Walk into the mountains and experience the little-known war Tunbao. Here, there is a special Chinese community - the Tunbao people, and the local ground opera, which gives you a different perspective to feel the legendary charm of the Ming dynasty military Nuo opera. 🤩 How amazing are Guizhou's natural scenery and cultural charm? You'll know once you come! It's compelling and leaves a lasting impression! It is recommended to travel for 5-7 days, with the following itinerary for reference: 🚩1. Guiyang-Xingyi natural scenery trip 🚩2. Qiandongnan cultural village trip

My long-anticipated Guizhou trip has finally come true🎉! Guizhou's cuisine is truly unforgettable😍. The Zunyi lamb rice noodles were not as stunning as I imagined🤔, but the crispy rice crust wrapped in sticky rice cake is absolutely my top favorite (regret not buying more😭). The red sour soup is really incomparable😜, it's a blessing for those who love sour flavors😄! I did visit the Miao village, which was very comfortable and relaxing😌, but there were also a lot of people; by comparison, I prefer the tranquility of Zhenyuan Ancient Town🤫.

Zhenyuan Ancient Town has a history of over 2000 years and is a national 5A tourist attraction. Nestled against the mountains and beside the water, it is located on both banks of the Wuyang River and is known as the 'Oriental Venice'. The most impressive aspect is the scattered white walls and black tiles along the banks, with big red lanterns hanging high under the eaves! Although it is somewhat commercialized, one can still feel the strong sense of life and vitality! The bustling crowds in the ancient streets and alleys, the full seats in restaurants and teahouses, the prosperity of the ancient town from a thousand years ago, the peaceful times - it seems as if it has been revived in this parallel space-time! ◆Tickets: Ancient Town: Free Museum: Free, closes at 5 pm Qinglong Cave: 60 RMB per person, open from 8:00-17:30 Shiping Mountain: 30 RMB per person ◆Transportation: ◆Train: Zhenyuan Station, take a taxi or bus after exiting ◆Self-driving: About a 3h drive from Guiyang, be aware of traffic restrictions during holidays, it is said that parking in the ancient town is not very convenient, it's better to confirm with the B&B owner before the trip! Tips: ✔️During holidays from 9:00-23:00, vehicles are not allowed to turn right after crossing the new bridge, you can take a shuttle bus from the tourist center, 10 RMB per person ✔️Zhusheng Bridge is the iconic building of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, it is recommended to book a riverside B&B near Zhusheng Bridge, preferably a river-view room, where you can open the balcony door to see the Wuyang River and Zhusheng Bridge, offering a great view! ✔️In the evening, you can dine by the Wuyang River, enjoy songs and drinks, feel the breeze on your face, and be content! Watch the lights come on, a sight too beautiful to describe!