Summer in Zhenyuan, where clear waves and cool breeze hide the refreshing chill
✨Dear friends, stop crowding into popular tourist spots this summer and come to Zhenyuan! Not only is the scenery stunning here, but you can also escape the heat and enjoy a cool and pleasant holiday~
📍Address: Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province
🚗Transportation:
- High-speed rail: You can first arrive at Kaili South Station, then transfer to the high-speed train to Zhenyuan, about a 30-minute ride.
- Train: Many cities have direct trains to Zhenyuan, though the journey might take longer, but the scenery along the way is also very beautiful.
- Self-driving: Driving from nearby cities allows you to enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers of Guizhou, which is a wonderful experience.
🎫Tickets and Opening Hours:
1. Zhenyuan Ancient Town: Free, open all day. The S-shaped Wuyang River flows through the town, forming a natural Taiji pattern. The ancient town features Ming and Qing dynasty alleys and the Fu Family Mansion, full of historical charm.
2. Qinglong Cave Ancient Architecture Complex: Ticket 60 RMB, open 08:30-17:00. This hanging ancient architectural complex integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, known as the Hanging Temple of Southwest China. From the top, you can overlook the entire Wuyang River.
3. Wuyang River Scenic Area: Boat ticket 100 RMB, open 08:00-17:00. Take a boat to tour the high gorge and flat lake section, enjoying the spectacular karst peak forests and clear waters, with unique rock formations like "Peacock Spreading Its Tail" and "Jiang Taigong Fishing."
4. Shipingshan Mountain: Ticket 30 RMB, open 08:00-18:00. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Zhenyuan, including the Miaojiang Great Wall ruins and the Taiji pattern of Wuyang River. The mid-mountain area has the Siguan Temple and Ming dynasty city wall ruins.
5. Zhusheng Bridge: Free, open all day. The seven-arch bluestone bridge and Kuixing Pavilion form a classic scene. At night, the bridge arches light up with rainbow colors, and Miao elders often sell handwoven straw shoes at the bridgehead.
6. Sifangjing Alley: Free, open all day. Named after the ancient square well, it features "crooked doors and strange paths" architecture. You can enjoy ancient residences, guild halls, and local delicacies—an excellent place to experience ancient charm.
🏞Nearby Attractions:
- Gaoguo River Rafting: 34-42 km from Zhenyuan Ancient Town, open from May to October, with the best rafting experience from June to September when water levels are high. Daily entry is usually from 09:00 to 16:00. The rafting route is 5 km long with a 200-meter drop and 11 rapids, with safety personnel escorting the whole way.
- Tiexi (also known as Tieshan Creek): Located 4 km north of Zhenyuan, it flows 21 km into the Wuyang River. The scenic area features primeval forest vegetation, unique stalactite caves, and spiritually vibrant lakes, earning it the nickname "Jiuzhaigou of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau."
🍱Must-Try Foods:
1. Sour Soup Fish: A must-try in Zhenyuan! Fresh fish cooked in fermented rice water sour soup, with a herbal sweet aftertaste. The fish is tender, and every sip of soup with fish is very satisfying. Recommended restaurant: Shibing Junyong Beef Restaurant.
2. Tofu Flower Grilled Fish: Crispy outside and tender inside fish paired with soft tofu flower, with unique spices giving every bite layers of flavor. Luoxiang Riverside Restaurant is great, with a 270° river view terrace and beautiful night scenery.
3. Cold Mixed Rice Noodles: Smooth noodles with special seasoning, mainly red chili oil, combined with garlic water, minced ginger, and litsea cubeba oil. Sour, spicy, and appetizing. The cold mixed rice noodle stall at Nanmen Gou Vegetable Market is loved by many locals.
4. Huangba: Made from local glutinous rice and yellow soybeans, wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. Soft, glutinous, sweet, full of rice and bean fragrance.
5. Ice Sweet Wine: Made from glutinous rice, low in alcohol, sweet and smooth. At Zhenyuan’s "Chengmen Cave" roadside first shop, the ice sweet wine is cooked with rock sugar and homemade glutinous rice balls, cold and refreshing—perfect for summer.
🏠Accommodation Recommendations:
- Riverside Homestays: Recommended around Zhusheng Bridge, with river-facing rooms where you can open the window in the morning to see the river and fall asleep at night to the sound of flowing water—super cozy.
- Boutique Homestays: Such as Zhenyuan Shanhe Villa Aesthetic Homestay, with a private rooftop viewing platform overlooking the ancient town, full of design sense and attentive service.
📌Travel Tips:
1. The average summer temperature in Zhenyuan is 25℃, but be sure to take sun protection measures, including sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, and hats.
2. The ancient town has many stone slab roads, so comfortable sports shoes are recommended for easy walking.
3. For beautiful photos, choose early morning or evening when the light is soft and the ancient town looks more atmospheric.
4. For souvenirs, go to Nanmen Gou Vegetable Market, where prices are relatively affordable and quality guaranteed. You can find yangmei berries, silver jewelry, and more.
5. When taking a night boat tour on Wuyang River, buy tickets one hour in advance and choose Yumen Wharf for fewer crowds and better views.
6. Shipingshan Mountain has a free route (entering from the Siguan Temple path), but there may be iron gates requiring flexible detours. Be sure to check the map in advance.
Zhenyuan is truly a place you won’t want to leave once you arrive. Friends, start planning your trip now! 💕