Exploring the Secret of Shipingshan in Zhenyuan: Overlooking the Taiji Ancient Town, a Complete Free Hiking Guide

Amidst the morning mist, the S-shaped Wuyang River winds around the millennia-old town. Climb high and look far, taking in the past and present of Zhenyuan at a glance. Hidden in the towering mountains of Qiandongnan, Guizhou, lies an ancient town with over 2,000 years of history—Zhenyuan. The best spot to overlook this ancient city is Shipingshan, located on the east side of the Wuyang River. Here, you can not only enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the "Taiji Ancient Town," but also see historical relics such as the Ming Dynasty city walls and the Siguan Hall. Moreover, there is a free hiking route known only to locals waiting for you to explore. Why choose Shipingshan? Shipingshan is located on the east side of the Wuyang River in Wuyang Town, Zhenyuan County, Guizhou Province. It belongs to the Qilian Mountain range, stretching 2.2 kilometers east to west, with the main peak at an elevation of 668.1 meters. The mountain features steep cliffs and towering rocks, majestic and perilous, named for its sheer stone cliffs that stand upright and broad like a screen. From the top of Shipingshan, you can overlook the entire ancient city of Zhenyuan and the Taiji pattern formed by the S-shaped Wuyang River. This is the most representative scenery of Zhenyuan and the favorite viewpoint for photography enthusiasts. How to hike Shipingshan for free? The regular ticket price is 35 RMB per person, but locals know two free hiking secrets: First, entry is free before 8:00 AM and after 5:00 or 6:00 PM; Second, you can walk from the ancient town pedestrian street through "Sifangjing Alley" or "Fuxing Alley" to the mountain trail. This is the common route used by locals and a shortcut to avoid the ticket fee. Free hiking not only saves money but also helps avoid peak crowds, allowing you to enjoy the ancient town’s beauty in the morning mist or under the sunset, experiencing a purer blend of nature and culture. Hiking route and experience Regular route: It is recommended to start hiking from the main entrance near Zhusheng Bridge. After purchasing a ticket, follow a single narrow path steadily upward. You will first see a charming pavilion, then encounter the city walls of the prefecture, remarkable structures dating back to the Ming Dynasty’s Zhengde period. The original and unaltered environment enhances the experience, with the historic walls extending about 2 kilometers. Hiking difficulty: It takes nearly an hour to reach the summit, while experienced hikers can do it in half an hour. Some sections are steep, but overall the difficulty is moderate. After ups and downs, you finally arrive at the city wall viewing platform, where the wall is narrower than typical city walls. Best time: Early morning or dusk is the best time to hike. In the morning, you can admire the ancient town shrouded in mist, like an ink painting scroll; in the evening, the summit air is fresh and cool, with beautiful scenery as the Wuyang River’s S-shape winds through Zhenyuan, showcasing the majestic Taiji Ancient Town. Summit views At the top of Shipingshan, you will see: · Ming Dynasty Prefecture City Wall: The existing Ming Dynasty city wall is part of a nationally protected cultural heritage site. · Siguan Hall: Also a nationally protected cultural relic, though it appears renovated. · Viewing Platform: From here, you can overlook Zhenyuan city, perfectly complementing the Qinglong Cave. Climb further to the top to reach the Shiping City Wall ruins, a 3-kilometer-long ancient city wall, winding and undulating. It is unrestored, a true relic that evokes a profound sense of history. · Panoramic view: Here, you can see the Wuyang River meandering in an "S" shape through the ancient town, forming a natural Taiji pattern. The Qinglong Cave ancient architectural complex is built by the mountain and water, layered and stacked. The Miao Great Wall winds through the mountains. Practical information Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (all day); last entry at 4:00 PM. (Note the free entry times are before 8:00 AM and after 5:00 or 6:00 PM) Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours Best seasons: Summer offers beautiful scenery in Qiandongnan and is great for escaping the heat; autumn has pleasant weather with clear skies. Spring and autumn (April-May / September-October) are best to avoid the rainy season and enjoy mild mountain waters. Gear recommendations: · Comfortable sports shoes (for cobblestone paths and hiking) · Plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent · Camera (the summit offers excellent photo opportunities) · Light jacket (it can be cool at the summit) Nearby attractions There are many attractions worth visiting around Shipingshan: · Qinglong Cave Ancient Architectural Complex: Located on Zhonghe Mountain east of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, it is a highly valuable tourist site and the largest and most exquisite ancient architectural complex in Guizhou, integrating Buddhist halls, Taoist temples, Confucian academies, and guild halls, known as the "Southern Hanging Temple." · Zhenyuan Ancient Alleys: Rich in content and character. Unlike Beijing’s orderly hutongs, Zhenyuan’s ancient alleys feature large courtyard gates that are not parallel to the alleys nor directly facing the main rooms, full of “crooked doors and side paths.” · Wuyang River Boat Tour: Starting at 60 RMB during the day and 80 RMB at night (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM light show is best), offering different perspectives of the ancient town. · Zhusheng Bridge: Enjoy the early evening lights, with the golden reflection of the ancient bridge mingling with the river’s surface—perfect for photos. Food recommendations After hiking, try some local delicacies: · Yuanjia Tofu Old Shop: Tofu pudding and grilled fish bursting with flavor · Miaobo Ma Sour Soup Fish: Tender fish with an appetizing sour soup · Zhenyuan Dao Cuisine: Intangible cultural heritage pickled vegetables paired with porridge · Street snacks: Fried rice cakes, icy bayberry—always a favorite Accommodation suggestions · Riverside first choice: Stilted wooden house homestay by the water (with balcony), listen to flowing water at night, watch misty river views in the morning. · Special recommendations: · “Mountain Wind River Sound · View Homestay”: Prime river view + smart home, attentive host plans your route. · “Jijian · VILLA Private Hot Spring”: Private hot spring pool + starry terrace, perfect for a healing trip. Helpful tips 1. Wear comfortable sports shoes! Cobblestone paths and hiking test your stamina. 2. Shipingshan is sparsely populated, creating an ideal quiet atmosphere, perfect for photography. 3. Avoid unfamiliar side paths and do not hike alone. 4. Avoid peak crowds during holidays. 5. For night tours, the 8:00 PM light show is the most beautiful. Shipingshan is not just a mountain but the best viewing platform overlooking a thousand-year-old town, a historical corridor connecting past and present. When you stand on the summit, overlooking the ancient town encircled by the Wuyang River, feeling the history and culture accumulated here over centuries, you will understand that this hiking trip is truly worth it. Whether you come for the reputation of the "Venice of the East" or to find peace and a sense of history, Shipingshan will bring you unexpected surprises and rewards. Save this guide now and plan your trip to Zhenyuan!