Plan your Guiyang tour? As the capital city of Guizhou Province, Guiyang is basically used as a transit place for further diving into the beautiful Guizhou with colorful ethnic minority diversity and sublime karst landscapes. But Guiyang itself has some interesting places which can keep you busy for a day trip. Qingyan Ancient Town, 30 km south of the city is highly recommended.
Qingyan Ancient Town was once strategically situated in a busy area that served as a trade hub for the three provinces – Guizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi. In Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644), the first emperor of Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to tighten control over the far-flung areas and ordered the construction of Qingyan town in 1378.
Originally it was an earth rammed town. After being repaired and rebuilt for several times, it became an stone town with stone city walls and streets. It is a typical town in Ming and Qing dynasties, a smaller Pingyao ancient city. There are four main streets – North Street, South Street, East Street and West Street crisscrossed by plentiful lanes with buildings ornately and elaborately designed and built.
What makes the town unique is the peaceful coexistence of the three religions – Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and Christianity. You see the intricately built temples and churches
Entrance Fee: 10 Yuan
Through Ticket: 80 Yuan
Note: The town is charged for 10 yuan; if you want to go inside some of the old buildings like the temples, churches and old structures, you need to buy a combo ticket.
How to get there?
1) Public Transport: Take the bus 203 from Guiyang Railway Station and get off at the 27th stop ( the last bus but the third stop ) of Sheng Dang Xiao 省党校, then wait and change for Bus 210 heading to the parking lot close to the West Entrance to Qingyan Ancient Town. After visiting the old town, exit from the west gate and take the same Bus 210 and get off at the 4th stop of Sheng Dang Xiao 省党校, wait and change for Bus 203 back to Guiyang Railway Station. Single way: one and half hour. Be ready for 2 yuan for the bus fare and no change due to the self-service.
2) Taxi: 30 km, 70 yuan single way, 1 hour.
Now follow me to have a glimpse of the ancient town.
The Bus 210 is waiting at the parking lot close to the West Entrance to Qingyan Ancient Town.
Standing on the south gate and look at the restored city wall
At the end of the South Street, you will see a magnificent Centenarian Memorial Archway of Zha Lilun. Originally set up in 1843, it is 9.5 meters high and 9 meters wide with four pillars.
Walking on the south street with stone flagged road flanked by one- or two-story wood-framed houses. Most of the street-front housed are rented for commerce – shops and restaurants.
The building of the Christian Church on the South Street.
The north entrance to Qingyan Ancient Town.
The Longquan Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the town. It is located at the end of the Northern Gate to the town.
Strolling along the north street.
The Wanshou Palace, a Taoist Temple in Qingyan on the West Street.
The Catholic Church is located on a side lane from the West Street.
There are a rich variey of local products like pot-stewed pigs’ trotters, Qingyan Tofu, Rose Sugar, Rice Jelly, Shuanghua Vinegar and many more.
There are also many silver artwork shops. An old silversmith is working at his silver shop.
Tip: Hassle-free Escorted Guizhou
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself bus route and prefer the hassle-free guided tours, here are some options for guided tours to Guizhou:
Further Readings
Top 10 Attractions in Guizhou
How to Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall
How to Get to Qingyan Ancient Town
How to Get to Xijiang 1000-Household Miao Village
When is the Best Time to Visit Guizhou?
Any questions, just drop a line.