Overview
Zhenyuan Ancient Town, located in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, is a 5A-level scenic area with a history of over 2,200 years. The Wuyang River flows through the town in an S-shape, naturally dividing it into a Tai Chi shape, hence its nickname "Tai Chi Water Town." The main streets of the ancient town are free to enter; only a few attractions, such as Qinglong Cave (approximately 60 RMB) and Shiping Mountain (approximately 30 RMB), charge admission.
A 2-day, 1-night in-depth visit is recommended. The best time to visit is from March to May and from September to November, when the climate is mild and comfortable.
How to Get There
How to get there: The most recommended way is to take the high-speed train to "Zhenyuan Station"—about 1.5 hours from Guiyang North, second-class seats cost 60-100 yuan. After exiting the station, take a taxi for 10 minutes (about 10 yuan) directly to the ancient city, or take the Zhenyuan urban loop bus line/Zhenyuan bus route 2/3. You can also take a regular train (about 4 hours from Guiyang, ticket price 41.5 yuan). By car, it takes about 3-3.5 hours from Guiyang via the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway; parking is required in the outer parking lots (20-30 yuan/day). Note: There are no vehicles inside the ancient city; it is all on foot.
What to do: During the day, stroll through ancient alleys such as Sifangjing Alley and Fuxing Alley, and see the "crooked doors and winding paths" of ancient dwellings; in the afternoon, visit Qinglong Cave or climb Shiping Mountain for a panoramic view of the Taiji (Tai Chi) formation; in the evening, take a boat trip on the Wuyang River to admire the lights on both banks. The average summer temperature is 24-26℃, making it an excellent summer retreat.
What to Expect
The entire ancient town is paved with bluestone slabs, and the pedestrian paths extend along both banks of the Wuyang River, offering numerous ancient alleyways for exploration. The town has many steps, especially the ascent to Shiping Mountain, which takes 30-40 minutes. The scenic area is equipped with 5A-level standard public restrooms, sanitation facilities, information service points, and an SOS alarm system. Along the river and in the ancient alleys, there are many gift shops, Miao embroidery shops, and specialty product shops. Note: Dragging large suitcases across the bluestone slabs is very strenuous; it is recommended to use a light backpack or store your luggage at a hotel outside the town.
Practical Tips
- Most shops and guesthouses in the ancient town accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but it is recommended to carry a small amount of cash with you in case of emergency.
- The town primarily uses Chinese, and English is not widely spoken. It is recommended to download a translation app beforehand.
- Guizhou cuisine is characterized by its sour and spicy flavors, with specialties like sour soup fish being particularly strong in flavor. If you can't handle spicy food well, remember to say "no spice" or "mild" when ordering.
- Guizhou's weather is changeable, and rain is possible at any time. It is recommended to carry a folding umbrella or a lightweight raincoat.
