A One-Day Travel Guide to Zhenyuan Ancient Town

If you’re a fan of ancient cities, you must visit Zhenyuan Ancient Town in Guizhou Province, Southeast China. Known for its rich history and culture, the town is particularly beautiful at night. Today, we’ll provide you with a one-day travel guide to Zhenyuan Ancient Town, making sure you get the most out of your visit. Let’s explore!

1. Ticket Information

Qinglong Cave Ticket: 60 yuan/person;

Shi pingshan Ticket: 30 yuan/person;

Tiexi Scenic Area Ticket: 50 yuan/person;

Zhenyuan Ancient Town: Free;

Discount Policy:

Children under 14 years old (inclusive) or under 1.4 meters tall, seniors aged 60 and above (inclusive), active military personnel, disabled military personnel, and disabled individuals are free of charge.

Full-time students, minors aged 15 to 18, enjoy a 50% discount.

2. Transportation

Zhenyuan Ancient Town belongs to Southeast Guizhou. Travelling to Zhenyuan by train is very convenient, with dozens of passenger trains stopping at Zhenyuan Train Station, located in the town. You can also take a flight to Guiyang or Kaili and then transfer to a train. Self-driving is also very convenient with expressways leading directly to Zhenyuan.

Tips:

1. There are direct ordinary trains from Zhenyuan to Guiyang, the provincial capital. Hard seats cost around 40-50 yuan and the journey takes about 4 hours.

2. There are direct buses from Guiyang to Zhenyuan. The fare is under 100 yuan.

3. Accommodation

Zhenyuan Ancient Town offers a variety of accommodation options. They can be broadly categorized into three types: One category is located in Zhenyuan County, which is still relatively close to the ancient town. Accommodation in the county is relatively cheap, with prices ranging from 100 to 300 yuan. Another category is located in the ancient town itself. The accommodation in the ancient town mainly consists of inns, which are further divided into two types: riverside inns and street-side inns. Although there’s only a word difference, the price can be vastly different. River-view rooms can be several times more expensive than street-view rooms.

Tips:

1. If you want a river-view room, consider choosing a riverside inn near Shengqiao Bridge. The view from here is relatively good, offering a glimpse of the dazzling night scenery of Zhenyuan.

2. During holidays and the summer vacation, it is recommended to book in advance as rooms are usually in high demand. River-view rooms generally cost between 300 and 1,000 yuan, while non-peak season river-view rooms can be booked for around 200 yuan.

4. Recommended Attractions

Qinglong Cave is a must-visit in Zhenyuan Ancient Town. It is a grand complex of Ming and Qing Dynasty religious architecture, encompassing Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, and Confucian shrines, showcasing the harmonious integration of the three religions. These ancient structures are built along the mountainside, blending seamlessly with the cliffs, ancient trees, vines, and caves. Wandering through the cave evokes a sense of being transported back in time.

Tips:

1. For a panoramic view, visit Yuhuang Pavilion at the top, the highest point in Zhenyuan Ancient Town.

2. Qinglong Cave is not very large, taking about 1-2 hours to walk around from Zhusheng Bridge.

3. An additional fee is required to enter Qinglong Cave.

5. Night Tour of Zhenyuan

Experience the charm of Zhenyuan Ancient Town on a night tour. The Miao and Dong stilt houses lining both banks, illuminated by lights, seem to exist in a surreal time and space. The riverfront residences, Zhusheng Bridge, and Qinglong Cave reflect on the water’s surface, creating a hazy and enchanting scene of sparkling lights and ripples. Every light casts a unique mood, every ray of light brings warmth, every color carries a distinct charm, making for a truly mesmerizing experience. The colorful and vibrant, yet ancient and elegant night view of Wuyang River, will leave you enchanted and reluctant to leave.

Tips:

1. Zhenyuan is more beautiful at night than during the day.

2. The stretch from Lao Da Qiao (Old Big Bridge) to Xin Da Qiao (New Big Bridge) is the essence of the night view. Enjoy the pedestrian street on the north bank, the bar street on the south bank, and the relaxing atmosphere while listening to music and having a drink by the river.

3. Zhenyuan also offers night cruises, which is another great option.