Zhenyuan Ancient Town | The Oriental Venice by the Wuyang River for Millennia

------ 📜 A millennium-old ink painting come to life Nestled in the mountains of southeastern Guizhou lies an "Oriental Venice" where the Wuyang River flows through the town—Zhenyuan Ancient Town. Over two thousand years of history have settled here, with cobblestone paths, ancient houses featuring upturned eaves, and stilted riverside dwellings collectively sketching a living version of the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" painting. 📍 Location: Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province (3.5-hour drive from Guiyang) 🏅 Honors: China's Famous Historical and Cultural City, National AAAA-level Scenic Area ------ ⏳ Best Travel Seasons: Scenic year-round, with spring and autumn as highlights 【Table】 Season | Time | Highlights | Outfit Suggestions Spring | Mar-May | Cherry blossoms/rapeseed fields | Light jacket + pastel dress Summer | Jun-Aug | Wuyang River boating/escape the heat | Breathable linen + sun hat Autumn | Sep-Nov | Golden ginkgo leaves/red maple mountains | Knitwear + comfy sneakers Winter | Dec-Feb | Hot springs/festive atmosphere | Warm coat + ethnic-style scarf ------ 🚗 Transportation Guide: How to reach this hidden paradise ✈️ Long-distance arrival: • Fly to Kaili Huangping Airport (1.5-hour drive to the ancient town) • High-speed rail to "Sansui Station" then transfer by bus (1-hour direct) 🚗 Self-drive tips: • From Guiyang → Shanghai-Kunming Expressway → Riverside Highway (scenic route) • 🅿️ Parking: Near New Bridge/Zhusheng Bridge (¥10/day) 🚌 Local transport: • Scenic area electric carts (¥10/ride, covers main attractions) • Shared bikes (perfect for riverside cycling) ------ 🗺️ 24-hour in-depth itinerary 🌅 Morning: Time-traveling through ancient alleys 1. Sifangjing Alley: Ming-Qing architecture, touch the weathered brick walls 2. Fuxing Bridge: Watch fishing boats in morning mist on Wuyang River 3. Fu Family Compound: Blend of Huizhou and Qiandongnan architectural styles ⛰️ Noon: Panoramic views from above • Shiping Mountain (¥30 ticket): ▫️ Open 8:00-17:00, recommended sightseeing car (¥15 one-way) ▫️ "Siguandian" temple at summit overlooks the town's S-shaped river bend 🌿 Afternoon: Cultural and natural immersion 1. Qinglongdong Ancient Architecture Complex (¥60): ▫️ Cliffside fusion of Taoist temple, Buddhist monastery, and academy ▫️ Wear anti-slip shoes! Some steep stone steps 2. Wuyang River cruise (¥80/person): ▫️ 16:00 departure for sunset painting the river red 🌃 Evening: Romance under lantern lights • Sip tea on riverside B&B terraces with red lantern reflections • Folk music at Bar Street (recommend "Riverside Cabin") ------ 🏡 Accommodation Guide: Sleeping in history 💎 Luxury options: • "Xunmei Riverside": Stilted riverside rooms with view bathtubs (¥800+/night) • "Daheguan Inn": Restored Ming-Qing rooms by ancient docks (¥600/night) 🌿 Budget-friendly: • Riverside B&Bs in old town (¥200-400/night, recommend "Zhenyuan Story") • Hostels on pedestrian streets (¥50/bed, ideal for backpackers) ⚠️ Tips: • Peak season (Jul-Aug) requires 1-month advance booking! • Avoid B&Bs across the river—nighttime bridge crossing inconvenient ------ 🍜 Zhenyuan's Culinary Delights: A spicy-sour flavor feast 🔥 Must-try trio: 1. Sour Fish Soup (try at "Ancient Town Red Sour Soup"): ▫️ Fermented local tomato broth with tender river fish 2. Tofu-Grilled Fish: ▫️ Silken tofu meets grilled fish, perfected with mountain pepper oil 3. Rice Tofu: ▫️ Served cold with chili oil and crushed peanuts 🍡 Snack map: • Yuan Family Tofu Shop: Tofu balls, chicken tofu pudding (¥15/person) • Fuxing Alley Oil Tea: Miao ethnic breakfast with glutinous rice cakes 🥤 Specialty drinks: • Sea buckthorn juice (vitamin C boost, ¥5/cup) • Sweet rice wine (¥10/small pot) ------ 📸 Photography Secrets: Where history meets light 👗 Outfit tips: • Hanfu/cheongsam (perfect with ancient architecture) • Bright shawls (adds depth to photos) 📍 Best angles: 1. Zhusheng Bridge: Frame town panorama with Shiping Mountain 2. Qinglongdong cliffs: Overhead shot of Wuyang River's S-curve 3. Sifangjing Alley: Mossy walls as artistic backdrop ⏰ Golden hours: • 7:00 AM (misty mornings) • 6:30 PM (blue hour) ------ 💌 Travel Reflections: When night falls and Wuyang River's lanterns glow, Sitting by the water, listening to oars breaking moonlight, Suddenly understanding— "Slow living" simply means letting time pause gently In the folds of an ancient town.