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Zhenyuan Ancient City
Emerald waters meander, gently encircling the ancient Tai Chi town; Boats glide with a soft oar-stroke, their rhythmic sounds gently rocking the old times upon the blue flagstones.
Introduction to the scenic area
Zhenyuan Ancient City, steeped in over 2,000 years of history, is hailed as the "Oriental Venice", nestled in the gentle embrace of the Wuyang River. Ancient charm lingers here. Wander through the bluestone alleys with "Crooked Doors and Winding Paths" to explore the stories of ancient courtyard houses; ascend Shiping Mountain for a sweeping view of this Tai Chi-inspired ancient city; or take a nighttime boat tour on the river and watch the poetic reflections of light shimmering on both banks. Be sure to try the authentic sour soup fish, a unique culinary treasure of Qiandongnan that will leave a lasting impression on your palate. This ancient city, where natural beauty and cultural heritage converge in perfect harmony, beckons you to a tranquil journey that transcends time.
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Zhenyuan Ancient City WallsZhenyuan's ancient city walls include the Prefectural City Wall and the Guard City Wall. Visit the square square fortresses and the command post ruins in the Prefectural City Wall. The Guard City Wall spans across the Wulao Mountains in the south to the Wuyang River in the north, offering breathtaking views.
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Qinglong Cave Ancient Architectural ComplexComprised of Zhusheng Bridge, Zhongyuan Cave, Ziyang Cave, Wanshou Palace, Qinglong Cave, and Xianglu Rock, it integrates Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist structures, guild halls, bridges, and post road architecture.
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Heping VillageOnce a prisoner-of-war camp, it is now a place where visitors can enjoy a peaceful leisurely time.
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Former Residence of Zhou DawenAlso known as "Zhou Mansion," it is a quadrangle courtyard and the former site of the underground branch of the Chinese Communist Party in Zhenyuan.
Immersive Experience
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「Night Tour of the Ancient City | Bustling Activity on Both Banks」
Set sail slowly on a colorful boat, gliding through the gentle waves of the Wuyang River. The stilted houses built against the mountains are hidden in the twilight. The reflections of gray-tiled roofs with upturned eaves and wind-rain bridges ripple and spread across the water. On the shore, many interesting activities await your exploration. -
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Night Tour of the Ancient City
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Wuyang River Night Cruise on Painted Pleasure BoatsTake an antique-style boat cruise along the river to enjoy the light shows of ancient structures like Qinglong Cave.
Interactive Intangible Cultural Heritage PerformancesAs night falls, enjoy ethnic dance performances such as the Miao Golden Pheasant Dance and the Dong Duoye Dance, where everyone can join hands and dance together. Other activities include dragon lantern parades, decorated boat cruises, and intangible cultural heritage handicraft experiences.
"Moonlight over the Wuyang River"Drawing on the scenic landscape and scenery of the ancient city of Zhenyuan, this show incorporates modern audio-visual and lighting technologies to create a tailor-made nighttime spectacle for Zhenyuan.
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Recommended Routes
Classic Ancient City Itinerary
Duration
3-4
hours
Highlights
Historical and cultural experience
Zhenyuan Night Tour Itinerary
Duration
3-4
hours
Highlights
Historical and cultural experience
In-depth Cultural Tour of Ancient Towns
Duration
3-4
hours
Highlights
Historical and cultural experience
Travel Guide
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Road travelSearch for "Zhenyuan Ancient City" on your navigation app. Depart from Guiyang via Yupan Expressway and arrive in approximately 2.5 hours.
high-speed trainTake a high-speed train from Guiyang North Station to Sansui Station, then transfer to a coach bus to reach the scenic area. -
Gucheng Red Sour SoupNaturally fermented with high-quality local red chili peppers, natural spices, and salt, it offers a rich, sour, and savory flavor, perfect for various hot pot dishes.
Tofu Pudding and Beef NoodlesLight and savory, it stands out among Guizhou's noodle dishes. The tender and smooth tofu pudding melts in your mouth, and a serving of this noodle dish provides comforting warmth to the stomach.
Aged DaocaiA signature specialty of Zhenyuan, it is made from premium vegetables through 14 elaborate processes. With a well-balanced salty-sweet taste, it can be used to steam braised pork or make soup. The longer it is stored, the richer its flavor becomes. -
Around the scenic areaIt is recommended to stay at a homestay along the Wuyang River, where you can enjoy the view out of your window. Many homestays also offer tea ceremonies, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and more.
DowntownWhile downtown accommodations are slightly farther from the scenic area, they offer a wide range of options to meet different preferences.
Travelogue
"Afternoon musings at the riverside teahouse by the Wuyang River, watching the reflections of tiled-roof timber houses sway gently upon the water, as if the entire ancient town were drifting along with the current, lost in a long, lingering dream."
"Wandering through narrow ancient lanes, fingertips brushing cool stone walls, the scent of a neighbour's cooking wafting round the corner— suddenly I understood what it means when they say ‘the simple pleasures of life are what truly soothe the soul.’"
"I sat in the rowing boat as it glided slowly through the archway beneath the bridge, and in a daze it felt as though I had drifted into a thousand-year-old ink painting whose colours had never faded."
Kindly note
Opening hours
Open all day
Ticket prices
Free of charge
Tourist season
Suitable for all seasons
Duration
1-4 days
Tips
There is no need to rush to popular attractions. Zhenyuan is best enjoyed at a slow pace, allowing you to appreciate its natural landscapes and lively local atmosphere. When taking a boat cruise, bring a stabilizer for your camera to capture better photos.
Mysterious Guizhou
