Wujiang Stockade Travel Guide: Encounter the Poetic Watertown of Northern Guizhou
Wujiang Stockade, a hidden gem in Shangji Town of Bozhou District, Zunyi, Guizhou, unfolds like a scroll of landscape painting, combining the enchanting scenery of northern Guizhou, profound historical heritage, and colorful folk customs that captivate the imagination.
I. Attraction Introduction
Stepping into Wujiang Stockade feels like entering a world where simplicity and poetry intertwine.
Huilong Tower: A seven-level white enclosed-eave stone tower with a hexagonal base, standing proudly on the mountaintop as the landmark of Wujiang Stockade. Viewed from a distance, it blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, possessing both a secluded character and integration with the land, adding mystery and solemnity to Wujiang Stockade.
Ancient Tea Horse Road: This ancient path carries the prosperity of tea and horse trading between inland and frontier regions of the past. Walking along it, you can almost hear the sound of hoofbeats and see the caravans passing by, experiencing that glorious commercial history.
Riverside Fish Market: Full of everyday life atmosphere, the outdoor fishing experience area lets you feel the joy of harvest, market stalls are filled with fresh catches, and the bustling marketplace and fresh fish areas are filled with lively bargaining.
Chen Ancestral Hall: Built to commemorate Chen Yujie, the Zunyi prefect of the early Qianlong period in the Qing Dynasty, completed in the 29th year of Daoguang. The architectural complex consists of a brick and stone archway, covered corridor, wing rooms, ancestral hall, stele corridor, and pavilion, covering about 1,000 square meters, with ornate beams and painted rafters telling stories of the past.
Assembly Hall: Formerly the Sichuan-Guizhou Guild Hall, it was once a place where locals and merchants gathered to discuss matters, embodying the wisdom and communication of ancestors, still retaining its simplicity and dignity today.
Sun Drum Formation: The most sacred sacrificial instrument of the Miao people, the sun drum is regarded as the incarnation of deities, carrying beautiful wishes for prosperity and good harvests for the village, bringing mysterious ethnic colors to Wujiang Stockade.
Wujiang Post Office: A typical Republican-era building with brick and tile structure paired with Western-style cast iron gates, featuring a unique blend of Chinese and Western styles. Send a postcard from here and let your thoughts travel along the ancient postal routes.
Heping Dye House: Built in the mid-late Qing Dynasty, it adopts a "one shop, one workshop" model. The front shop displays exquisite textiles for purchase, while the back workshop showcases the batik crafting process of northern Guizhou. You can even make your own batik to take home as a unique memory of northern Guizhou.
II. Activities
1. Daytime activities: Ride a sculling boat along the Wujiang River, enjoying the green mountains and clear waters on both banks and the stilt houses scattered along the way, feeling the pleasant breeze on your face; participate in intangible cultural heritage experiences, learn batik techniques at Heping Dye House, dye blue and white handkerchiefs with indigo root, or make floral paper at Wujiang Paper Workshop, preserving wildflowers in traditional paper pulp to create beautiful lanterns or bookmarks.
2. Nighttime activities: The drone light show is a visual feast not to be missed, with 1,000 drones coordinating with musical fountains in the night sky, forming various stunning patterns and the words "Wujiang Stockade," as if bringing down the stars; join the bonfire party, dance around the fire with Miao people, experience the lively "High Mountains Flowing Water" toasting ceremony, and feel the hospitality of ethnic minorities; you can also listen to folk songs at a riverside bar, have a drink, and enjoy the beautiful night scenery in a slightly tipsy state.
III. Transportation Guide
1. High-speed rail: First arrive at Zunyi South Station, then take a taxi for about 15 minutes to reach the West Gate entrance, costing about 30 yuan.
2. Self-driving: From Guiyang, drive along the Yu-Zu Expressway to the Shangji exit, then navigate to "Wujiang Stockade East Gate." The scenic area provides free parking.
3. Direct bus: Take the scenic area direct bus from Zunyi Station or Maocaopu Bus Station, 30 yuan per person, reaching the scenic area in about 1 hour.
4. Transportation within the scenic area: Free shuttle buses run between the East and West Gates (20 yuan per person), or you can choose to walk for 15 minutes on the stone path, experiencing the local atmosphere along the way; sculling boats cost 60 yuan per person, and rowing on the river in the early morning mist is like entering an ink painting.
IV. Food Recommendations
1. Yelang Jelly: Brown sugar jelly paired with crispy toppings, refreshingly sweet and cool, perfect for hot weather.
2. Northern Guizhou Rice Noodles: A favorite of Zunyi locals, spicy and flavorful with rich rice aroma.
3. Grilled Yellow Croaker: Skewered on tamarisk branches, with crispy skin and juicy tender meat, unforgettably delicious.
4. Eight-Way Banquet: A distinctive feast featuring performances from eight ethnic groups paired with eight specialty dishes, 398 yuan for a four-person set (reservation required), allowing you to experience diverse ethnic cultures while enjoying delicious food.
5. Boat Breakfast: A unique experience including bamboo tube rice, iced bayberry juice, etc., 68 yuan per person, enjoying breakfast on a boat while appreciating the morning scenery of Wujiang Stockade.
V. Accommodation Suggestions
1. Miao King Hotel: Excellent location with scenic rooms overlooking the entire Wujiang Stockade, including breakfast for two and free Miao costume experience, plus VIP views of the drone performance, about 800 yuan per night.
2. Mushan Hotel: Features an infinity pool and floating afternoon tea, with river views right outside your window, 699 yuan per night (including admission ticket), allowing you to fully enjoy a leisurely vacation.
3. Huilong Bay Stilt Houses: Built along the river, fall asleep to the sound of flowing water, 150 yuan per person during low season (including admission ticket), offering a unique watertown accommodation experience.
4. Qian Academy Guesthouse: Full of ancient scholarly atmosphere, quiet environment, very suitable for families, about 600 yuan per night.
VI. Itinerary Planning
Two-day, One-night Itinerary
- Day 1: Enter the scenic area from the East Gate, first visit Yalu King Gallery Bridge to appreciate the unique architecture and beautiful scenery, capture reflections of stilt houses during the blue hour (even more charming on rainy days); then head to Heping Dye House to experience batik and feel the charm of intangible cultural heritage; afterward, go to the terraced field viewing platform (during the May-June irrigation period, the terraces are like mirrors, and when lit up in the evening, taking photos in Hanfu is especially photogenic); watch the drone light show and bonfire party at night to experience the lively atmosphere of Wujiang Stockade, then check in at Miao King Hotel.
- Day 2: Take an early morning misty boat ride to experience the serene beauty of Wujiang Stockade in the haze; then tour the Wujiang Gallery, taking a boat to admire the magnificent karst canyon scenery; afterward, participate in intangible heritage crafts such as floral papermaking at Wujiang Paper Workshop; finally, return home with wonderful memories.
Three-day, Two-night Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive at Wujiang Stockade East Gate, check in and rest briefly, explore the core scenic area, take photos at Yalu King Gallery Bridge, and enjoy the surrounding landscape; visit the riverside fish market to experience local life; spend the evening at a characteristic bar, listening to music and enjoying leisure time, then stay at Mushan Hotel.
- Day 2: Experience Song Dynasty tea ceremony and taste traditional tea culture; take a sculling boat tour of Wujiang Stockade for a comprehensive view of the scenery; try single-bamboo rafting, experiencing a northern Guizhou folk skill; watch the musical water show at night, then participate in the bonfire party, singing and dancing with everyone.
- Day 3: Visit Chen Ancestral Hall and Assembly Hall to learn about the history and culture of Wujiang Stockade; participate in intangible heritage crafts at Heping Dye House and Wujiang Paper Workshop; pack your luggage in the afternoon and leave Wujiang Stockade with wonderful memories.
VII. Travel Tips
1. Ticket information: Adult tickets are 120 yuan during peak season, children under 1.2 meters are free; booking online one day in advance is usually more economical.
2. Outfit suggestions: Wearing Hanfu or ethnic costumes is recommended, with rental services available in the scenic area for about 30 yuan per set, making photos more attractive.
3. Travel reminders: For sculling boats, choose the "Taiyi Pavilion Dock" schedule to avoid peak crowds; it's best to book intangible heritage experience activities in advance to avoid waiting in line; wear non-slip shoes as the ground near the river can be slippery; be careful when taking photos at night and stay away from the water's edge.