Qingyan Ancient Town
青岩古镇 · Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
Founded in the early Ming dynasty as a military garrison fortress, Qingyan Ancient Town is now a maze of stone lanes, city gates, temples and churches — the best-known old town in Guiyang's southern suburbs.
Know before you go
- Carving on the walls of old buildings
- lingering at residents' doors
- making noise in religious sites
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A Ming Garrison
In the early Ming dynasty Qingyan was a military outpost held by troops. The fortress was built for the garrison, and only later, as merchants and travellers gathered, did it grow into a market town south of Guiyang.
History
Guizhou's First Top Scholar
In the late Qing dynasty, Zhao Yijiong of Qingyan came first in the imperial examination, becoming the first zhuangyuan (top civil scholar) in Guizhou's history. His former residence still stands in the town.
History
Zhejiang University Moves West
During the War of Resistance against Japan, Zhejiang University moved west to keep teaching, and Qingyan was one of the places where it settled for a time.
Source: Chinawiki: Qingyan Ancient Town
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Qingyan Ancient Town lies in Huaxi District, in the southern suburbs of Guiyang, and takes its name from the local blue-green rock. It was founded in the eleventh year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming dynasty (1378) and has gates on its east, west, south and north sides. Historic buildings include the North Gate, the Dingguang Gate and the former residence of Zhao Yijiong. Besides temples and ancestral halls, the town has a Protestant church and a Catholic church, and several faiths coexist here. In February 2017 Qingyan Ancient Town was rated a national 5A tourist attraction.
Local customs
- Walk the stone lanes and see the Dingguang Gate and the North Gate
- visit the former residence of Zhao Yijiong (the Zhuangyuan Mansion)
- try tofu balls, braised pig's trotters, rose sugar and Shuanghua vinegar
- sit in one of the town's teahouses in the evening.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Carving on the walls of old buildings
- lingering at residents' doors
- making noise in religious sites
Locals appreciate DO
- Keep quiet in temples and churches
- check whether photography is allowed before taking pictures
- order snacks in sensible amounts and do not waste food
- respect vendors and residents
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The town is mostly paved with stone, so wear comfortable non-slip shoes
- ticket prices follow the scenic area's official information
- summer is rainy, so bring rain gear
- snacks are made and sold on the spot, so mind food hygiene.
- Take a bus from downtown Guiyang to Qingyan Ancient Town in Huaxi District, about half an hour away
- return bus times follow local information. Spring and autumn are best for strolling
- after summer rain the stone lanes are cool
- winter has fewer visitors.
Photos
Photos
xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0
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xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0
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