Spent 3 Days in Zhenyuan: Some Brutally Honest Truths

A Must-See Checklist Before You Go 🧳

✅ Documents: ID card 📄, student ID (don't forget to bring it if you can get discounts!)
✅ Outfit Guide: In April, Zhenyuan is warm and pleasant during the day 🌤️ and slightly cool at night. Prepare a light jacket 🧥, a flowy long dress 👗, comfortable flats 👟, a sun hat 👒, sunglasses 🕶️, and sunscreen 🧴. Sun protection is essential for staying beautiful!
✅ Other Goodies: Portable charger 🔋, camera 📷, umbrella ☂️ (in case of spring rain), mosquito repellent 🦟 (useful for strolling around the ancient city at night)

Transportation Guide 🚗

🚄 External Transportation:

• First, go to Guiyang North Station, then transfer to a high-speed train for 1.5 hrs to Zhenyuan Station 🚝. There are many trains, so it's super convenient!

• Self-driving enthusiasts, go for it! Departing from Guiyang, you can arrive in 3 hours along the stunning highway 🛣️. The scenery along the way is so beautiful that you'll want to stop and take pictures 📸.
🚌 City Transportation:

• County buses can take you directly to the scenic spots for only CNY 1–2 🚌. Remember to download the bus APP!

• The taxi starting price is super affordable 🚕. You can also negotiate prices with drivers to go to surrounding scenic spots.

• Renting a car for a free trip is also super awesome 🚗. It costs CNY 100–300/day, and you can stop whenever you want!

3 Days and 2 Nights of Heavenly Itinerary ✨

Day 1: Encountering the Romance of the Ancient City 🏮

📍 Zhenyuan Ancient City: Step onto the bluestone road and instantly travel back thousands of years! The horsehead walls of the Huizhou-style buildings are scattered in a well-organized manner 🏘️, and every shot is a blockbuster with ancient charm.
📍 Qinglong Cave Ancient Architectural Complex: Tickets cost CNY 60 🎫 and it is known as the "Hanging Temple of Southwest China"! Pavilions and towers are embedded in the cliffs, and the exquisite architectural art is simply divine ⛩️.
📍 Night Tour of Wuyang River: The CNY 80 boat ticket is a must 🚢! As night falls, the lights on both sides of the river are dazzling. The ancient bridges and buildings are reflected in the water, making you feel like you've stepped into the world of "Spirited Away" 🌃.

Day 2: Exploring the Poetry Between Mountains and Rivers 🌳

📍 Tiexi Scenic Area: Tickets cost CNY 50 💰 and it is known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Guizhou and Yunnan"! The stream is crystal clear, the forest is lush 🌲, and you can also check out the legendary site of "Dragon God Marrying His Sister."
📍 Zhenyuan Museum: Free admission! There are many cultural relics and materials 📜, allowing you to learn about Zhenyuan's past and present life in minutes.
📍 Ancient Alleyways: Wander into the "crooked alleys" and experience the unique layout of the ancient city! The mottled brick walls hide the stories of time 🧭.

Day 3: Embark on a Slow Journey 🪷

📍 Gaoguo River: Although you can't go rafting in April, hiking is super healing! Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, it is full of negative oxygen ions 🌿.
📍 Heping Village: Learn about that special period of history in the Republic of China buildings with green bricks and black tiles 📚.
📍 Shiping Mountain: An excellent place to overlook the entire ancient city! Climb to the top at sunset, and you can see the ancient city, Wuyang River, and mountains all at once 🌅. It's breathtakingly beautiful!

Zhenyuan's Gastronomy 🍜

🍲 Must-Eat Dishes:

• Sour Soup Fish: Tender fish soaked in a spicy and mellow red soup 🐟. The aroma of litsea cubeba is directly maximized, and you'll fall in love with it after one bite!

• Aged Daocai Pork with Preserved Vegetables: "Daocai" + pork belly is fatty but not greasy, salty and delicious. You can eat three bowls of rice in a row!
🍢 Snack Paradise:

• Fried Glutinous Rice Cake: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, wrapped in bean sprouts and minced meat. It is golden, crispy, and super satisfying with one bite 🍡.

• Gray Alkali Rice Cake: Delicious in cold salads and soups! With a unique taste, locals have been eating it since they were young.

Photo Tips 📸

1️⃣ Zhusheng Bridge: When the morning mist has not yet dissipated, take pictures of the bridge and its reflection for a fairy-like atmosphere!
2️⃣ Qinglong Cave: Shoot the ancient architectural complex from a low angle, matched with blue sky and white clouds, to instantly create a blockbuster!
3️⃣ Ancient City Alleyways: Avoid the crowds, find a small alley, and take atmospheric photos in Hanfu.

Small Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ⚠️

❌ Make sure to buy scenic spot tickets through official channels! Don't trust scalpers on the roadside, or you may be scammed.
❌ Book Wuyang River cruise tickets online in advance, as they may be sold out on site!
❌ Stone roads are not suitable for high heels 👠. Flats are the best!
❌ Be sure to check the condition of the car when renting a car for self-driving, and pay attention to safety on mountain roads!

Hidden Gems 🎁

1️⃣ Go to the local farmers market: Buy fresh fruits and special pickles to experience the full local atmosphere!
2️⃣ Find a riverside cafe: Stare blankly for an afternoon and watch the Wuyang River flow slowly.
3️⃣ Participate in an intangible cultural heritage handicraft experience: Learn to make tie-dye and bamboo weaving, and bring the romance of Zhenyuan home!