The Most Beautiful Ancient Town in China! Zhenyuan Ancient Town Travel Guide & Food Tour

❤️Tired of crowds? Come to Zhenyuan Ancient Town in Guizhou! 🚩 Here, you'll find no over-commercialization—just the lively Wuyang River flowing through the town, the authentic charm of ancient alleys, and unforgettable local delicacies. This quick guide will help you hit the highlights!

❤️📍 Key Highlights: ❤️

🚩Scenic Harmony: 🚩 The Wuyang River winds through the town in an "S" shape, with ancient buildings nestled between mountains and water—unique and soothing.
🚩Authentic Atmosphere: 🚩 A strong local vibe, as residents still live here—not just a hollow tourist spot.
🚩Leisurely Pace: 🚩 Perfect for strolling, daydreaming, or sipping tea while soaking in the slow passage of time.

🚗 Transportation Tips 🚗

🚗Train is Easiest: 🚄 Take the train to 🚄"Zhenyuan Station"🚄, then a taxi or bus (10-15 mins) to the town center.
🚩Driving: 🚩 Navigate to "Zhenyuan Ancient Town" and park outside the scenic area—explore on foot afterward.

🏞️ Must-Visit Spots (Easy Walk): 🚩

1. 🚩Wuyang Riverside: 🚩 Strolling along the river is a must! Enjoy emerald waters by day and dazzling light reflections at night (spectacular views!).
2. 🚩Zhusheng Bridge: 🚩 The town’s landmark, with the Kuixing Pavilion as the prime photo spot—magical when lit at dusk.
3. 🚩Qinglongdong Ancient Architecture Complex: 🚩 A stunning cliffside temple complex (blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism)—impressive even from afar (tickets available for entry).
4. 🚩Ancient Alleys: 🚩 Sifangjing Lane, Renshou Lane, Fuxing Lane... 🚩 Wander any alley for flagstone paths, old gates, and red lanterns. Don’t miss the ancient well at 🚩Sifangjing🚩.

🍜 Must-Try Foods! (Here’s the highlight!) 🚩

Zhenyuan’s cuisine is sour, spicy, and bursting with Qiandongnan flavors—all at great value!

🚩1. Sour Soup Fish/Beef: 🚩
🚩Why Try? 🚩 The soul of local food! A Miao-Dong specialty with fermented rice or tomato-based "red sour soup"—tangy, spicy, and appetite-whetting, with tender fish/beef.
🚩Where? 🚩 Lianghuanzhai or Miaoboma—both are renowned for their red sour soup.
2. Tofu Delicacies: 🚩
🚩Why Try? 🚩 Zhenyuan’s tofu is famous! Must-haves include 🚩"Tofu Pudding"🚩 (savory-spicy, topped with soybeans, chili oil, and scallions) and 🚩"Fried Jueba"🚩 (crispy outside, chewy inside, often sold with tofu balls).
🚩Where? 🚩 Yuanjia Tofu (deep in Fuxing Lane, serving great tofu pudding, balls, and fried Jueba in an old-house setting) or riverside stalls.
🚩3. Dao Cai Braised Pork:
🚩Why Try? 🚩 Zhenyuan’s specialty "Dao Cai" (aged preserved vegetables) slow-steamed with pork—tender, fragrant, and rich without greasiness.
🚩Where? 🚩 Available at most local restaurants—don’t skip it!
🚩4. Alley Rice Wine: 🚩
🚩Why Try? 🚩 Many households brew sweet, low-alcohol glutinous rice wine—perfect with meals.
🚩Where? 🚩 Sold by grannies in alleys or at restaurants.
🚩5. Riverside Grilled Fish/BBQ 🍡
❤️Why Try? ❤️ At night, the riverbank comes alive with BBQ stalls. Try local grilled fish (often with konjac and veggies), paired with drinks and a breeze.
❤️Where? ❤️ Near Xin Daqiao’s riverside night market.

🩷🩷📝 Pro Tips ❤️❤️

❤️Stay: ❤️ Highly recommend overnight! Choose a riverside room or an alley guesthouse for serene mornings and glittering nights.
❤️Pace: ❤️ No rush—slow walks, eating, and riverside relaxation are the way to go.
❤️Footwear: ❤️ Alleys have flagstones and steps—wear comfy shoes!
❤️Timing: ❤️ 1-2 days suffice. Dawn and dusk are the best times.

✨✨In a Nutshell: ❤️ Zhenyuan—a millennia-old town wrapped in mountains, rivers, and rich flavors. Slow down, wander the Wuyang River, dive into alleys, and savor its tangy-spicy delights!

❤️❤️Wishing you a leisurely, delicious journey in Zhenyuan! ❤️❤️