Qingyan Ancient Town

Tours to Qingyan Ancient Town usually start in Guiyang and can be part of a day tour including spots such as Jiaxiu Tower, the wetlands at Huaxi Park, and Qianling Park. Your guide takes you through the ancient town, along stone walkways, pointing out notable architecture along the way. See the four original gates and the original stone tablets signifying Qingyan Ancient Town and learn about the culture several centuries ago, and how life goes on in the city today.

• Come hungry in order to try local snacks such as Qingyan tofu, rice tofu, pig’s feet, and rose sugar.

• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking on some uneven surfaces.

• Be prepared for a blend of religions—Buddhists, Taoists, Christians, and Catholics all live in this ancient city.

There are a few ways to get to Qingyan Ancient Town. From Guiyang, you can take a bus or a coach either from Hebin Park or Guiyang Coach Station. They both take around an hour. Avoid the hassle, and the language barrier, and book a tour that includes transportation. This way you can stop when you like and visit some other attractions in the area, too.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, since the weather will be the most temperate. They are the busiest, however. Winters are chilly and summers are hot. You still can visit the town during those seasons, just make sure to dress accordingly. Also avoid the first weeks of May and October as they are national holidays and the entire country is on vacation, causing attractions and public transportation to be extremely crowded.

There’s plenty to buy in Qingyan Ancient Town, from street food to cultural souvenirs, so make sure to bring some spare yuan. In local markets, Chinese people never settle on the first price offered. Instead, play the game and do some haggling. Practice up on your Chinese numbers, or get your local guide to help you, and have a little fun trying to whittle down the price in a lighthearted manner.