This has been deemed the most perfectly preserved stone fortress town in all of Asia
- Our Hidden Earth
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Deep in the karst landscape of China's remote Guizhou Province, an immense stone city clings to the side of a mountain, looking like a forgotten fortress from an ancient epic.
The whole place is constructed almost entirely of cyan-coloured stone, creating an atmosphere of military might and profound history that is both eerie and beautiful.
Its isolated position, far from the central hustle, means the culture here remains wonderfully untouched by the outside world.
The secret destination we have uncovered for your next holiday is Qingyan Ancient Town, one of the four most important historical towns in the entire Guizhou region.
Built over 600 years ago, initially as a military outpost during the Ming Dynasty, it still serves as a breathtaking example of an ancient military camp.
For keen walkers and history buffs, the spectacular city walls built right onto the jagged cliffs are an absolute must-see.
Qingyan’s most incredible secret is the harmonious coexistence of four major world religions, a truly rare sight in China: Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, and Christianity all share space within the ancient walls.
Furthermore, the town is a gathering place of historical talents, being the home of the first Zhuangyuan (Number One Scholar) from Guizhou Province during the Qing Dynasty.
You can still visit his old residence and the impressive Stone Memorial Archways honouring key figures.
When planning your trip, be prepared for a town that, while busy, retains its rugged, ancient charm thanks to the geology. The paths are made of polished green-stone slabs, so sensible boots are essential for negotiating the uneven terrain.
Although it is close to Guiyang City, make sure your boot contains water and snacks, as facilities are tourist-focused and the geography makes finding quiet car park spots challenging.
Discover more hidden gems with our interactive map!
Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 12,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!
Comments