I'm back from Zhenyuan, and I really don't recommend going in May

Hello everyone👋! I'll be genuinely sad if you haven't visited Zhenyuan Ancient Town yet😭! This place hides the real-life "Venice of the East," with the Wuyang River flowing through the town, stilted buildings with twinkling lights lining both banks, and every step feels like walking into a Chinese ink painting! Save this complete travel guide👇! 🚗 Transportation Guide 1️⃣ Train: Take the green-skinned train🚞 from Guiyang to Zhenyuan Station for just 41.5 yuan! A leisurely 4-hour journey with incredibly therapeutic scenery along the way~ Take the public bus🚌 from the station for 2 yuan directly to the ancient town - amazing value! 2️⃣ High-speed rail: First go to Sanhui High-speed Railway Station, then transfer🚗 Perfect for those in a hurry~ 3️⃣ Self-driving: The road conditions are excellent! Cruise along S25 and S306🚙 and drive straight into the county for parking - maximum freedom! 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Zhenyuan Ancient Town 🆓: Free!! The entire ancient town is laid out in a Tai Chi Bagua pattern, with the Wuyang River winding through. The bluestone paths are full of charm during the day, and when the lights come on at night, it transforms into a real-life Spirited Away🌃! 2️⃣ Qinglong Cave 🎫60 yuan: One of China's three major hanging temples! A complex of ancient buildings combining Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, built against a cliff - perfect for amazing photos📸! 3️⃣ Shiping Mountain 🎫30 yuan: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the ancient town and the "S"-shaped bend of the Wuyang River. Especially breathtaking at sunset🌇! 4️⃣ Wuyang River 🎫40 yuan + 100 yuan for boat ticket: Take a boat ride along the river with strange peaks and rocks lining both shores, like being inside a landscape painting🖼️~ 🗺 Recommended Routes 🔥 One-Day Tour Morning: Start your energetic day with a bowl of beef noodle soup🥣 from Laojie Noodle House! Visit Zhenyuan Museum to learn about the ancient town's thousand-year history~ Afternoon: Check out Qinglong Cave and marvel at the architectural wisdom of the ancients! Then explore the ancient alleys and discover the mysteries of the "crooked paths"~ Evening: Night cruise on the Wuyang River⛴️ to see the lights reflecting on the water! Head to the bar street for grilled fish🍢 paired with craft beer - perfect ambiance! 🌿 Two-Day Tour Day 1: Follow the one-day tour route Day 2: Breakfast at An's Baked Flatbread🥧 and explore Sifangjing Lane to experience local life! In the afternoon, go to Tiexi for a hike through the pristine forest🌳 and breathe in the super fresh negative ions~ 🎉 Three-Day Tour Days 1-2: Follow the two-day tour route Day 3: Take a boat tour deep into the Wuyang River for more scenery! Before heading home, pack some sour fish soup to take the delicious flavors with you~ 🍜 Food Guide 1️⃣ Sour Fish Soup 🐟: A Miao ethnic soul food! The sour soup is so appetizing it'll make you stamp your feet, with tender fish, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots - absolutely divine! 2️⃣ Huishui Ba 🥢: Soft and chewy, delicious whether boiled or served cold! Once soaked in gravy, you'll be hooked with just one bite~ 3️⃣ She Fan 🍚: Artemisia leaves + glutinous rice + cured meat, steamed together. A spring-only specialty with unique fragrance that takes you back to childhood! 4️⃣ Fried Rice Cakes 🍢: Crispy outside, chewy inside! Choose from red bean paste or minced meat filling - perfect for eating on the go~ 5️⃣ Ice Jelly 🍧: Brown sugar base + crushed peanuts + fruit. When you're burning from spicy food, a bowl of this instantly cools you down! 6️⃣ Zhenyuan First Dumplings 🥟: Steamed dumplings with fresh meat and green onion filling from a shop that's been open for over 20 years! Opens at 6 PM until dawn~ 7️⃣ Laojie Noodle House 🍜: Open 24 hours! Must-try dry mixed tripe noodles and Huishui Ba - noodle lovers rejoice! 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 1️⃣ Heba Street Guesthouses: River-view rooms with stilted buildings visible from your window! Food street is just downstairs~ 2️⃣ Zhenyuan Jiangshan Ji · Jixiang Mountain Residence ⭐️4.9 rating: High-altitude terrace overlooking the entire ancient town - every photo is Instagram-worthy! 3️⃣ Zhenyuan Guilaixie · Qi Designer Aesthetic Guesthouse ⭐️4.9 rating: Full of design elements! Terrace with river views, amazing atmosphere~ 📌 Useful Tips ✅ Lots of mosquitoes! Bring insect repellent and anti-itch cream🦟 ✅ Many stone paths, so wear sneakers or flat shoes👟 or your feet will be ruined! ✅ Book boat tickets for the night cruise on the Wuyang River in advance! Long queues during peak season~ 💖 Zhenyuan is truly a town that makes you want to return again and again! Here, even time becomes gentle~ Hurry up everyone, come for a healing journey away from the hustle and bustle!