[Guiyang Qingyan Ancient Town] Ultimate Travel Guide | A Journey Through the Secret Realm of a 600-Year-Old Military Fortress

#Sign up for TripBest July Hotel Tester - **The first of the four ancient towns in Guizhou**: the ruins of a military fortress during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty - **The slate streets are super fun**: the whole town is paved with bluestone slabs, which is more artistic on rainy days - **The filming location of "Looking for the Gun"**: a must-visit for movie fans! **Minority Culture**: Experience the authentic culture of the Miao and Buyi peoples 🕒 Best Time to Visit - **Before 8 AM**: Avoid the crowds and witness the morning mist surrounding the ancient town - **March-April**: Rapeseed fields surround the ancient town, creating a truly magical experience - **Avoid Weekends**: A popular weekend outing for Guiyang residents 🎫 Ticket Guide - **Ancient Town Ticket: 10 NT$ (shopping only) - **Combo Ticket: 60 NT$ (includes the city wall, Confucian Temple, and other attractions) - **Free Nighttime Admission** (entry after 5:30 PM, but attractions are closed) 🚶♂️ Recommended Must-See Itineraries **Classic Half-Day Tour**: 1. Dingguang Gate (Panoramic view from the main city gate) 2. Back Street (Shiban Lane, the filming location for "The Gun") 3. Wenchang Pavilion (View Ming Dynasty architecture) 4. Zhao Lilun Centennial Archway (Qing Dynasty memorial archway) **In-Depth Tour**: - Climb the city wall (for a panoramic view of the ancient town) - Wear Miao costumes and take photos (rental fee: 30 MOP/set) - Make glutinous rice cakes (made on site) 📸 Check-in Hotspots ✅ Dingguangmen Tower (best spot for aerial photography) ✅ Backstreets and stone alleys (perfect for photos with the interplay of light and shadow) ✅ Wanshou Palace (Taoist architectural details) ✅ Ancient Post Road (still retaining horseshoe prints) 🍜 Foodie Must-Tries 1. **Qingyan Pork Knuckle** (secret braising recipe passed down for centuries) 2. **Rose Candy** (made with local roses) 3. **Chicken and Chili** (vacuum-packed to take home) 4. **Tofu Dumplings** (crispy on the outside, tender on the inside) 💡 Experienced Driver Tips 1. Wear non-slip shoes (the cobblestones are slippery in rainy weather) 2. Buy a combined ticket for a better deal (buying individual attractions individually will cost more) 3. Enter through the South Gate and exit through the North Gate (avoid backtracking) 4. Bring cash (only cash is accepted in small shops) 🚌 Getting There - Bus No. 210 (departs from Riverside Park Station) - Self-driving: Approximately 1 hour (parking lot 10 NT$/day) - Taxi: Approximately 80 NT$ (departs from Guiyang City) Fun Facts: - The cracks in the city wall are sealed with glutinous rice paste and lime. - It was an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road during the Ming and Qing dynasties. - Zhejiang University was relocated here during the Anti-Japanese War. Notes: - Signage is limited within the scenic area; save a map on your phone. - The area is heavily commercialized; explore the alleys for more charm. - Be cautious when purchasing Miao silver jewelry (not all are handmade). Remember that Qingyan is most beautiful in the early morning and evening; don't treat it like a typical shopping street.