Zhenyuan Ancient Town: A Comprehensive Travel Guide, Save It Now!

Zhenyuan Ancient Town: A Comprehensive Travel Guide, Save It Now! Hidden in Qiandongnan, Guizhou, Zhenyuan Ancient Town has over 2,000 years of history and is known as the "Oriental Venice." It's free to enter and offers a more leisurely lifestyle than the water towns of Jiangnan. Check out this detailed guide! - 📍Location: Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province - 🎫Tickets: The ancient town is free, but attractions inside charge separately. Qinglong Cave: 60 yuan/person, Shiping Mountain: 30 yuan/person, Wuyang River boat tour: 100 yuan/person (including 40 yuan scenic area ticket). Children under 14, seniors over 60, and other specific groups enter free. Students receive half-price discounts. - 🚗Transportation: - Train: Direct trains from Guiyang to Zhenyuan Station run frequently, taking about 4 hours and costing 41.5 yuan; from Kaili to Zhenyuan takes 1.5 hours and costs 14.5 yuan. Take bus routes 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 from the station to the Agricultural Bank bus stop, then walk to the ancient town. - Bus: Zhenyuan Bus Station offers routes to various destinations. Check prices in advance on ticket booking apps. - Self-driving: Good highway conditions throughout. Cars can enter the ancient town, which has a parking lot charging about 2 yuan/hour. - Air: Nearby airports include Kaili Huangping Airport, Huaihua Zhijiang Airport, Tongren Fenghuang Airport, and Guiyang Airport. Transfer by bus or train to reach Zhenyuan. - 🏠Accommodation: Recommended stays include guesthouses along the Wuyang River for beautiful views. Options like Zhenyuan Jiangshan Ji · Jixiang Mountain Residence offers private high-altitude terraces overlooking the town, while Zhenyuan Guilaixie · Qi Designer Aesthetic Guesthouse features stylish design with river views from its terrace. Prices range from 100-300 yuan, with advance booking recommended during peak seasons. - 🍜Food: - Sour Fish Soup: A Guizhou specialty with tender fish in appetizing sour broth. - Tofu Grilled Fish: Tender grilled fish paired with silky tofu for rich textures. - Yuan Family Tofu Pudding: A local institution offering smooth tofu pudding in both sweet and savory options. - An Family Baked Flatbread: Crispy exterior with various fillings. - Shibing County Junyong Beef Restaurant: Average 30 yuan per person for spicy stir-fried beef and beef skin dishes. - 🗺Itineraries: - One-day tour: Zhenyuan Museum (learn about local history) → Yumen Dock → Waimen Xiedao (experience unique architectural layout) → Zhou Dawen Former Residence (pay tribute to revolutionary pioneers) → Heping Village Site (witness war history) → Zhusheng Bridge (admire the town's iconic structure) → Evening boat tour (enjoy night views). - Two-day tour: Day 1: Morning exploring Zhenyuan Ancient Town, afternoon visiting Qinglong Cave ancient architectural complex; Day 2: Morning boat tour on Wuyang River, afternoon trip to Shiping Mountain for panoramic views. - 📸Photo spots: - Zhenyuan Ancient Town at night: Red lanterns illuminate both banks of the Wuyang River. - Qinglong Cave: One of China's three major hanging temples, combining Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. - Shiping Mountain: Offers panoramic views of the ancient town and Wuyang River. - ❗Notes: - The ancient town has many stone-paved paths, so wear comfortable shoes. - Respect local customs and maintain quiet when visiting ancient buildings and religious sites. - Follow staff instructions and observe safety rules when taking boat tours. - Bring mosquito repellent in summer as insects are common.