Written by Veronica |
Situated in the eastern part of Guizhou Province, Zhenyuan Ancient Town has a strategic location and is often referred to as the gateway to Hunan-Guizhou. Being a time-honored town, it has a long history of over 2200 years. Wuyang River traverses the town and presents amazing views. Standing by the riverside and looking afar, you can catch a glimpse of the history of this ancient town.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town of Guizhou Province in China is a maze of traditional Chinese cultures. It covers an area of 3.1 square kilometers but boasts over 200 places of interest, including historical caves, palaces, ancient temples, and more. Besides, the town greets visitors with ancient architecture, traditional residential buildings, historical wharves, and tranquil lanes.
If you are looking for a place with many ancient buildings and places of interest in China, this town is a good option, and we can customize your Guizhou tours to Zhenyuan Ancient Town.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town Facts
- Location: Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province
- Type: Historical site; traditional architecture
- Best Timeto Visit: Spring and autumn
- Time Needed: 1-2 days
- Opening Hours: All daylong
- Tickets: Free
What to See and Do in Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Zhenyuan Old Town is indeed a charming and interesting place in Guizhou to visit. Here are the top things to see and do there.
1. Wander through Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a place with many narrow streets and lanes. Walk through the town and admire the well-preserved ancient buildings, including temples, pavilions, folk houses, and shops. Some of these were established in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, through which you can get a hint of the town’s rich culture.
2. Visit Traditional Folk Houses
Zhenyuan Ancient Town is home to a variety of traditional folk houses, and the Diaojiaolou is representative of this area, which is a stilt style architecture. You can get close to these folk houses and learn more about the local architecture and the lifestyle of the minority communities on your travel to Guizhou.
3. Explore Qinglong Cave
As is called the hanging cave in South China, Qinglong Cave is a must-visit attraction in Zhenyuan Ancient Town. The cave is believed to be over 300 million years old and is a combination of a Buddhist temple, a Taoist temple, a Confucius academy, and a guild hall. Located on the outskirts of the town, Qinglong Cave offers stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
4. Marvel at Wuyang River
The Wuyang River is “a River of the Sun” in the eyes of the Miao people. It runs through Zhenyuan Ancient Town, providing a stunning landscape together with ancient architecture. You can take a boat ride on the river or walk along the riverbank to experience the charm of the town. The night’s views there are more attractive, don’t miss it on your trip to Guizhou.
5. Embark on Zhusheng Bridge & Kuixing Pavilion
Zhusheng Bridge is a bridge that spans the Wuyang River. Two huge statues sit on the bridgehead, signifying the pay tribute system in ancient China. Walking on the bridge, you can find Kuixing Pavilion, a traditional Chinese pavilion with a long history. By the way, it’s a good place to take beautiful photos of Zhenyuan Ancient Town.
6. Embrace Shiping Mountain
Lies in the east of Wuyang River, Shiping Mountain is a great place for you to overlook the whole of Zhenyuan Ancient Town. You can hike to the summit or take a cable car to the top of the mountain to enjoy the spectacular views of the rivers and mountains in the distance.
Best Time to Visit Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Zhenyuan Ancient Town is open all year round, and the best time to visit there is in spring and autumn. During this period, the climate is mild and comfortable. You can join outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and rafting on the Wuyang River without having to deal with the extreme heat or cold.
Attractions Nearby Zhenyuan Ancient Town
- Miao Villages: Many Miao villages are situated near Zhenyuan Old Town, including Xiaoqikong Scenic Area and Xijiang Miao Village. You can visit the Miao Villages to experience the folk customs.
- Huangguoshu Waterfall: This is the largest waterfall in Asia, with a height of 77.8 meters and a width of 101 meters. This majestic scenic area is a great summer resort. You can drop by there on your Guizhou tours, and it will never let you down.
- Fanjing Mountain: Located about 150 kilometers fromZhenyuan Ancient Town, it is a holy mountain that has a history of over 2000 years. It greets visitors with remarkable rocks, golden summits, and diverse vegetation and wild animals.
Getting to Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Zhenyuan Ancient Town is well-connected by both train and bus services. Below are the practical ways for you to reach the historic town.
By Train: It is easy for you to get to Zhenyuan Ancient Town by train if you find yourself in Guiyang. Take a train from Guiyang to Zhenyuan Railway Station and it takes about 3 hours. The Zhenyuan Railway Station is 2.3 kilometers from Zhenyuan Ancient Town, and you can take a taxi there.
By Bus: You can also take a bus to Zhengyuan Old Town. If you are in Guiyang, make your way to the Guiyang North Bus Station and take a bus to Zhenyuan, which takes about 3 hours. If you are in Kaili, it takes about a 2-hour bus ride to reach Zhenyuan Ancient Town.
