The only 5A-level scenic area in China with free admission! A perfect summer retreat with lush mountains and clear waters!!

Here’s a detailed travel guide for Zhenyuan Ancient Town, updated with the latest information (as of July 2025): --- **1. Transportation Guide** 1. **Train/High-Speed Rail** - **Direct Routes**: Guiyang → Zhenyuan Station (approx. 4 hours, ¥41.5). Kaili South Station → Zhenyuan (30 mins by high-speed rail). - **After Arrival**: Zhenyuan Station is 1-2 km from the ancient town, reachable by taxi (5 mins) or on foot (15 mins). 2. **Self-Drive** - About 3 hours from Guiyang. Navigate to "Zhenyuan Ancient Town." Some hotels offer parking (e.g., Jiulong Yipin Hotel). 3. **Flights** - Nearby airports: Kaili Huangping Airport, Tongren Fenghuang Airport. Transfer to Zhenyuan by bus or train. --- **2. Must-Visit Attractions & Activities** **Ancient Town Core Area (Free Entry)** - **Wuyang River Night Cruise**: Boat ride to admire the illuminated nightscape (¥80/ticket). Lights and mist create a fairy-tale ambiance. Board at Yumen Dock. - **Sifangjing Alley**: Explore Ming-Qing "crooked doorways" architecture and try tofu made from ancient well water. - **Zhusheng Bridge**: Free entry. The rainbow-lit bridge arches are iconic photo spots. **Paid Attractions (Recommended Combo Tours)** 1. **Qinglong Cave (¥60)**: - Cliffside ancient structures blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Climb to Ziyang Academy for a panoramic view of the Tai Chi-shaped town. 2. **Shiping Mountain (¥30)**: - Summit views of the "S-shaped Wuyang River Tai Chi Diagram" and remnants of the Miao Border Great Wall (free entry via Siguan Temple trail). 3. **Wuyang River Scenic Area (¥100 boat ticket)**: - Cruise through karst valleys to see rock formations like "Peacock Spreading Tail" and "Jiang Taigang Fishing." **July 2025 Special Events** - **Dragon Boat Races + Intangible Cultural Heritage Night Shows**: National dragon boat races and bamboo drifting competitions (held on the Wuyang River). Night performances include Nuo opera *The Dragon God’s Sister’s Wedding* and Miao-Dong ethnic dances (through late July). --- **3. Food Recommendations** - **Sour Fish Soup/Grilled Tofu Fish**: Shibing Junyong Beef Restaurant (¥30/person); Luoxiang Riverside Restaurant (riverside terrace). - **Snacks**: - Yuanjia Tofu Shop: Tofu noodles, fried fern cakes (Sifangjing Alley). - Cold Rice Noodles: Nanmengou Market, tangy and spicy. - **Late-Night Eats**: Riverside grilled fish stalls; Miao Boma Sour Hotpot (¥5/person for veggie buffet). --- **4. Accommodation Tips** - **Top Riverside B&Bs**: - Near Zhusheng Bridge: Zhenyuan Shanhe Shi Villa (private viewing deck), Jiulong Yipin Hotel (1,000m² terrace). - Price range: ¥180–300/night (low season); book early for peak season. - **Budget Picks**: Shuncheng Inn (riverside balcony rooms at ¥168, near the museum). --- **5. Itinerary Suggestions** **1-Day Trip** Qinglong Cave → Shiping Mountain (panoramic views) → Sifangjing Alley (lunch + exploration) → Wuyang River night cruise. **2-Day Trip** - **Day 1**: Qinglong Cave + Shiping Mountain → Sifangjing Alley → Night cruise + cultural shows. - **Day 2**: Wuyang River daytime cruise → Gaoguo River rafting (summer only) or Tiexi hiking ("Little Jiuzhai of Yunnan-Guizhou"). **3-Day In-Depth Trip** Add nearby spots: Shibing Yuntai Mountain (UNESCO site), Shanmu River rafting ("rafting on mineral water"). --- **6. Practical Tips** 1. **Attire**: Wear comfy shoes for cobblestone paths; summer avg. 25°C—bring sun protection. 2. **Ticket Discounts**: - Free for ages 14 & under/60 & up; Hangzhou/Foshan residents get free entry to Qinglong Cave with ID. 3. **Best Night Cruise Time**: - 20:00–22:00 (light shows + artificial mist for max fairy-tale vibes). --- > Zhenyuan’s charm lies in the Tai Chi river diagram at dawn, the shimmering reflections on night cruises, and the aroma of sour soup in hidden alleys. Avoid crowds—early mornings or post-rain strolls are ideal for photos 📸. Slowing down is the best way to savor this 2,000-year-old town.