Zunyi Travel Guide: The Turning Point of History and World Heritage Wonders

1.Introduction: The Key to Northern Guizhou Zunyi is strategically located in the northern part of Guizhou Province, serving as a vital transportation hub and a center for logistics and commerce in the region. Geographically, it occupies the transition zone between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, resulting in a complex and beautiful topography characterized by undulating hills and rivers.

To the north, it leans against the Dalou Mountains, bordering Sichuan and Chongqing, while the Wujiang River runs through its territory from south to north. Known as the "key to northern Guizhou" and a "throat" connecting Sichuan and Guizhou, Zunyi has been a place of strategic importance since ancient times.

The city covers a vast area and is home to a diverse population including Han, Gelao, Miao, Tujia, and other ethnic groups, creating a rich tapestry of cultural traditions.

2.The City of the Turning Point: A Red History Landmark Zunyi is most famous in Chinese history for the Zunyi Conference, a defining moment that altered the course of the nation. The city is essentially an open-air museum of this revolutionary period. The Zunyi Conference Site is the crown jewel of the city's historical attractions. Located at No.

80 Hongqi Road (formerly Ziyin Road) in the Honghuagang District, the site is a two-story building constructed of brick and wood. Originally the private residence of Bai Huizhang, a division commander of the 25th Army of the Guizhou Warlords, the building features a unique architectural style that blends traditional Chinese elements with Western aesthetics,.

The exterior boasts clean lines and heavy masonry that has withstood the test of time, while the interior features exquisite carvings on doors and windows. In January 1935, the Red Army occupied Zunyi, and the expanded meeting of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee was held in the small living room on the second floor of this building.

Walking into this room today, visitors can see the rectangular table surrounded by chairs, creating an atmosphere that transports one back to the intense discussions of that winter. A pendulum clock on the wall seems to freeze time at that critical juncture. The conference established a new central leadership, saving the Red Army and the revolution at a moment of extreme peril, making this building a symbol of the "turning point".

3.The scenic area also includes the Red: Army General Political Department Site, where slogans and work assignments from that era still adorn the walls, witnessing the political work and organizational construction of the army during their stay. Nearby, the Former Residence of Mao Zedong offers a glimpse into the daily life of the leader during this transformative period.

The simple furnishings—a desk, a chair, and a bed—reflect the pragmatic spirit of the time, while the view from the window hints at the quiet contemplation that led to major strategic decisions. The Zunyi Conference Memorial Museum, located nearby, houses a vast collection of historical relics, documents, and multimedia displays that vividly recreate the historical background and the arduous journey of the Long March.

4.World Cultural Heritage: The Mystery of Hailongtun Beyond its modern history, Zunyi possesses profound ancient heritage, epitomized by the Hailongtun Fortress. Located in the mountains of Gaoping Town, Huichuan District, this site is a 4A-level tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It stands as a silent witness to the Tusi (native chieftain) system that governed southwest China for centuries. Hailongtun is a military fortress built on steep, precipitous terrain, described as a "sleeping dragon" coiled in the mountains. The fortress is renowned for its magnificent defensive fortifications.

The city walls, built from massive stones that have weathered centuries of wind and rain, wind along the mountain ridges like a dragon. Visitors entering the fortress must pass through formidable gates such as the Tongzhu Pass (Copper Pillar Pass) and the Tiezhu Pass (Iron Pillar Pass).

5.The Feihu: Pass (Flying Tiger Pass) is particularly striking, featuring a narrow passage that allows only one person to pass at a time, flanked by towering walls, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient military defense. The Thirty-Six Steps, a steep stone staircase leading up to the sky, connects the lower passes to the upper sanctums, requiring immense physical effort to climb, symbolizing the determination of the soldiers who once guarded it.

6.Although the New: Palace, the center of the Tusi's power, now lies in ruins, the remaining high foundations, stone pillars, and broken tiles still evoke the grandeur of the past. The layout of the palace, courtyards, and auxiliary buildings reflects the strict hierarchy and status of the Tusi chieftains.

Hailongtun is not just a castle; it is a testament to the wisdom and labor of the ancients and a rare example of a well-preserved medieval military fortification in Asia.

7.World Natural Heritage: Chishui Danxia Zunyi's beauty is not limited to human history; its natural landscapes are equally breathtaking. The Chishui Danxia, located in Chishui City within Zunyi's jurisdiction, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a 5A-level tourist attraction.

The landscape here is dominated by dramatic red sandstone cliffs contrasting with vibrant green vegetation and cascading waterfalls. The Chishui Great Waterfall is a majestic highlight. Its roaring waters plunge down a precipice, creating a thunderous sound that can be heard from afar.

The mist generated by the impact forms rainbows in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Surrounding the waterfalls are primeval forests rich in biodiversity. The area is famous for its Alsophila spinulosa (spinulose tree ferns), a plant species dating back to the Jurassic period, often usually referred to as "living fossils".

Walking through these forests feels like stepping into a prehistoric world. The combination of red rocks, green ferns, and white waterfalls constitutes a unique "Danxia wetland" landscape that is rare and visually stunning.

8.Tea and Caves: The Gifts of Nature Zunyi is also famous for its tea culture, specifically in Meitan and Fenggang counties. The Meitan Western Tea Sea and Fenggang Tea Sea Heart are 4A-level scenic spots that offer a serene escape into endless greenery,. In Meitan, the tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, resembling a green ocean.

The tea ridges are neat and orderly, filled with vitality. The "World's First Pot" sculpture, a giant teapot pouring water, stands as a landmark celebrating the region's tea heritage. Visitors can wander through the tea gardens, smell the fresh fragrance of tea leaves, and experience the tranquility of rural life.

The integration of tea plantations with traditional wooden houses creates a harmonious picture of man and nature. For those seeking underground adventures, the Suiyang Shuanghe Cave is a must-visit. It is a massive cave system, recognized as the longest in Asia. Inside, the cave offers a fantasy world of stalactites and stalagmites in myriad shapes—some looking like waterfalls, others like stone forests or flowers.

The underground rivers and complex cave structures make it a paradise for explorers and geologists.

Conclusion Zunyi is a city of layers. It is Red, marking the rebirth of a nation; it is Green, covered in ancient forests and tea seas; it is Ancient, guarded by the stone walls of Hailongtun; and it is Spirit-filled, home to the national liquor, Maotai. Whether you are a history buff tracing the footsteps of the Long March, a nature lover hiking through Danxia landforms, or a culture seeker exploring ancient Tusi domains, Zunyi offers a profound and diverse travel experience.

It is a city where history is etched into the stones and nature paints the backdrop, waiting for the world to explore its stories.