A Journey Like a Song | Self-Drive from Guiyang to Zhenyuan

"Zhenyuan Love Song": Set in Zhenyuan, this song showcases the natural scenery and cultural characteristics of Zhenyuan. Zhenyuan Ancient Town Self-Drive Guide 1. Itinerary Day 1: Depart from Guiyang → Zhenyuan Ancient Town → Visit Qinglong Cave and Zhusheng Bridge → Night view of the ancient town • Morning: Depart from Guiyang and take the G60 Hukun Expressway to Zhenyuan Ancient Town. The journey is about 260 km and takes about 4 hours. • Noon: After arriving at Zhenyuan Ancient Town, park your car in the parking lot outside the ancient town (search for "Ancient City Tourist Scenic Area Parking Lot" on the north bank or "Qinglong Cave Parking Lot" on the south bank). • Afternoon: Visit the Qinglong Cave Ancient Building Complex (CNY 60 per person). This is the landmark building of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, combining Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in one cave, and is of great cultural value. Then head to Zhusheng Bridge to admire the Kuixing Pavilion on the bridge and the beautiful scenery of the Wuyang River. • Evening: Stroll through the ancient town, enjoy the night view, and experience the bright lights along the Wuyang River. Day 2: Shiping Mountain → Wuyang River Cruise → Ancient Alleys → Return • Morning: Head to Shiping Mountain (CNY 30 per person) and climb the mountain to overlook the panoramic view of the ancient town and experience the Taiji Bagua layout of the ancient town. • Noon: Taste local specialties in the ancient town, such as Miao sour fish soup and grilled fish with tofu. • Afternoon: Take a cruise on the Wuyang River (CNY 60 per person) to enjoy the ancient buildings and natural scenery on both sides of the river. Then stroll through the ancient alleys, such as Sifangjing Alley and Renshou Alley, to experience the historical charm of the ancient town. 2. Attractions and Cultural Introduction 1. Qinglong Cave Ancient Building Complex • Cultural Background: Qinglong Cave is one of the three major hanging temples in China, combining Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Its unique architectural style makes it a landmark attraction in Zhenyuan Ancient Town. • Experience Suggestion: It is recommended to reserve 2–3 hours to visit and experience the charm of ancient architecture. 2. Zhusheng Bridge and Kuixing Pavilion • Cultural Background: Zhusheng Bridge is a landmark building in Zhenyuan. The Kuixing Pavilion on the bridge is a three-story pavilion with a unique historical value. • Experience Suggestion: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Wuyang River on the bridge and experience the historical charm of the ancient town. 3. Shiping Mountain • Cultural Background: Shiping Mountain is the highest point in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, offering a panoramic view of the entire town. The night view is particularly charming. • Experience Suggestion: The climbing route can start from the "Wuyang Town Democratic Community Committee" to avoid the entrance fee. 4. Wuyang River • Cultural Background: The Wuyang River runs through the city, dividing the ancient town into the government city and the guard city, forming a unique Taiji Bagua layout. • Experience Suggestion: Take a cruise to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river and experience the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town. 5. Ancient Alleys • Cultural Background: The ancient alleys of Zhenyuan Ancient Town are well-preserved, such as Sifangjing Alley and Renshou Alley, full of historical traces. • Experience Suggestion: Stroll through them and experience the slow life of the ancient town. 6. Zhenyuan County Museum • Cultural Background: The museum is open to the public for free, offering an in-depth understanding of the history and ethnic customs of Zhenyuan. • Experience Suggestion: Visit the museum to learn about the thousand-year history of Zhenyuan. 3. Practical Information • Ticket Price: Zhenyuan Ancient Town is open to the public for free, but some attractions require separate tickets (e.g., Qinglong Cave CNY 60 per person, Shiping Mountain CNY 30 per person). • Accommodation Recommendation: There are various homestays to choose from in the ancient town. Homestays in the old city offer night views, while those in the Pillow River Dream area are quieter. • Food Recommendation: Miao sour fish soup, grilled fish with tofu, dried tofu, etc. • Parking Information: Private cars are not allowed in the ancient town and must be parked in the parking lot outside the ancient town. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a city full of historical charm and ethnic customs. Whether strolling through the ancient alleys or taking a boat tour of the Wuyang River, you can feel the unique charm of the ancient town.