Qingyan Ancient Town: Travel Through 600 Years and Encounter the Splendor of the Ming Dynasty

| Travel Through 600 Years and Encounter the Splendor of the Ming Dynasty. Qingyan Ancient Town: Travel Through 600 Years and Encounter the Splendor of the Ming Dynasty Qingyan Ancient Town, a pearl hidden in the mountains and rivers of Guizhou, has a history of more than 600 years. It is one of the four ancient towns in Guizhou and an important military town in the Ming Dynasty. Every brick, tile, plant, and tree here carries the story of time, waiting for you to explore. Pre-trip Preparation 1. Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card, and students, seniors, and other people who meet the preferential policies should bring relevant documents. 2. Clothing: The weather in Guizhou is changeable. Prepare long-sleeved coats in spring and autumn, protect yourself from the sun in summer, and keep warm in winter. 3. Other: Comfortable shoes for walking on the bluestone road; sunscreen products; camera to record beautiful moments. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving: Starting from Guiyang City, go directly via Jiaxiu South Road and Tianyuan Road, and navigate to "Qingyan Ancient Town Scenic Area". 2. Public Transportation - Bus: Buses No. 203, 225, 210, etc. are available. Bus No. 210 starts from Huaguoyuan and goes to the West Gate of Qingyan Ancient Town. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours and the ticket price is about CNY 3. - Direct scenic spot bus: There are direct scenic spot buses to Qianlingshan Park, Longdongbao International Airport and other places, which are convenient and fast. - Airport Bus: Airport Bus Line 5 of Longdongbao International Airport can reach the West Gate of Qingyan Ancient Town. Ticket Information 1. Price: If you only visit the ancient town, the weekday ticket is CNY 10 (there may be a half-price discount of CNY 5 during some periods before the end of 2024); if you want to visit the scenic spots in the ancient town, the joint ticket is about CNY 60, including Ciyun Temple, Zhuangyuan Mansion, Wenchang Pavilion and other scenic spots. 2. Preferential policies: From January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025, children under 6 years old, elderly people over 65 years old, people's police, active military personnel, people's teachers, medical workers, etc. can enjoy free tickets with valid certificates. Tour Route 1. Half-day Essential Tour: Enter from the North Gate → North Ming and Qing Street (feel the charm of the ancient street and buy special souvenirs) → Zhuangyuan Street (visit Zhao Yijiong's former residence and learn about Zhuangyuan culture) → Qingyan Catholic Church (appreciate the unique architectural style) → West Ming and Qing Street (taste food) → Back Street (Internet-famous spot for taking photos) → South Ming and Qing Street → Dingguangmen (admire the majestic city gate and climb the city tower to overlook the panoramic view of the ancient town). 2. In-depth Slow Tour: Enter from the South Gate in the morning → Dingguangmen, Yingxiang Temple (feel the vicissitudes of history and Buddhist culture) → Main Street to the north (stroll along the way and admire the ancient buildings) → Have lunch at a time-honored restaurant at noon (taste special delicacies such as spicy chicken and tofu balls) → Continue walking on East Street and visit Zhuangyuan Mansion and Ciyun Temple → Pay attention to the handicraft shops along the road and buy souvenirs → Return to the main street in the evening to enjoy the night view and feel the lights of the ancient town. Recommended Attractions 1. Dingguangmen: The most magnificent of the four ancient town gates, with a majestic city tower, it is a landmark building of Qingyan Ancient Town. Climb the city tower to have a panoramic view of the ancient town and the beautiful scenery of Dingguang Lake. 2. Wenchang Pavilion: Built in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it is a place to worship Emperor Wenchang. The architectural style is unique, with carved beams and painted buildings, and is antique. 3. Wanshou Palace: Built by Jiangxi people in the 43rd year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, it integrates the architectural styles of Huizhou and local architecture. The wood carvings and stone carvings are exquisite. 4. Back Street: The filming location of "Looking for a Gun" is composed of bluestone slabs and stone walls, and the stones are bonded with glutinous rice slurry. The alleys are winding and full of historical sense, making it an excellent place for taking pictures. Food Guide 1. Qingyan Braised Pig Trotters (Zhuangyuan Trotters): The most representative delicacy in Qingyan. It is made of farm pig trotters about one year old, simmered slowly with more than ten kinds of spices. The meat is soft and glutinous, and the bones and meat are separated. When eating, it is served with special chili water (containing Qingyan's special double-flower vinegar), and a bowl of rose ice powder, which is perfect. Recommended stores: Wang Wanma's outside the ancient city, Jinbixuan inside the ancient city. 2. Gaoba Porridge: Guiyang Intangible Cultural Heritage. Lotus root powder is used as the base, topped with soft and glutinous rice cakes, sprinkled with melon seeds, sesame seeds, peanuts, candied fruits, etc. After stirring, it tastes sweet, soft, glutinous and smooth. 3. Qingyan Chicken Chili: Chicken is stir-fried with chili, etc. The color is ruddy, the meat is crispy, and it is tender, spicy and delicious. It can be used as a snack or to serve with rice. 4. Rose Ice Powder: Ice powder is added with Qingyan candied rose and fresh mint leaf juice to make the syrup, which is cool, smooth, sweet and delicious, and the rose fragrance is refreshing. It is a good product for relieving summer heat. 5. Tofu Balls: Tofu is kneaded into balls, coated with flour and fried. The outer skin is crispy and the inside is soft and tender. Dip it in Guizhou's special dipping sauce, which is sweet and spicy, with a unique flavor. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Homestays in the ancient town: It is recommended to stay in Wenfan Zhuangyuan Villa, which is based on the ancient Tunbao architectural art, with an elegant environment and a strong cultural atmosphere; Fanchen Hidden Residence, with a superior geographical location, is only 3 minutes away from the West Gate parking lot of the scenic spot, surrounded by strong folk customs, accompanied by a sea of flowers and ancient towns. 2. Hotels around the scenic spot: Qingyan Holiday Resort Hotel, with modern light luxury decoration, the rooms have independent balconies, there is a constant temperature swimming pool, children's playground, gym, and it is only a 20-minute drive from Guiyang High-speed Railway Station and Airport. Qingyan Ancient Town has a profound historical and cultural heritage and mouth-watering delicacies. Come here to start a journey through time and space!