Qingyan Ancient Town is suitable for those who enjoy a slow pace and exploring history.

Qingyan Ancient Town is located in Huaxi District, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. It is a military ancient town built during the Ming Dynasty, with a history of over 600 years. It is famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, rich cultural atmosphere, and distinctive local cuisine, making it a popular destination for trips around Guiyang.
Here is a detailed travel guide:

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[One] Basic Information
- Address: Qingyan Town, Huaxi District, Guiyang City
- Opening Hours: All day (ancient town streets), attractions generally 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tickets:
- The ancient town is free to enter, but some attractions require a combined ticket (about 60 RMB, including Wenchang Pavilion, Zhao Gongzhuan Ancestral Hall, Wanshou Palace, etc.).
- It is recommended to purchase the combined ticket for an in-depth experience of the history and culture.

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[Two] Transportation
- Bus: Take bus 203 or 210 directly from Guiyang Railway Station or Huaguoyuan, about 1 hour.
- Self-driving: Depart from Guiyang city center, navigate to "Qingyan Ancient Town," about 40 minutes by car.
- Taxi: About 80-100 RMB from the city center to the ancient town (suitable for carpooling).

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[Three] Must-visit Attractions
1. Ming and Qing Street
- The main street of the ancient town, with shops and residences on both sides of the bluestone pavement, great for photos and shopping for handicrafts.
2. Dingguang Gate
- The south gate of the ancient city, well-preserved Ming Dynasty city walls, climb the city tower for a panoramic view of the town.
3. Back Street
- A popular check-in spot, narrow alleys with old walls made of stone slabs on both sides, filming location of the movie "The Missing Gun."
4. Wenchang Pavilion
- Dedicated to the Wenchang Emperor, a place where ancient scholars prayed for blessings, with exquisite architecture.
5. Zhao Gongzhuan Ancestral Hall
- A memorial hall for Qing general Zhao Guoshu, learn about Qingyan’s history here.
6. Former Residence of Zhou Enlai’s Father
- Zhou Enlai’s father took refuge here during the War of Resistance, the small courtyard is quiet and serene.

7. Stone Castle: Stone pillars of varying heights, mask sculptures, vine bridges, as if traveling back to a primitive tribe.
- Nuo Culture Display: Some stone statues imitate Guizhou Nuo opera masks, full of mystery.
- DIY Pottery: There is a pottery experience area in the scenic spot (paid), where you can make stone artworks by hand.
- Photo Spots: Entrance stone steps, Totem Square, and the viewing platform high in the valley.

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[Four] Recommended Local Delicacies
1. Qingyan Pig Trotters (Zhuangyuan Trotters)
- Braised, fragrant, and tender; recommended "Wang Wanma Braised Pig Trotters."
2. Rice Cake Porridge
- A sweet dish made from glutinous rice flour and rose sugar, warm and fragrant.
3. Tofu Balls
- Crispy outside, tender inside, eaten with chili sauce.
4. Rose Sugar/Rose Jelly
- Local specialties made from rose flowers.
5. Rice Tofu
- Served cold with a sour and spicy flavor, a must-try to cool off in summer.

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[Five] Travel Tips
1. Best Time to Visit
- Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) have comfortable weather, avoid the rainy season.
- Early morning or evening has fewer people, ideal for photography.
2. Dressing Suggestions
- The ancient town has many bluestone pavements, wear comfortable flat shoes; you can rent Miao ethnic costumes for photos (about 30-50 RMB/hour).
3. Avoiding Pitfalls
- Attractions not included in the combined ticket may charge separately, confirm in advance.
- Weekends and holidays are crowded, try to arrive early.
4. Nearby Attractions
- Can be combined with Huaxi Park and Tianhetan Scenic Area for a full day of sightseeing.

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[Six] Accommodation Recommendations
- Homestays inside the ancient town: such as "Xunqiang Courtyard" and "Qingyan Shoufu Inn," experience staying overnight in ancient houses.
- Hotels in Huaxi city area: more options, suitable for visiting other attractions the next day.

Post by Whimsicalbutterfly | Jul 26, 2025

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