Escape the Hustle and Bustle and Fall in Love with Zhenyuan

Zhenyuan Ancient Town, a thousand-year-old town gently embraced by time, is located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan, Guizhou. Surrounded by mountains, the Wuyang River meanders through the town like a green silk ribbon, earning it the nickname "Venice of the East" 🌟. Its history dates back to the Han Dynasty, and after more than 2,000 years, it still retains its ancient charm and tranquility, making it an unforgettable destination.🌟 --- ### 🚅**Transportation Guide**: - **Train**: From Guiyang, it takes about 4 hours to reach Zhenyuan Station; from Kaili, it only takes 1.5 hours. After arriving at the train station, take Bus No. 1 directly to the ancient town for just 2 yuan💵. - **Bus**: Zhenyuan Bus Station has buses to various destinations, offering convenient and efficient travel🚌. - **Car**: The entire journey is on the expressway with excellent road conditions. Parking is generally 30 yuan/day, allowing for easy and enjoyable travel🚗. --- ### 🏠**Accommodation Recommendations**: - **Wuyang Riverside**: Stay by the Wuyang River and enjoy the beautiful river views🌊. Choose from Heba Street, Minzhu Street, Xinglong Street, or Zhouda Street. Heba Street offers the most charming river-view rooms and is surrounded by numerous restaurants, making it the best choice for accommodation🏡. - **Unique B&Bs**: The ancient town has many unique B&Bs with reasonable prices and traditional settings, perfect for travelers who want to experience the local culture. --- ### 📸**Must-See & Photo Spots**: 1. **Qinglong Cave**: - Known as the "Hanging Temple of Southwest China," it consists of multiple ancient buildings facing the Wushui River and backed by cliffs. It is one of the largest ancient building complexes in Guizhou Province🏯. - **Daheguan Wharf** is the best location to admire Qinglong Cave, offering picturesque and breathtaking views🖼️. 2. **Shiping Mountain**: - Majestic and steep, it gets its name from its resemblance to a giant screen🏔️. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, especially stunning at night when the lights twinkle below🌃. - **Suggestion**: Hike in the early morning or evening to avoid the midday sun and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. 3. **Zhusheng Bridge**: - A landmark ancient building in Zhenyuan, originally named "Xiqiao," later renamed "Zhusheng Bridge" in honor of Emperor Kangxi's birthday🌉. - This bridge was a must-pass for scholars from Yunnan and Guizhou traveling to Beijing for the imperial examinations. The night view is particularly enchanting, with colorful lights reflected on the river surface🌈. 4. **Wuyang River Night View**: - At night, the banks of the Wuyang River are brilliantly lit, and the river reflects the lights of the ancient town, creating a scene like a painting. - **Suggestion**: Take a boat tour at night on the Wuyang River to experience the romance and tranquility of the ancient town. --- ### 🍽️**Food Guide**: 1. **Red Bean Douhua**: A warm and sweet dessert that's not too rich, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth🍰. 2. **Potato Balls**: Crispy on the outside, tender tofu inside, served with chili powder for a spicy and delicious treat🍟. 3. **Hand-Torn Tofu**: Deep-fried until golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a Zhenyuan Ancient Town specialty🍖. 4. **Chilled Bayberry Juice**: Refreshing and sweet, a must-have summer drink🥤. 5. **Fried Bracken Starch**: Bracken starch is a local specialty, fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with an enticing aroma🥟. 6. **Sour Soup Fish**: A Guizhou specialty, sour and spicy, with tender fish, definitely worth trying🐟. --- ### 🏷️**Other Tips**: - **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) offer pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities. - **Clothing Suggestions**: The ancient town has many stone-paved roads, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended for easy walking. - **Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent**: The summer sun is strong, so remember to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent. - **Cultural Experiences**: Participate in local Miao and Dong ethnic minority cultural activities to experience their unique customs. --- Zhenyuan Ancient Town not only boasts a rich history and culture but also offers unique natural scenery and culinary experiences. Whether strolling through the ancient streets and alleys or taking a boat trip on the Wuyang River, you'll be captivated by the charm of this thousand-year-old town. We hope you have an unforgettable time here!😊