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Zhenyuan Ancient Town, located in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, is a water town boasting a rich history spanning over 2000 years. Despite its relatively small scale, covering an area of around three square kilometers, Zhenyuan is not lacking in marvelous natural landscapes and cultural relics.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town, a renowned “Mountain Cliff Architecture Museum” in China, offers a captivating tapestry of ancient lanes and paths. Stone bridges and city walls dot the landscape, while the town is encircled by a river of emerald hue and a misty veil that adds to its dreamlike charm.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a vibrant place of cultures, where Han and Dong ethnicities, along with over 20 other minorities, coexist harmoniously. It is a living museum of ethnic diversity, religious practices, and social traditions. Experts have hailed it as a “World Cultural Protection Circle”.
The architectural style features blue bricks and tiles, high firewalls, angled cornices, carved beams, and painted rafters. Every slate and brick bears witness to the town's rich historical relics, narrating the tales of its millennia-old vicissitudes. Military fortifications like temples of war, city walls, beacon towers, and forts further add to the town's historical significance.
Attractions around Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Ancient Lanes and Traditional Folk Houses
The ancient alleys in Zhenyuan town curve upward along the mountain, such as Fuxing Lane, Sifang Jing Lane, and Chongzikou Lane, there will be beautiful archways along the lane, and there are many traditional folk houses, flowers, and grass covering the lane. The tour of the ancient town is mainly to visit the ancient streets, ancient alleys, ancient docks, ancient houses, museums and so on. You can also visit ethnic specialty shops, and taste local snacks.
Wuyang River
Wuyang River is a tributary of the Yangtze River Yuanjiang tributary, a total length of 258 kilometers. The length of the section of Wuyang River which flows through Zhenyuan Town is 44km in total. It is very beautiful in the section of the Zhenyuan town, among which the stone pillars of "Peacock Spreading the Tail" are the most impressive.
Zhusheng Bridge
Zhenyuan ancient town is located on the Wuyang River, the north bank is the old prefectural city, and the south bank is the old acropolis. The Zhusheng Bridge connects the old prefectural city and the old acropolis. Zhusheng Bridge is an ancient green slab stone bridge with pavilions and stone statues and was once an important southwest main road. The original name of Zhusheng Bridge was "Xi Bridge", which was later changed to "Zhusheng Bridge" because of Kangxi's birthday celebration. With Zhusheng Bridge as the center, the night scene in this area is a highlight of the ancient town.
Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex
The Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex is situated in head of Zhusheng Bridge. The entire complex is built on the mountain and is quite large. The scenic spot has many steps, and you can enjoy a view of the Wuyang River from the top. The mountains here are steep, with towering cliffs and impressive caves, earning it the nickname of the Southern Hanging Temple and the Guizhou Museum of Ancient Architecture.
Shiping Mountain
Shiping Mountain stands as a majestic guardian, towering over the northern perimeter of the storied Zhenyuan ancient city. Across the serene Wuyang River, its counterpart, the enchanting Qinglong Cave, beckons visitors with its mysterious allure. Ascending the summit of Shiping Mountain, one is treated to a sweeping panorama that captures the essence of Zhenyuan's charm. The narrow, labyrinthine lanes unfold like a tapestry beneath your feet, tracing the intricate patterns of the ancient town's eight diagrams. The melodious Wuyang River, its waters gently caressing the city's edges, adds a sense of serenity to the scene.
Travel Tips
Address: Zhenyuanxian, Qiandongnan Miaozudongzuzizhizhou, Guizhou
Best Seasons: all the year round
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day
Opening Hours: all the day
Tickets Price: for free
Scenic Spot Level: National AAAAA Tourist Attraction
Climate: subtropical monsoon climate
Things to do: cycling, rafting, photography
