Qingyan

The Stone Fortress of the South

1.Located in the Huaxi District of Guiyang: City, Guizhou Province, Qingyan Ancient Town is a spectacular historical gem situated approximately 29 kilometers from the city center. Perched at an altitude of about 1,080 meters, this 600-year-old settlement is widely celebrated as "Guizhou's First Ancient Town". Unlike the wooden stilted houses found in Miao villages, Qingyan is a fortress built of stone. It is a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction and a designated Historic and Cultural Town of China, renowned for its labyrinthine stone alleys, well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, and a unique atmosphere that blends military fortitude with cultural diversity.

A History Carved in Stone

2.The history of: Qingyan dates back to the 10th year of the Hongwu reign in the Ming Dynasty (1378). It was originally established as a military fortress, or "Tunbao," by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang to secure the southwestern borders and facilitate the "Transferring the North to Conquer the South" strategy. Originally an earthen city, it was later fortified with stone walls during the Wanli era, evolving into a formidable stronghold with four gates, nine streets, and eighteen lanes. The town gets its name, "Qingyan" (Green Rock), from the abundant blue-grey limestone used to construct its walls, streets, and houses, creating a cool and defensive environment that has withstood centuries of weathering.

A Melting Pot of Faith and Culture

One of the most fascinating aspects of Qingyan Ancient Town is its extraordinary religious tolerance. Within this small area of about 3 square kilometers, four major religions—Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, and Christianity—coexist harmoniously. Visitors can explore a rich tapestry of spiritual sites, including the "Nine Temples and Eight Shrines," alongside Western-style structures like the Catholic Church and the Christian Gospel Church. This cultural fusion is complemented by the town's scholarly heritage; it is the hometown of Zhao Yijiong, the first "Zhuangyuan" (top scholar in the imperial examination) in Guizhou history. The Zhao Yijiong Residence remains a must-visit site, displaying the plaque "First Family of Guizhou" and offering a glimpse into the region's glorious educational past.

Architectural and Photographic Highlights

For photographers and history buffs, Qingyan is a paradise of textures and light.

• 3.The City Walls: The defensive stone walls stretch for about 2 kilometers. Climbing the Dingguang Gate offers a panoramic view of the town's layout against the backdrop of the plateau.
• 4.Back Street (Bei Jie): This narrow, winding alley is the most iconic spot in town. Flanked by weathered stone walls and paved with flagstones, the play of light and shadow here creates a time-tunnel effect, making it perfect for photography, especially for visitors wearing traditional Hanfu.
• 5.Diverse Architecture: From the intricate wood carvings of the Wanshou Palace to the Gothic touches on the churches, the town is a living museum of architectural styles.

A Culinary Journey

6.No visit to: Qingyan is complete without tasting its famous local snacks. The food here is as historic as the buildings.

• 7.Rose Sugar (Meiguitang): A traditional sweet dating back to the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its floral fragrance.
• 8.Braised Pig's Trotters (Qingyan Zhujiao): While famous locally, the streets are also filled with the aroma of Tofu Balls (Doufu Yuanzi) and Gaoba Porridge (Gaoba Xifan), a soft and sweet dessert that offers a comforting taste of the region.
• 9.Local Customs: During festivals, the town comes alive with "Ground Opera" (Dixie) performances, where actors wear rough wooden masks to reenact ancient battles, a tradition inherited from the Ming military settlements.