In Zhenyuan, Encounter a Journey of Poetic Ink and Watercolor

Nestled deep in the mountains of Guizhou, the ancient town of Zhenyuan combines the gentle charm of Jiangnan water towns with the mystique of a Miao borderland fortress, earning it the title "Venice of the East" – a destination well worth visiting.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town, located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, is a national historical and cultural city with over 2,280 years of history. It was designated a 5A-level tourist attraction in 2020. Below are its core features and travel guide:

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🏯 History & Significance

• Founding: Established in 277 BCE during the Qin Dynasty, it served as a regional administrative center for over 700 years from the Yuan to Qing dynasties and was the capital of Qiandongnan Prefecture (1956).

• Strategic Role: A key hub on the ancient Southwest Silk Road, known as the "Lock of Yunnan-Chu and Gateway to Eastern Guizhou," thriving as a trade nexus during the Ming and Qing eras.

• Cultural Blend: A fusion of Han, Miao, Dong, and merchant cultures (Jingchu, Bashu), dubbed the "Labyrinth of Traditional Culture."

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🌄 Geography & Layout

• Taiji Town: The Wuyang River meanders through in an "S-curve," dividing the Ming-era administrative city (north bank) from the garrison town (south bank), forming a taiji (yin-yang) pattern – "Nine mountains embrace one river, one river splits two towns."

• Architecture: Preserved Ming-Qing alleys, docks, and guildhalls; local houses feature "crooked doors and winding paths" (doors angled away from streets to symbolize "hiding wealth").

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🏞️ Key Attractions

**Ancient Town Core**
1. **Qinglongdong Ancient Complex**: Cliff-hanging temples blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism (National Heritage Site; ¥60).
2. **Shiping Mountain**: Summit offers panoramic taiji views, with Ming city walls and Siguan Hall (honoring four Warring States generals; ¥30).
3. **Historic Alleys & Docks**: Explore "Six Rows and Ten Lanes" and 12 ancient docks (e.g., Yumen Dock), relics of bustling water trade.

**Nearby Nature**
1. **Wuyang River Scenic Area**: Boat tours through karst gorges (¥40 + ¥100 boat; "Little Three Gorges").
2. **Tiexi Scenic Area**: Setting for "The Dragon King’s Daughter’s Wedding" in *The Scholars*, with emerald pools and caves (¥50).
3. **Gaoguo River Rafting**: 5-km forest canyon adventure (3 hours; summer highlight).

**Cultural Sites**
• **Zhenyuan Museum (Free)**: Housed in a Qing-era ancestral hall, showcasing town history.
• **Heping Village**: China’s only intact WWII Japanese POW camp (National Heritage Site).
• **Zhou Dawen’s Former Residence**: Home of an early CCP leader; red tourism site.

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🎭 Heritage & Festivals

• **Intangible Culture**: National-level Dragon Boat Races (100 teams at Duanwu Festival) and Dong "March 3rd Begging for Scallions" (Dong Valentine’s Day).
• **Events**: Lantern Festival, August 8th Suona Festival, and *Ancient Rhymes of Zhenyuan* epic performance.

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🧭 Travel Tips

• **Tickets**: Free entry to town; individual attractions charge fees (see above); combo ticket (Wuyang River + Qinglongdong + Shiping) ¥130.
• **Hours**: Open year-round (some sites 8:00–18:00).
• **Transport**:
◦ Train: Guiyang→Zhenyuan (4h, ¥41.5); Kaili→Zhenyuan (1.5h, ¥14.5).
◦ Drive: 2.5h from Guiyang (G60 Expressway); ~6–7h from Chongqing/Changsha.
• **Food**: Sour Fish Soup, Grilled Fish Tofu, Fried Glutinous Cakes, Miao Smoked Bacon.
• **Stay**: Riverside B&Bs (e.g., "Xunmei Riverside") for night views.

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📅 Itineraries

• **Day Trip**: Qinglongdong → Shiping Mountain (panorama) → Alleys → Wuyang River night cruise.
• **2-Day**: Day 1 – Town core + museum; Day 2 – Wuyang River or Tiexi/Gaoguo rafting.

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💎 Unique Experiences

• **Night Walk**: Zhusheng Bridge and New Bridge offer prime views of lantern-lit river reflections.
• **Handicrafts**: Try Miao/Dong embroidery or dragon boat carving.

UNESCO hails Zhenyuan as "the last homeland for weary human souls" – a place where history, landscapes, and ethnic diversity converge. Perfect for slow travel, savoring its millennia-old charm.