Ancient Town of Zhenyuan

Ancient Town of Zhenyuan

The Ancient Town of Zhenyuan is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Ancient Town of Zhenyuan is a famous town in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is located on the banks of the Wujiang River, surrounded by mountains. The winding river cuts through the town in an “S” shape. The northern bank was the old prefectural city, while the southern bank was the old garrison town. From a distance, it resembles the pattern of a Taiji diagram. Both towns were built during the Ming Dynasty, and parts of their walls and gates still remain. There are many ancient buildings, traditional residences, and historical docks in and around the town. Zhenyuan Ancient Town enjoys convenient transportation and a superior location. The Hunan-Guizhou Railway, Zhuzhou-Liuzhou Double Track, National Highway 320, and Shanghai-Kunming Expressway all pass through the area. It is respectively 90 km from Tongren, 170 km from Zhijiang in Hunan, and 270 km from Guiyang Airport. The county borders Xinhuang in Hunan to the east, Sansui and Jianhe to the south, Shibing to the west, and Cengong and Shiqian in the Tongren region to the north. It has long been known as the “Key to Yunnan and Chu, and the Gateway to Eastern Guizhou.” Zhenyuan has a long history, having been established as a county in the 30th year of King Zhao of Qin (277 BC), boasting a history of 2,281 years. It served as the seat of Dao and Fu for over 700 years during the Yuan and Qing Dynasties.

Historical records indicate that Zhenyuan was anciently called “Shu Yan Da Tian Xi Dong,” belonging to the “Gui Fang.” From the Xia to the Shang dynasties, it was inhabited by the southwestern regions of Jing and Liang prefectures, referred to as the “Jing Man.” Tracing back to its origins, ancient Zhenyuan was located at the junction where the “Five Creek Barbarians” and the “Baiyue People” once settled.

In November of the sixth year of the Baoyou era of the Song Dynasty (1258 AD), Huangping City was built and named Zhenyuan Zhou, marking the beginning of the name Zhenyuan.

In the first year of the Deyou era (1275 AD), the Zhenyuan Yanbian Xidong Zhaotao Shi Si (Zhenyuan Border Creek Pacification Commissioner) was established. In the 20th year of the Yuan Dynasty’s Zhiyuan era (1283 AD), it was changed to a Zongguan Fu (General Administration Office), and in the second year of the Zhizheng era (1365 AD), it became a Fu.

In the fourth year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1371 AD), it was changed to a Zhou, and in the 11th year of the Yongle era (1412 AD), it became Zhenyuan Fu. In the third year of the Zhengtong era (1438 AD), Zhenyuan Zhou was abolished in May. In the 11th year of the Hongzhi era (1446 AD), Zhenyuan County was established, under the jurisdiction of Zhenyuan Fu. In the 29th year of the Wanli era (1601 AD), it was changed to Zhenyuan Wei.

In the 22nd year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1683 AD), the Wei was merged into the County.

In the first year of the Xuantong era (1909 AD), the county was abolished, and its territory came under direct jurisdiction of the Fu. It was restored as a county in 1913. Zhenyuan has long been known as the “Key to Yunnan and Chu, and the Gateway to Eastern Guizhou.” Historical texts state: “To control Yunnan and Chu, one must occupy Zhenyuan; to access Yunnan and Guizhou, one must first hold Zhenyuan.” Due to its strategic location and treacherous terrain, it was considered extremely important to control, hence the name. According to page 392 of the Guizhou General Annals: “In the sixth year of the Baoyou era of Emperor Lizong of the Song Dynasty (1258 AD), in November. The imperial edict stated: The newly built Huangping was named Zhenyuan Zhou, and Lü Fengnian was promoted one rank.” This marks the beginning of the name Zhenyuan.

Zhenyuan is an ancient town of the Miao people with a long history. During the Western Han Dynasty, it belonged to the Wuling Commandery. In the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Yuanyang County was established. During the Sui and Tang Dynasties, it was called Zijiang County. In the first year of the Shaoxing era of Emperor Gaozu of the Song Dynasty, Zhenyuan Zhou was established. In the 18th year of the Zhiyuan era of Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty, the Zhenyuan Yanbian Xidong Zhaotao Si was established, later changed to the Junmin Zongguan Fu. In the fifth year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, it was changed to Zhenyuan Zhou, under the jurisdiction of Huguang. In the 11th year of the Yongle era, Zhenyuan Fu was established, under the jurisdiction of Guizhou. The Qing Dynasty followed the Ming system. In the early years of the Republic of China, Zhenyuan Dao was established.

On November 8, 1949, Zhenyuan was liberated and became the seat of the Zhenyuan Special Administrative Region.

In 1956, the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture was established, with Zhenyuan as its capital.

In 1958, the prefectural capital was moved to Kaili, and Zhenyuan was changed back to a county.

In 1986, it was listed as a National Historical and Cultural City by the State Council.

This ancient town with a history of over 2,000 years is located along the key route into Guizhou. It boasts abundant tourism resources, numerous cultural relics, and beautiful natural scenery. Within the Ancient Town of Zhenyuan alone, there are over 50 ancient structures including towers, pavilions, halls, temples, shrines, and guildhalls, 33 ancient residences, 12 ancient docks, 8 ancient lanes, and 5 ancient post roads. Among them, there is 1 national key cultural relics protection unit and 7 provincial key cultural relics protection units.

This ancient town with a history of over 2,000 years is located along the key route into Guizhou. It boasts abundant tourism resources, numerous cultural relics, and beautiful natural scenery. Within the Ancient Town of Zhenyuan alone, there are over 50 ancient structures including towers, pavilions, halls, temples, shrines, and guildhalls, 33 ancient residences, 12 ancient docks, 8 ancient lanes, and 5 ancient post roads. Among them, there is 1 national key cultural relics protection unit and 7 provincial key cultural relics protection units.

Time Needed

3–5 hours

Transportation

1. Self-guided: Take a train from Guiyang to Zhenyuan. There are about 20 trains daily, with a journey of about 4 hours. After arriving, take Bus No. 1 from the Zhenyuan Bus Station or Train Station to the County Party Committee and County Government stop. The fare is 2 RMB.

2. Self-driving: You can take the expressway from Sansui to Liping, which has good road conditions.

Ticket

The ancient town is free. Ferry crossing costs 0.5 RMB per trip per person (1 RMB after 18:00). Water cruise boats: large boat 80 RMB per person, small boat 60 RMB per person.

Opening Hours

All day

Location

Ancient Town of Zhenyuan, Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou

Further Reading:

·The 35th Batch of National 5A-Level Tourist Attractions (January 2020)