Things to do in Zhenyuan County

Overall, it was alright. Climbing up the mountain was quite tiring; the whole trip took about 3 hours. The path was quiet with few people, but the signs weren't very clear. We ended up on a set of steps without railings (we weren't sure if we were on the right path, because the people behind us disappeared, and we didn't know which way they went). I think this was a pleasant surprise for adventurous people, but a little unsafe for those who aren't. The descent was another pleasant surprise; we entered an ancient alleyway with many Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards (I had thought the ancient city was just the outer streets and riverbanks). Don't forget these ancient alleyways when you visit the ancient city!

This is a pedestrian bridge, and motor vehicles cannot pass through it. This bridge is also a symbolic landmark of Zhenyuan. It looks very beautiful from a distance, reflected in the green Wuyang River. Zhusheng Bridge is located between Shiping Mountain and Qinglong Cave.

The former site of Heping Village is located on the south side of Heping Street in Zhenyuan Weicheng, facing south and north. It is a group of buildings surrounded by tall earth and stone walls. It was originally the office of Zhenyuan General Military Office in the late Qing Dynasty, and was changed to the Second Model Prison of Guizhou Province in the early Republic of China. During the Anti-Japanese War, it was the second Japanese prisoner camp of the National Government. Japanese anti-war writers such as Lu Diyuan called it the square wall of "Heping Village". The square wall of Heping Village is 66 meters wide and 78 meters deep.

The ancient town has very distinctive ancient alleys and ancient houses. The ancient alleys in the ancient town are built according to the mountain terrain. They are ups and downs, narrow and deep, and winding. I am dizzy even though I am a road idiot. These alleys that cross and connect to each other have become the blood vessels of Zhenyuan Ancient Town.

There are two bridges over the Wuyang River in Zhenyuan Ancient City. The one on the west is newly built and is called the New Bridge by locals. The Zhusheng Bridge on the east is the landmark building of Zhenyuan Ancient City and is called the Old Bridge by locals. Between the old and new bridges is the boundary of the ancient town, which is full of inns, restaurants and shops.

Kuixing Pavilion is located on the Huaisheng Bridge on Wuyang River. It adds a special charm to the bridge. The bridge is majestic because of the pavilion, and the pavilion is beautiful because of the bridge. The couplet on the Kuixing Pavilion. Be sure to take a good look. I went to take pictures of this Kuixing Pavilion twice.

The Yan Emperor Palace in Zhenyuan County is also called the "Fire God Temple". The main hall has the Yan Emperor, followed by the Taishang Laojun on the left and the God of Wealth on the right. A statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva is enshrined in the side hall. There will be people like tour guides in the temple to guide tourists to donate incense money. Please distinguish and do what you can.

Baojing Dong Village is the first ethnic customs site open to the public in Zhenyuan County and one of the first ethnic folk culture protection villages in the prefecture.

This is the only free red tourist attraction in the ancient town. It is the former residence of Comrade Zhou Dawen, an early member of the Communist Party of China. It is a traditional Chinese courtyard with a clean environment and antique furnishings. It still retains its original appearance. Everyone can learn about the life and deeds of the revolutionaries through the pictures and texts on display.

When visiting Guilin, a must-see is Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. It truly lives up to its reputation as the face of Guilin's landscape; only by seeing it in person can one truly appreciate the wonders of nature. The entire mountain sits on the banks of the Li River, resembling a giant elephant bowing to drink from the water. The Water Moon Cave cuts through the mountain, its reflection shimmering in the water, creating the famous Elephant Trunk Hill and Water Moon spectacle—a flowing ink painting. The scenic area is clean and comfortable, with walking paths built along the Li River, shaded by lush trees, making for a delightful stroll. You can climb the mountain for panoramic views of Guilin, or find classic vantage points along the riverbank to capture stunning, atmospheric photos. Boat trips are also available, offering a different and breathtaking perspective of Elephant Trunk Hill from the river. The scenic area is conveniently located in the city center, with excellent transportation and comprehensive facilities. Every step reveals a new vista, allowing you to truly experience the unparalleled beauty of Guilin's landscape. Don't miss it when traveling to Guilin; it's definitely worth a visit.