Zhenyuan Ancient Town Tourist Scenic Area is located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The area of Zhenyuan Ancient Town is approximately 3.1 square kilometers. The characteristics of Zhenyuan Ancient Town lie in its long history, diverse cultures, and well-preserved ancient architectural complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Most of the buildings in the ancient town are of wooden and brick-stone structures, nestled against mountains and beside rivers, with an ingenious layout. The architectural style of the ancient dwellings integrates the characteristics of Huizhou architecture and the architecture of local ethnic minorities. The ancient streets and alleys wind and turn. There are more than 120 existing ancient dwellings, 7 ancient alleys, and 12 docks, showing a unique charm. The Wuyang River runs through the city, adding a vivid beauty to the ancient town.
History and Culture
Zhenyuan Ancient Town has a long history. Since the establishment of the county in the 30th year of King Zhaoxiang of Qin (277 BC), it has a history of more than 2,200 years. It has also served as the political, economic, and cultural center of eastern Guizhou for more than 700 years.
In ancient times, Zhenyuan was an important military stronghold and transportation hub. Located at the intersection of the Xiangqian Post Road and the Yuanjiang Waterway, it is known as the "Key to Yunnan and Hunan, Gateway to Eastern Guizhou". It played an important role in military defense and material transportation. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, a large number of troops were stationed here, leaving behind many military relics.
Zhenyuan is also a place where multiple ethnic cultures blend. Several ethnic groups such as the Han, Miao, and Dong live here together, forming a unique regional culture. Various cultures such as Central Plains culture, Jingchu culture, Bashu culture, Wuyue culture, and Minyue culture have converged and integrated here, which is reflected in all aspects of the ancient town's architecture, folk customs, and cuisine.
Main Attractions
Zhenyuan Ancient City Wall
The Zhenyuan Ancient City Wall includes the Fucheng Yuan and Weicheng Yuan. The Fucheng Yuan was first built in the Ming Dynasty, with a total length of 1.5 kilometers. The city wall is 5 meters high and 2.8 meters thick, built along the mountain terrain, majestic and spectacular. The Weicheng Yuan was also built in the Ming Dynasty, with a total length of 3 kilometers. The wall is 4 meters high and 2 meters thick. After hundreds of years of wind and rain, the ancient city wall is still relatively well-preserved. It is a witness to Zhenyuan's history. Tourists can stroll along the city wall and feel the vicissitudes of history.
Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex
The Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex is located on Zhonghe Mountain in the east of Zhenyuan City. It is a famous ancient architectural complex and Buddhist holy land in Guizhou. It was first built in the Ming Dynasty, with a total of 36 single buildings, covering an area of 21,000 square meters. The architectural complex consists of Qinglong Cave, Zhongyuan Cave, Ziyang Cave, Wanshou Palace, etc. It integrates the architectural cultures of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, guild halls, bridges, and post roads. The architectural style is unique, naturally integrated with cliffs, ancient trees, vines, rock banks, and karst caves, and has extremely high artistic and historical values.
Wuyang River Scenic Area
The Wuyang River Scenic Area is located in the west of Zhenyuan City. The Wuyang River has a total length of 258 kilometers, and the section flowing through Zhenyuan is particularly beautiful. The scenic area includes three gorges: Zhuge Gorge, Dragon King Gorge, and West Gorge, with a total length of about 50 kilometers. The river water is clear, and there are numerous strange peaks and rocks on both sides. There are many natural landscapes such as the Peacock Spreading Its Tail and Three-layer Waterfall. Tourists can take a cruise ship to enjoy the natural scenery on both sides and feel the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Heping Village
Heping Village is a special scenic spot in Zhenyuan. It was originally the Second Model Prison of Guizhou Province under the National Government. During the Anti-Japanese War, it became a detention center for Japanese prisoners of war and is one of the best-preserved prisoner-of-war camps from World War II in the country. Heping Village covers an area of 6,422 square meters and has buildings such as an office building, a auditorium, and a medical room. Here, tourists can learn about that special period of history and feel the theme of war and peace.
Delicacies
Zhenyuan Red Sour Soup
Zhenyuan Red Sour Soup is a characteristic delicacy of the local area. Using tomatoes, white vinegar, etc. as the main raw materials, it is made into sour soup through fermentation. The sour soup is bright red in color and has a sour and fresh taste. It is usually used to cook fish, meat, etc. Red Sour Soup Fish is the most representative dish. After the fish is cooked in the sour soup, it is tender and smooth, sour and appetizing, and the soup is delicious, which is deeply loved by tourists.
Zhenyuan Aged Pickled Vegetables
Zhenyuan Aged Pickled Vegetables are a traditional famous food in Zhenyuan. Using green vegetables as the main raw material, through multiple processes such as sun-drying, pickling, and jarring, and then after months or even years of storage and aging, they are made. The aged pickled vegetables are dark and shiny in color, salty and fragrant in taste, and crisp and tender in texture. They can be eaten directly, or used as a side dish for stir-frying, making soup, or even for fried rice. They are a common delicacy on the tables of Zhenyuan people.
Zhenyuan Ash Alkali Cake
Zhenyuan Ash Alkali Cake is a characteristic snack made from rice and plant ash. The rice is soaked in water containing plant ash, then ground into a pulp and steamed to make the ash alkali cake. The ash alkali cake is light yellow in color, soft, glutinous, and chewy. It can be stir-fried, boiled, or roasted. When stir-fried, ingredients such as shredded meat and vegetables are added, and the taste is rich; when boiled, it is served with a delicious soup, which has a unique flavor.
Entrance Tickets
The Zhenyuan Ancient Town Tourist Scenic Area is open to the public for free, and tourists can enter the ancient town for sightseeing freely. However, some scenic spots charge separately. For example, the entrance ticket price of the Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex is 60 yuan per person. The cruise ticket price of the Wuyang River Scenic Area varies according to different routes and ship types, generally about 140 yuan per person. Heping Village is open for free. The entrance tickets and cruise tickets of the scenic area can be purchased through the official website of the scenic area, WeChat official account, or the on-site ticket window.
Opening Hours
Zhenyuan Ancient Town is open all day throughout the year, and tourists can enter the ancient town for sightseeing at any time. The opening hours of the Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex are from 08:00 to 17:30 (ticket sales and entry stop at 17:00). The opening hours of the Wuyang River Scenic Area are generally from 08:30 to 16:00, and the specific departure time of the cruise ships will be adjusted according to the season and the number of tourists. The opening hours of Heping Village are from 09:00 to 16:30 (entry stops at 16:00). During legal holidays or peak tourist seasons, some scenic spots may adjust the opening hours according to the actual situation. Tourists can query the official information of the scenic area in advance and arrange their itinerary reasonably.
Tour Routes
Recommended tour routes: If you have enough time, it is recommended to spend two days visiting. In the morning of the first day, enter Zhenyuan Ancient Town. First, visit the Zhenyuan Ancient City Wall and feel the historical atmosphere along the city wall. Then go to the Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex to admire the unique architectural art and religious culture. Have lunch in the ancient town and taste characteristic delicacies such as Zhenyuan Red Sour Soup and Zhenyuan Aged Pickled Vegetables. In the afternoon, visit Heping Village to learn about the special history. In the evening, stroll in the ancient town and enjoy the night view of both sides of the Wuyang River. In the morning of the second day, go to the Wuyang River Scenic Area and take a cruise ship to enjoy the natural scenery on both sides. In the afternoon, return to the ancient town, wander through the ancient streets and alleys, visit the ancient dwellings, buy some local characteristic souvenirs, and then end the trip. If you are short of time, you can choose a one-day tour, focusing on visiting the Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex, the Wuyang River Scenic Area, and the main streets and alleys of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, and tasting the characteristic delicacies.
Transportation
- Public transportation: Starting from Guiyang, you can take a long-distance bus to Zhenyuan at Guiyang Longdongbao Bus Station or Jinyang Bus Station. The journey takes about 4 hours, and the ticket price is about 100 yuan. You can also take the high-speed rail to Kaili South Station, and then transfer to a bus to Zhenyuan at Kaili Bus Station. The journey takes about 1 hour, and the ticket price is about 25 yuan. After arriving in Zhenyuan, you can take a taxi or walk to the ancient town scenic area. The taxi fare is generally within 10 yuan.
- Self-driving: Starting from Guiyang, you can reach Zhenyuan via the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, Tianhuang Expressway, etc. The whole journey is about 270 kilometers, and the driving time is about 3.5 hours. There are parking lots around Zhenyuan Ancient Town, and the parking fee is charged according to the parking duration.
Must-visit Attractions
- Zhenyuan Ancient City Wall: Including the Fucheng Yuan and Weicheng Yuan. The Fucheng Yuan is 1.5 kilometers long, 5 meters high, and 2.8 meters thick. The Weicheng Yuan is 3 kilometers long, 4 meters high, and 2 meters thick. Built along the mountain, it is majestic and spectacular, and it is a great place to feel the vicissitudes of history.
- Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex: A famous ancient architectural complex in Guizhou, with 36 single buildings, covering an area of 21,000 square meters. It integrates various architectural cultures, and the buildings are integrated with nature, with extremely high artistic and historical values.
- Wuyang River Scenic Area: The section of the Wuyang River flowing through Zhenyuan is about 50 kilometers long. The river water is clear, and there are strange peaks and rocks on both sides. Taking a cruise ship allows you to enjoy the unique natural scenery and feel the magic of nature.
- Heping Village: One of the best-preserved prisoner-of-war camps from World War II in the country, covering an area of 6,422 square meters. It allows tourists to learn about the special history and feel the theme of war and peace.
Tour Tips
- Learn about the history, culture, and scenic spots of Zhenyuan Ancient Town in advance. You can read books, check online materials, etc., to better understand and appreciate the charm of the ancient town.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking, because there are many ancient streets and alleys in the ancient town, and more walking is required for sightseeing.
- When tasting delicacies, you can try more local characteristic dishes, such as Zhenyuan Red Sour Soup and Zhenyuan Aged Pickled Vegetables. But pay attention to food hygiene and choose regular restaurants and snack stalls.
- If you want to take pictures of the beautiful scenery of the ancient town, it is recommended to go in the morning or evening. The light is soft at this time, and you can take more charming photos. Especially, the night view of the Wuyang River should not be missed.
- When visiting in summer, pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention measures. Keep warm when visiting in winter.
Notes
- Take good care of the environment of the ancient town. Do not spit or litter, and put the garbage into the designated trash cans.
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs. When visiting religious places such as temples, abide by the relevant regulations and do not make loud noises.
- When visiting ancient buildings and ancient streets and alleys, do not touch or damage cultural relics and buildings casually, and abide by the regulations of the scenic area.
- When taking a cruise ship to tour the Wuyang River, follow the instructions of the staff, put on a life jacket, and do not walk around or perform dangerous actions on the ship.
- In case of an emergency, you can call the emergency rescue hotline of the scenic area or ask the nearby staff for help.