Tucheng Ancient Town, the millennium-old Red Capital by the Chishui River, is open for free!

Time seems to slow down here in this thousand-year-old town nestled by the mountains and water, hiding red legends and everyday life. On the banks of the Chishui River in Xishui County, Zunyi, Guizhou, I discovered Tucheng Ancient Town, which has a history of more than 2,100 years. Unlike some overly commercialized ancient towns, this place still retains its original living atmosphere and rich historical heritage. Even more pleasantly surprising, the ancient town is free to visit, allowing you to embark on a spontaneous trip anytime. Highlights of the Ancient Town: More than just "Red" multiculturalism The greatest feature of Tucheng Ancient Town lies in its blend of diverse cultures. It is the site of the "Four Crossings of the Chishui River" battle, with a profound red cultural background. Walking through the town, you can see Red Army sites and memorial halls everywhere, as if you can hear the echoes of history. But Tucheng’s charm goes far beyond that. As an important ancient port for "Sichuan salt entering Guizhou," it was once bustling with merchants, forming a unique "Eighteen Guilds Culture" (salt guild, boat guild, sugar guild, etc.). The traditional buildings of the town are built along the mountain terrain, staggered in height, creating a beautiful scene where "highs and lows all form a painting, with views shifting front and back." Must-Visit Attractions: Journey through history and nature - Four Crossings of the Chishui River Memorial Hall: Named by General Zhang Zhen, it vividly recreates the entire battle through sound, light, and electric technology, making it the best place to understand this history. - Tucheng Old Street: About 2 kilometers long with stone slabs, flanked by rustic wooden shops. Residents drink tea and chat in front of their doors, full of life. The old salt guild and boat guild relics on the street witness the town’s past prosperity. - Qinggangpo Battle Site: The key battle site of the Red Army in Tucheng, now featuring a monument and martyrs’ cemetery. You can climb high to overlook and feel the weight of history. - Xiaoba Scenic Area: If time permits, visit this nature reserve near the town, home to well-preserved subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests and many waterfalls, a great place to connect with nature. Special Experiences: Live like a local - Night tour of the ancient town: When night falls and lanterns light up, the town becomes even more charming. At dusk, red lanterns glow in front of homes, the valley breeze cools the daytime heat, and the town looks especially peaceful in the lantern light. - Tea house break: The elderly locals keep the habit of going to tea houses. Find an old tea house, sip a cup of covered bowl tea, listen to locals chatting, and enjoy the leisurely vibe of the riverside tea house. - Stroll along the Chishui River: Walk along the riverbank, admire the green mountains across the river and the small boats on the water, and feel the "mountains and water relying on each other" layout of the ancient town. Food Recommendations: Authentic flavors not to miss - Tiao Tangyuan (Sweet Potato Dumplings): A unique Tucheng delicacy made with sweet potato starch dough, filled with fresh meat, winter bamboo shoots, etc. Can be boiled or steamed, served with special dipping sauce, with a distinctive taste. Recommended: Ye Ji Tiao Tangyuan. - Tiao Si Sugar: A century-old Tucheng specialty made from sweet potato and glutinous rice, crispy and fragrant, melts in your mouth, a great souvenir. - Spring Rolls: A Tucheng snack with paper-thin wrappers filled with shredded radish, served with special dipping sauce, spicy, crispy, and refreshing. - Xishui Mutton Rice Noodles: A local specialty from the Xishui area, worth trying. Practical Information Admission: The ancient town streets are free to enter (some venues like the Four Crossings of the Chishui River Memorial Hall are also free). Opening Hours: Open all day Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day (staying overnight is recommended to experience the different atmospheres of the town morning and evening) Transportation Guide: - Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Tucheng Ancient Town," parking is available. - Public Transport: Take a shuttle bus from Zunyi Maocaopu Bus Station; or from Xishui County West Bus Station, take the "Xishui–Tucheng" shuttle bus. Accommodation Recommendations: The town has several characteristic inns and guesthouses, such as Suoyue Tucheng Hotel and Qingwafang Inn, with moderate prices and beautiful environments. Travel Tips - The best time for photography is early morning or evening when the light is soft and better captures the town’s charm. - During the National Day holiday, there may be special events in the town, such as the National Style Wine Travel Cultural Theme Street, where visitors can participate in interactive games and stamp collecting. - If time allows, you can plan a two-day trip including nearby attractions like the Xijiu Culture City. Tucheng Ancient Town is a living history book waiting for every thoughtful visitor to savor. This millennium-old town by the Chishui River will surely bring you a unique experience unlike any other ancient town.