How to Choose Among Guizhou's Three Major Ancient Towns: What Makes Qingyan, Zhenyuan, and Longli Worth Visiting

Last week, a couple from Singapore landed in Guiyang. Their first stop was an ancient town. The wife said, "I don't want to go to commercialized places," while the husband worried, "We'll get too tired if we visit too many spots." We designed a 3-day itinerary for them: one day each in Qingyan, Zhenyuan, and Longli. Upon returning, they shared feedback: "The pace was perfect, and every place had its unique charm."

Guizhou's ancient towns differ completely from those in Jiangnan. They lack the classic small bridges and flowing streams, instead showcasing mountain fortress culture and traces of ethnic minority coexistence. Each of the three towns has its own focus. Choose wisely to avoid detours; choose poorly and you'll waste hundreds of kilometers driving.

Qingyan Ancient Town: Closest to the airport; half a day is enough.

Qingyan is in Huaxi District, 20 minutes by car from Guiyang Airport. A Ming Dynasty military garrison with well-preserved stone city walls. Admission: 10 CNY; combo ticket: 60 CNY (includes Zhuangyuan Mansion, Wenchang Pavilion, and other small attractions). The combo ticket is recommended—Zhuangyuan Mansion's exam rooms are fascinating.

Qingyan's defining feature is stone: cobblestone paths, stone walls, and stone roofs. Beijie Street runs through the town with towering stone walls on both sides, creating an immersive, time-travel atmosphere that makes for stunning photos.

Don't miss Qingyan Tofu. Braised pork trotters are 38 per serving, and "Jinbixuan" offers cake porridge for just over 10 yuan—perfect for an afternoon snack.

MeituShuo ReminderQingyan Main Street gets crowded on weekends. For a quieter experience, visit on weekday mornings or arrive before 8 AM before tour groups arrive.

Avoid These PitfallsPark at the lot outside the scenic area for 10 per entry. Don't trust touts on the roadside claiming they can bypass ticket gates via a shortcut; it actually adds 20 minutes to your trip.

Zhenyuan Ancient City: Stay overnight to see the highlights.

Zhenyuan is in Qiandongnan. Take the high-speed train from Guiyang to Kaili South Station (2 hours), then transfer to Zhenyuan (40 minutes). By private car via expressway, it takes 3.5 hours.

Zhenyuan is a historic city with over 2000 years of history. The Wuyang River winds through it in an S-shape, dividing the old town on the north bank from the new town on the south. From Shiping Mountain, the entire ancient city resembles a Tai Chi diagram. Entry to the ancient town is free; Shiping Mountain admission costs 60, and boat tours on the Wuyang River cost 80. We recommend visiting Shiping Mountain at 4 PM to watch the sunset, strolling along the river in the evening, and enjoying the reflection of the lights on both banks on the water—that's the true essence of Zhenyuan.

Stay at Beian Riverside Inn, rooms from 200 to 400 per night with views of the Wuyang River. For dining, Zhenyuan's sour soup fish is more authentic than Kaili's—try "Miao Boma Red Sour Soup" (average 60 to 80 per person). In spring, don't miss she fan—a local favorite made with glutinous rice, cured pork, and wild garlic for just 5 a portion.

MeituShuo ReminderZhenyuan is best enjoyed with an overnight stay; rushing through in a day trip isn't worth it. We typically arrive the afternoon before and depart by noon the next day—perfect timing.

Longli Ancient City: A living fossil of military settlements from 600 years ago

Longli is in Jinping County. It's a 2.5-hour drive from Zhenyuan via winding mountain roads. Take motion sickness medication beforehand if you're prone to it.

Longli was a Ming Dynasty military garrison. 600 years later, descendants still speak the dialect and keep the customs of their ancestral home in Jiangxi—using Gan language, celebrating the March 3rd Festival, and performing Han opera. You won't find another place like this anywhere in China. Admission is 40 yuan. There are no commercial streets or bars, only a few elderly residents living in old houses. The city wall remains intact; all 4 gates are accessible, and the original plaques above them are still in place. When we bring guests to Longli, our strongest impression is its quietness—so quiet you can hear your own footsteps.

Longli has no proper restaurants, so lunch is at a local's home with farm-style dishes. Please notify in advance; prices range from 30 to 40 per person. The vegetables are homegrown, and the chickens roam free. It tastes far better than city restaurants.

Avoid These PitfallsThere are no hotels in Longli, only 1 rustic farmhouses. We recommend a round-trip chartered car from Zhenyuan for the day. If you must stay overnight, please inform us in advance so we can contact the village head to arrange clean rooms.

How to best order the three ancient towns

3 Days Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Guiyang, visit Qingyan after lunch, return to Guiyang by evening. Day 2: Take a private car or high-speed train to Zhenyuan; arrive and stay overnight. Day 3: Depart Zhenyuan in the morning for Longli, return to Zhenyuan afterward; head back in the evening or continue exploring Qiandongnan.

For a 5-day itinerary, spend an extra day in Zhenyuan and visit Yunzhushan in Shibing or the Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village on your way.

For private car hire starting from Guiyang, 3 days costs approximately 2400 to 3000 (for a 7-seater business van), including fuel, tolls, and driver accommodation/meals. Given the mountainous roads in Southeast Guizhou, hiring a local driver who knows the routes is more convenient than self-driving.

Read more

• Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village vs. Zhaoxing Dong Village: Which one should you visit?

• Off-the-beaten-path Guizhou Itinerary: Jiabang Rice Terraces & Zhenyuan Secret Deep Dive

• How to plan a 5-day trip to Guizhou on your first visit

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