Qingyan Ancient Town

Chinese Name: 青岩古镇
Add: 贵阳市花溪区青岩镇
Ticket: 80 CNY
Attractions Level: AAAAA
Opening Time: 08:00-21:30
Tel: (+0086) 4001169666

Qingyan Ancient Town

Qingyan Ancient Town is located in Huaxi District, southern suburbs of Guiyang City, and is known as the four major ancient towns in Guizhou along with Zhenyuan, Bing’an, and Longli. The ancient town was first built in the Ming Dynasty and was originally a military fortress. A large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties were well preserved in the town. The filming of the movie “Gun Hunting” made Qingyan Ancient Town well-known to more people.

The architecture Style Characteristic

The architecture of the ancient town is situated on the mountain, and the city walls are built on cliffs with giant stones. There are four city gates in the east, west, south, and north. The exquisite stone and wood carving techniques of the town’s architecture are a major attraction. Most of the attractions in the town are ancient buildings with different styles, and each attraction is charged separately. If you come for the first time, you can purchase a joint ticket to sweep through all the attractions in the ancient city. If you are just spending your time leisurely in the ancient city, you can choose several attractions to purchase separately according to your needs.

Dingguang Gate

Dingguang Gate, the south gate of the ancient town, is one of the four major city gates with grand momentum. In history, it was the first gate to guard the south gate of Guiyang. The towering and majestic city gate tower and walls made of giant stones, along with the winding stone roads and farmland on both sides outside the city, create a magnificent painting. Many promotional photos of Qingyan Ancient Town are from here.

into the ancient town

Walking along the Dingguang Gate into the ancient town, the first thing you see is Zhao Lilun’s Centenary Square. The memorial archway was built by the Emperor Guangdi of the Qing Dynasty. What’s strange is that the Chinese guardian lions carved on the four columns is very unusual, which is different from what you usually see. Along the ancient post road paved with stone slabs, there are almost all shops selling local specialties on both sides of the street. Special snacks such as braised pig feet, roasted tofu, and rose sugar also have unique flavors. If you are tired, you can stop and buy some to try.

The main street

The ancient post road winding north from the south gate to the north gate is not only the central axis of the ancient town, but also the main street. The main street is bounded by the ancient cultural square in the center of the ancient town, known as North Street to the north and South Street to the south. The intersection with the main street leads to East Street to the east and West Street to the west. Heading east along East Street, you can reach Wenchang Pavilion. Located at 143 East Street, Wenchang Pavilion was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, with a brick and wood structure built against the mountain. It is in the octagonal style of Zanjiao Chonglou. It is a place where scholars used to read, gather and worship the Wenchang Wang. If you are interested, you can also worship.

Heading west from the main street

Heading west from the main street, you can reach various religious buildings with different styles, such as Yingxiang Temple, Ciyun Temple, Wanshou Palace, and Catholic Church. They all have their own unique features and are meticulously crafted, making them a good place for tourists to take photos. There is a quiet alley between South Street and West Street, called Back Street. Back Street is a unique stone alley in Qingyan Ancient Town. After hundreds of years of erosion and grinding, the bluestone slabs on the road surface have become recognizable, shining like a mirror with a green and black light, feeling deep and peaceful. The streets are lined with courtyard walls built with layers of stones, and the road is narrow and quiet, undulating along the mountains, making it the location for photography.

no worry about getting lost

The streets and alleys of Qingyan Ancient Town are deep and winding, but there are signs on the main street and every important intersection. Moreover, most alleys can be taken back to the main street, so there is no need to worry about getting lost while walking through the ancient town. Generally speaking, walking around the ancient town takes about 2 hours, so there is no need to stay in the town.