The Healing Charm of Zhenyuan Ancient Town

📍Location:
Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. Nestled along the Wuyang River, this Taiji-shaped ancient town features the old prefectural city on the north bank and the old garrison city on the south, resembling a natural ink painting from afar.

🚗Transportation:

• Train/High-speed Rail: Approx. 20 daily trains from Guiyang to Zhenyuan (hard seat ¥41.5, 4 hours); 1.5 hours from Kaili (¥14.5). For high-speed rail, arrive at Sansui Station or Kaili South Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle buses (1.5 hours).

• Self-drive: 3 hours from Guiyang via the picturesque karst landscapes along the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway. Park at Xindaqiao Parking Lot (¥30/day) in town.

• Flight: Nearest airport is Tongren Fenghuang (2-hour bus transfer). From Guiyang Longdongbao Airport, transfer via high-speed rail or long-distance bus.

👍Must-Visit Spots:

1. Qinglongdong Ancient Architecture Complex: The "Hanging Temple of the South" on cliffs where Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist. Summit views reveal the Wuyang River's Taiji-shaped "S" curve (¥60 ticket).

2. Zhusheng Bridge: Ming Dynasty bridge lit like a galaxy at night—perfect for hanfu photography. Try crispy fried cakes (¥2) from grannies at the bridgehead.

3. Shiping Mountain: Summit at 5am for sunrise over the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with remnants of the Miaojiang Great Wall hidden in the hills (¥30 ticket).

4. Slanted-Alley Lanes: Photogenic tilted gates and fireproof walls in Renshou Lane and Fu Family Courtyard exude vintage charm.

5. Wuyang River Night Cruise: Red lanterns reflect like stars as Dong boatmen sing folk songs during 40-minute rides (¥80/person).

🎟️Ticket Info:

• Free entry to the ancient town; individual attractions charge separately: Qinglongdong ¥60, Shiping Mountain ¥30, Wuyang cruise ¥40-80, Fu Family Courtyard ¥20.

• Discounts: Half-price for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.

💗Tips:

• Accommodation: Prioritize riverside guesthouses between Zhusheng Bridge and Xindaqiao (e.g., "Zhenyuan Memories Inn," ¥150-300/person). Book 1 month ahead in summer.

• Food: Sour fish soup ("Miaoboma Red Sour Soup"), grilled fish with tofu (Yao's at night market), glutinous rice cakes wrapped around fried dough sticks (¥5) at morning markets.

• Caution: Wear anti-slip shoes on cobblestones; riverside mosquitoes are fierce. Haggle for souvenirs at Zhou Dawen's former residence market; carry small bills.

• Hidden Gems: Dragon boat races during Duanwu Festival, DIY batik workshops (e.g., "Blue Flower Tales").

Epilogue:
In Zhenyuan, time is meant to be "wasted"—red lanterns swaying in moonlight, the river whispering millennia-old tales. No checklist here, just the freedom to sit by the water and let the town's tenderness heal every weary soul.