Why this forgotten Chinese town is nicknamed the oriental Venice
- Our Hidden Earth
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Squeezed into a dramatic, snake-like gorge carved by a winding emerald river, lies a profound settlement so ancient and beautiful it feels utterly secret.
Two towering mountain ranges stand sentinel over the town, forcing the historic, untouched architecture to hug the river's tight curves.
The atmosphere is immensely quiet, punctuated only by the gentle lapping of water against stone, giving the place an eerie, palpable sense of history.
The remarkable destination we have unearthed is Zhenyuan Ancient Town, located deep in the Guizhou Province of China, which boasts a history stretching back over 2,000 years.
This strategic location on the Wuyang River served as a vital port and military stronghold, linking central China with the southern reaches for centuries.
Today, it offers a wonderfully peaceful holiday for any keen walkers looking to explore its preserved temples, alleys, and historic architecture.
The town’s enduring secret is its phenomenal, twin-peak defence system, which saw it nicknamed the "Oriental Venice" for its intricate waterways and formidable fortifications.
On one side of the river stands the Qinglong Cave complex, a spectacular collection of temples and pavilions clinging to the cliff face, facing the ancient city wall on the opposite bank.
These two relics perfectly capture the town's historical importance as a strategic choke-point that time forgot.
For practical travellers, be aware that while the ancient centre is beautifully preserved, the terrain is quite vertical and features many stone steps and winding streets.
There is limited car park space close to the river due to the geography, so prepare to walk a fair distance from where you leave your vehicle.
Ensure your boot has comfortable shoes and layers, as the riverside climate can be surprisingly cool in the mornings and evenings.
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