Zhenyuan Ancient Town 2 Days 1 Night Complete Guide: Eating, Staying, Traveling, and Photography – This One Article Covers It All!
Address: Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan, Guizhou, with the Shiyang River running through the town
Best Time to Visit: March-April, September-October (comfortable temperatures), avoid the rainy season in May-June (slippery steps)
Tickets: Ancient Town is free; Qinglong Cave 60 RMB (online booking from 50 RMB), Shiping Mountain 30 RMB (online booking 25 RMB), Shiyang River boat ride 80-120 RMB
Recommended Duration: 2-3 days (no rush, deep experience)
2. Must-See Highlights
1. Core Attractions:
Qinglong Cave Ancient Architecture Complex: A Confucian-Buddhist-Taoist tri-religion building "clinging to the cliff," offering an excellent panoramic view of the ancient town, stunning sunset views in the evening
Shiping Mountain: Climb 1,200 steps to overlook the "S"-shaped Taiji ancient town along the Shiyang River; best to climb early morning or late afternoon to avoid strong sun
Shiyang River Night Cruise: Board the boat at the official dock near Zhusheng Bridge, with lights reflecting on the river, showcasing the charm of the "Oriental Venice"
Zhusheng Bridge + Ancient City Wall: Free to visit, Zhusheng Bridge is a landmark of the ancient town, and the city wall is hidden in the alleys, quiet with fewer people
Heping Village Site: Free to visit, learn about the history of the prisoner-of-war camp during the Anti-Japanese War
2. Experience Activities:
Stroll through Ming and Qing Dynasty alleys: Chongzikou and Sifangjing alleys, with bluestone paths and old courtyards, feel the slow pace of life
🍚 Morning Market Food Tour: Experience local life and buy seasonal loquats and waxberries (available late May)
3. Food, Accommodation, and Transportation Highlights 🍱
1. Food Recommendations (Avoid Pitfalls Version)
Must-Try: Sour Soup Fish (choose local favorite restaurants like Miao Boma or Zhang Niangniang, confirm fish price before ordering), Old Brand Zhang’s Beef and Mutton Noodles (10 RMB/bowl, breakfast and lunch only)
Specialties: Zhenyuan vegetarian banquet, fried rice cakes, cold noodles, riverside grilled fish
Avoid: Stay away from overpriced riverside internet-famous restaurants; buy local specialties at Fujiale Supermarket (dried Rosa roxburghii fruit, beef jerky are more cost-effective)
2. Accommodation Choices
River View Rooms: Near Zhusheng Bridge, terrace or floor-to-ceiling windows with river views, 200+ RMB in peak season, avoid rooms below bars (noisy)
Cost-Effective Options: Inns in Chongzikou and Renshou Alley, around 100 RMB, quiet and close to the river
Tips: Book in advance (2 months ahead in peak season), if sensitive to noise, avoid rooms facing main street or river
3. Transportation Guide
External: Take high-speed rail to "Sansui Station" then transfer to a 45-minute bus, or take a train directly to "Zhenyuan Station" and taxi 10 RMB to the ancient town; self-driving can park at Qinglong Cave parking lot, 30 RMB/24 hours
Internal: The ancient town is small, walking or renting a bike is enough; many stone paths, wear non-slip soft-soled shoes
4. Pitfalls & Precautions
1. Choose official docks for boat rides, avoid private boats (prone to price hikes)
2. The ancient town is often rainy and cloudy, bring an umbrella and light jacket, mosquito repellent, some inns have shared dryers (8 RMB/hour)
3. Food prices are clear and transparent; sour soup fish is priced by weight, be sure to confirm the unit price
4. Some small shops do not accept electronic payments, carry some cash
5. Many mountain steps, elderly and children should proceed according to their ability, wear comfortable sports shoes
The ancient city, with over two thousand years of history, is very beautiful and has a strong sense of historical vicissitude. It's less crowded in winter, and hotels are cheaper. The only downside is that the water was drained to remove the silt. It's beautiful both day and night. Staying at the Qishe Riverside B&B, less than 200 meters from Zhusheng Bridge, with a view of the bridge right from the window, was incredibly convenient, and the price was excellent! In the morning, I had a bowl of chicken and tofu noodles at Yuanwei Tofu Pudding next door, and before 8:30 am, I visited the Qinglong Cave Ancient Architectural Complex, a national protected site – a double treat of historical culture and natural beauty!
It's worth a visit, and it's different from ordinary cruises. There are several special scene performances on the shore, and the actors and lighting are good. The music can only be heard on the boat, and the elderly at home are very satisfied after watching it.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town, with a history of over 2,200 years, lies on the banks of the Wuyang River in Qiandongnan, Guizhou. Its greatest attractions lie in its unique "Tai Chi Ancient City" layout, rich historical and cultural heritage, and diverse ethnic customs. The following table will help you quickly understand its key highlights. Highlight Category Specific Features Key Attractions 🏞️ Natural Tai Chi Pattern: The Wuyang River flows through the town in an "S" shape, bisecting the ancient city. This natural Tai Chi pattern depicts "nine mountains embracing one river, one river dividing the two cities." This natural landscape is a living example of feng shui and is visually stunning. 🏯 Multicultural Fusion: The Qinglong Cave ancient buildings, integrating Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, are nestled against the cliff and are known as the "Hanging Temple of the South." This scenic spot offers a unique glimpse into the cultural wonders of the three religions, with exquisite architectural artistry. 🎎 Lively Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences: Enjoy a rich variety of ethnic festivals and crafts, including dragon boat racing (a national intangible cultural heritage) and the Baojing Sanyuesan Festival (Dong Valentine's Day). Participate in or watch these events to immerse yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere. 🌃 Captivating Night Views of the Ancient City: Illuminated at night, the ancient city, river, and bridges blend in a dazzling display. You can also watch the large-scale live-action landscape performance "Moonlight on the Water" for an immersive nighttime experience. The contrast with the quaint daytime scenery creates a dreamlike experience, perfect for photo ops. 🍜 Unique Local Cuisine: Red sour soup is Zhenyuan's signature dish, its sour and fresh flavor whetting the appetite. Other local specialties include traditional dishes from ancient times. A feast for your taste buds is an essential part of experiencing local life. 💡 Travel Tips To make your trip smoother, here are some helpful tips: * Best Experience: For a panoramic view of Taiji Ancient City, the best vantage point is to ascend Shiping Mountain for a bird's-eye view. At night, be sure to stroll along the Yuyang River or take a night boat tour to experience the charm of "Zhenyuan's dazzling nightscape." * Itinerary: Zhenyuan Ancient Town itself is free to enter, but attractions within it, such as Qinglong Cave and Shiping Mountain, require separate tickets. Plan one to two days to leisurely explore the ancient alleyways, visit historical sites, and sample local delicacies. * Special Event: If the timing is right, we highly recommend attending the Dragon Boat Festival dragon boat races, which are a spectacular and lively spectacle. In short, Zhenyuan Ancient Town isn't just a beautiful tourist attraction; it's a "living ancient town" brimming with natural beauty, history, culture, and the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life. Whether you're a naturalist, seeking historical exploration, or simply seeking a relaxing retreat, it has something to offer. I hope this information is helpful!
People say that Zhenyuan Ancient City has a long history and beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains and water. Once you go there, you will know that it is well-deserved. Zhenyuan Ancient City is located on the banks of the Wuyang River in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. "Nine mountains embrace a city, and one water divides the prefecture and guard." The one water is the Wuyang River, which is the upper reaches of the Yuanjiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. It passes through Zhenyuan Ancient City in an "S" shape. The north bank is the old prefecture city, and the south bank is the old guard city. From a distance, it looks like a Tai Chi diagram. Zhenyuan is the political and economic center, transportation hub and military town of eastern Guizhou. It is known as the "key to Yunnan and Guizhou" and the "throat into Guizhou." Zhenyuan Ancient City is a 5A scenic spot with free entry to the city. The main attractions include: Wuyang River scenery, Zhusheng Bridge, prefecture city wall ruins, Qinglong Cave, Shiping Mountain, Heping Village, Siguan Hall, Tianhou Palace, etc. Qinglong Cave is located on the bank of Wuyang River in the ancient city of Zhenyuan. It is a loft cave built on the cliffs of Zhonghe Mountain. The giant rock cave and the loft blend together. It is known as "the first cave in Guizhou", "the three major hanging temples in China" and "the hanging temple in the south". It is a model of the integration of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. The gate of Shiping Mountain Scenic Area is at the north end of Zhusheng Bridge. The sculpture on the gate reads: Burmese elephants come across the bridge. Zhenyuan has been a water and land commercial port on the Southwest Silk Road since ancient times. According to historical records, since the Yuan Dynasty, Burmese tribute envoys have traveled back and forth on this shortcut many times. In the second year of Guangxu (1876), Wang Bingshi, the prefect of Zhenyuan, witnessed the elephant team of Burmese tribute envoys passing by when he took office. Therefore, there was a couplet on the Kuixing Pavilion of Zhusheng Bridge: "Burmese people ride elephants across the bridge". The ancient city walls, ancient docks, and ancient lanes of Zhenyuan bear the marks of history. Walking into the winding ancient lanes, you will find that the doors of the houses seem to be intentionally not parallel or perpendicular to the lanes, but at an angle of about 45°, forming a crooked path; this is the "Crazy Path" of Zhenyuan Ancient City, which is famous throughout the country. When you go to Zhenyuan, you must enter the "Crazy Path" to appreciate the Feng Shui layout of the ancient lanes and houses. Our route along Shuncheng Street is: Zhusheng Bridge → Yan Emperor Palace → Museum → County Government (Fuya Dock) → Sifangjing Lane (enter the crooked path) → Fuxing Lane → Renshou Lane → New Bridge → Heping Village Site → Riverside under New Bridge → Stroll along the river → Zhusheng Bridge Best photo spots: We found that 1. The best viewing and photographing spots for the ancient town and the Wuyang River are on the second floor of Ziyang Academy or Guanyin Hall in Qinglong Cave Scenic Area; 2. The best spot to photograph the panoramic view of the "S"-shaped Wuyang River passing through the ancient city is at Shiping Mountain Observation Pavilion; 3. The best spot to appreciate and photograph the ink painting of the Wuyang River in Qinglong Cave is at Daheguan Wharf next to Zhusheng Bridge; 4. Go to Zhusheng Bridge for daytime viewing and photography; 5. Go to Xindaqiao for night view. Take a cruise: at Yumen Wharf. This was a wharf built specifically for scholars and juren in ancient times, and witnessed the glory of countless talents. However, the ancient city is relatively small, and it is more pleasant to walk along the Wuyang River from Xinqiao to Zhushengqiao. It is recommended to experience the artificial paddle boat crossing the river at Yong'an North Wharf, 1 yuan/person, and set sail at any time. Transportation: We went to Zhenyuan from Chongqing. Take the high-speed rail from Chongqing West Station to Guiyang North and transfer to Sansui, and take a taxi (150 yuan) to the ancient city homestay. No need to transfer on the return trip, the Sansui train goes directly to Chongqing West Station. Accommodation: Accommodation in the ancient town is not expensive. It is recommended to stay near Zhusheng Bridge. We booked "Longyinxiju" on Ctrip. The first-line river view room is less than 200 yuan/day. Food: Go to Zhenyuan Ancient Town
According to records, ancient Zhenyuan was located at the junction of the "Wuxi Barbarians" and "Baiyue People" in history. In the first year of Shaoding in the Song Dynasty (1226), it was named Zhenyuan Prefecture, and the name "Zhenyuan" has been used ever since. Zhenyuan has a long history. It has a history of more than 2,280 years since it was established as a county in the 30th year of King Zhao of Qin (277 BC). It was the seat of a prefecture for more than 700 years in the Yuan and Qing dynasties.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town is located between the mountains and on the banks of Wuyang River. The alleys are narrow, long and deep, intricate but well-connected. There are small museums, memorial halls, wine shops, and amazing ancient houses hidden in the alleys. You can experience the perfect combination of Jiangnan houses and mountains. Strolling in the alleys, stories flash before your eyes, and time flows in the years. This place is suitable for slow travel, relaxation and daze, and for greedy people with drooling tongues. Come on, take a walk in the streets and alleys, and eat sour soup fish on the table by the river. The most pleasant journey is the collision of soul and taste.
In the hinterland of Guizhou, surrounded by mountains and rivers, there is such an ancient city on the post road from Huguang to Yunnan. It is the key to Yunnan and Chu, and the gateway to eastern Guizhou. It once shouldered the important task of protecting the Central Plains and guarding the distant land. For hundreds of years, the cultures of different ethnic groups met here, and eventually turned into every floor, pavilion, brick and tile of the ancient city...
Guiyang tour group tour Guizhou, Ctrip Travel Network Guizhou Guiyang + Huangguoshu + Fanjing Mountain + Libo + Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village + Zhenyuan 6 days 5 nights group tour. Enter the ancient city of Zhenyuan and check in the city wall of Zhenyuan Prefecture, a national key cultural relic protection unit. The city wall of Zhenyuan Prefecture is located on the south bank of Paiyang River. During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, the Zhenyuan Guard Command was established. In the 22nd year of Hongshi (1389), the city wall was built. It was 24 years earlier than the establishment of Guizhou Province. The city wall winds and undulates from west to east along the Shunyang River across Wulao Mountain. There were originally three porcelain cities in the southeast and west, with a total length of more than 5,000 meters, a height of 4-8 meters, and a width of 2.8 meters. There are 1,872 single-sided battlements, nine artillery platforms, and two water gates on the outer edge of the city wall. The wall was built to prevent floods from impacting the wall, and three city dikes were built to protect the city. "A complete defense and flood control system was formed. The existing section from the east to the west gate is about 1,500 meters long and is still well preserved. It has been listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit. Zhenyuan Ancient City is located on the banks of the Yang River in the Wuling Mountains in the east of Guizhou Province. The north bank is the prefecture city, and the south bank is the acropolis. The Yang River flows through the city in an "S" shape, which looks like a Tai Chi diagram from a distance. It is a famous historical and cultural city in China. Its civil and military achievements complement each other. It has been an important town in eastern Guizhou since ancient times and is known as the "key to Yunnan and Chu, and the gateway to Hunan and Guizhou". It has a long history and rich cultural heritage. In its more than 2,000 years of history, it has established state, prefecture, and road offices for nearly 1,000 years. The ancient city of Zhenyuan is surrounded by mountains and waters, with charming scenery and many cultural attractions. On January 7, 2020, it was rated as a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.