Qingyan 青岩古镇

About Qingyan

Dingguang Gate and the North Gate mark the fortified settlement, while Wenchang Pavilion and the former residence of Zhao Yijiong provide stops inside. The town grew from a military outpost, but the surviving streets also reflect later community and scholarly life. Choose a gate as the starting point and check which individual buildings are included in the current admission arrangement.

Qingyan began as a military outpost founded in the tenth year of the Hongwu era (1378) of the Ming dynasty. An administrative office called Qingyansi (青岩司) was established in 1572, and in the Tianqi period (1621-1627) the Bouyei tusi Ban Linggui (班麟贵) built a stone castle on the site. During the War of Resistance against Japan, Qingyan was one of the places to which Zhejiang University relocated its teaching.

Intricately designed Ming- and Qing-dynasty buildings, including temples and pavilions with painted beams, carved rafters and upturned, layered eaves, are densely interspersed through the old town. Built against the hills, its gates and walls are constructed entirely of stone.

Historical figures associated with the town include Zhou Yuhuang (周渔璜) and Zhao Yijiong (赵以炯), who became the first person from Guizhou to place first in the imperial civil examination. The Qingyan Ancient Road (青岩古道), a surviving section of the Tea-Horse Road built in the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty, runs for 8 km through Nanjie, Beijie and Siqian villages. In September 2005 the old town was named one of the second batch of Chinese Historic and Cultural Towns (中国历史文化名镇) by the Ministry of Construction and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, and on 25 February 2017 it was rated a National 5A Tourist Attraction.

What to look for

• Dingguang Gate and the North Gate show the old town’s fortified boundary.
• Wenchang Pavilion and Zhao Yijiong’s former residence offer contrasting historic-building visits.

The surrounding area

A food-and-city chapter with contemporary cafés, local snacks and river walks.

Location & getting there

Getting to Qingyan

Qingyan is in southern Huaxi District. Reach Huaxi first if using local road transport, then take the current connection to Qingyan Ancient Town; the local guide identifies Huaxi Bus Station as a transfer point. Specify your chosen town gate for the final drop-off.