In Zhenyuan, Encounter a Journey of Poetic Ink and Watercolor

Nestled deep in the mountains of Guizhou, the ancient town of Zhenyuan combines the gentle charm of Jiangnan water towns with the mystique of a Miao borderland fortress, earning it the title "Venice of the East" – a destination well worth visiting. Zhenyuan Ancient Town, located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, is a national historical and cultural city with over 2,280 years of history. It was designated a 5A-level tourist attraction in 2020. Below are its core features and travel guide: ------ 🏯 History & Significance • Founding: Established in 277 BCE during the Qin Dynasty, it served as a regional administrative center for over 700 years from the Yuan to Qing dynasties and was the capital of Qiandongnan Prefecture (1956). • Strategic Role: A key hub on the ancient Southwest Silk Road, known as the "Lock of Yunnan-Chu and Gateway to Eastern Guizhou," thriving as a trade nexus during the Ming and Qing eras. • Cultural Blend: A fusion of Han, Miao, Dong, and merchant cultures (Jingchu, Bashu), dubbed the "Labyrinth of Traditional Culture." ------ 🌄 Geography & Layout • Taiji Town: The Wuyang River meanders through in an "S-curve," dividing the Ming-era administrative city (north bank) from the garrison town (south bank), forming a taiji (yin-yang) pattern – "Nine mountains embrace one river, one river splits two towns." • Architecture: Preserved Ming-Qing alleys, docks, and guildhalls; local houses feature "crooked doors and winding paths" (doors angled away from streets to symbolize "hiding wealth"). ------ 🏞️ Key Attractions **Ancient Town Core** 1. **Qinglongdong Ancient Complex**: Cliff-hanging temples blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism (National Heritage Site; ¥60). 2. **Shiping Mountain**: Summit offers panoramic taiji views, with Ming city walls and Siguan Hall (honoring four Warring States generals; ¥30). 3. **Historic Alleys & Docks**: Explore "Six Rows and Ten Lanes" and 12 ancient docks (e.g., Yumen Dock), relics of bustling water trade. **Nearby Nature** 1. **Wuyang River Scenic Area**: Boat tours through karst gorges (¥40 + ¥100 boat; "Little Three Gorges"). 2. **Tiexi Scenic Area**: Setting for "The Dragon King’s Daughter’s Wedding" in *The Scholars*, with emerald pools and caves (¥50). 3. **Gaoguo River Rafting**: 5-km forest canyon adventure (3 hours; summer highlight). **Cultural Sites** • **Zhenyuan Museum (Free)**: Housed in a Qing-era ancestral hall, showcasing town history. • **Heping Village**: China’s only intact WWII Japanese POW camp (National Heritage Site). • **Zhou Dawen’s Former Residence**: Home of an early CCP leader; red tourism site. ------ 🎭 Heritage & Festivals • **Intangible Culture**: National-level Dragon Boat Races (100 teams at Duanwu Festival) and Dong "March 3rd Begging for Scallions" (Dong Valentine’s Day). • **Events**: Lantern Festival, August 8th Suona Festival, and *Ancient Rhymes of Zhenyuan* epic performance. ------ 🧭 Travel Tips • **Tickets**: Free entry to town; individual attractions charge fees (see above); combo ticket (Wuyang River + Qinglongdong + Shiping) ¥130. • **Hours**: Open year-round (some sites 8:00–18:00). • **Transport**: ◦ Train: Guiyang→Zhenyuan (4h, ¥41.5); Kaili→Zhenyuan (1.5h, ¥14.5). ◦ Drive: 2.5h from Guiyang (G60 Expressway); ~6–7h from Chongqing/Changsha. • **Food**: Sour Fish Soup, Grilled Fish Tofu, Fried Glutinous Cakes, Miao Smoked Bacon. • **Stay**: Riverside B&Bs (e.g., "Xunmei Riverside") for night views. ------ 📅 Itineraries • **Day Trip**: Qinglongdong → Shiping Mountain (panorama) → Alleys → Wuyang River night cruise. • **2-Day**: Day 1 – Town core + museum; Day 2 – Wuyang River or Tiexi/Gaoguo rafting. ------ 💎 Unique Experiences • **Night Walk**: Zhusheng Bridge and New Bridge offer prime views of lantern-lit river reflections. • **Handicrafts**: Try Miao/Dong embroidery or dragon boat carving. UNESCO hails Zhenyuan as "the last homeland for weary human souls" – a place where history, landscapes, and ethnic diversity converge. Perfect for slow travel, savoring its millennia-old charm.