Old Zhou Ancient Town, a living fossil of Tunpu culture hidden in Guizhou!

Free admission, travel through six hundred years of everyday life I still remember when I first heard about Old Zhou Ancient Town, a friend described it as "a corner forgotten by time." Only when I actually walked on the bluestone roads here did I understand the meaning of that phrase—this ancient town with a history of 600 years perfectly preserves the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, without the noise of over-commercialization, only the simple Tunpu families and the authentic atmosphere of life. Basic Information of the Ancient Town - Address: Old Zhou Tourist Route, Xixiu District, Anshun City, Guizhou Province - Opening Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours - Admission: Free entry (some small attractions inside the scenic area charge separately) - Recommended Visit Duration: Half a day to one day Must-Visit Spots 1. West Street Ming and Qing Ancient Buildings Cluster Walking on the bluestone road of West Street feels like traveling back to the Ming Dynasty. The Tunpu architectural complex here is very well preserved, with carved doors and windows, fireproof walls, and bluestone streets, each a witness to history. Highly recommended is the former residence of Zhou Zhimian, a famous Ming Dynasty anti-Japanese general. His residence is a three-courtyard compound, with pillar base stone carvings from 600 years ago still clearly visible. Around 10 a.m., the sunlight slants onto the ancient street, creating beautiful light and shadow—perfect for photography. 2. City God Temple This City God Temple is quite significant, housing an imperial plaque inscribed by Emperor Qianlong that reads "Protecting All of Guizhou." The wooden carved shrine inside is the largest in Guizhou. Every year on the 28th day of the fifth lunar month, a grand "Carrying the City God" parade is held here. If you happen to be there at that time, it is an unmissable cultural experience. 3. Sunset Viewing Platform by Xingjiang River In the evening (around 6:30-7:00 p.m. in summer), be sure to visit the viewing platform by the Xingjiang River to watch the sunset. The karst peaks reflect in the water, and occasionally fishermen row flat boats casting nets, creating a natural ink painting. The best photo spot is at the extension of the wooden plank walkway on the left side of the viewing platform. 4. East Street Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Hall If you want to deeply understand the local culture, come here to personally experience batik dyeing (about 2 hours, material fee 50 yuan/person) or painting local opera masks (60 yuan each). There is also a local opera performance every Saturday at 2 p.m., which is the essence of Tunpu culture. Food Recommendations Must-Try Specialties 1. Spicy Chicken: A signature dish of Old Zhou, made from local native chicken, spicy but not overpowering, best served cold. Recommended at Tunpu Restaurant on South Street. 2. Oil-Boiled Pig Liver: A unique dish from Xiangyunxuan, freshly boiled pig liver in hot oil, melts in your mouth, about 50 yuan per person. 3. Qingming Cake: A specialty from Ma Jumei’s stall at the South Street entrance, available with sweet brown sugar filling or savory cured meat filling, only 3 yuan each, limited to 500 pieces daily. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: From Guiyang, take the Hukun Expressway to Anzi Expressway, exit at Old Zhou Station, about 1.5 hours total. Navigate to "Old Zhou Ancient Town Visitor Center Parking Lot," parking fee 10 yuan per time. - Public Transport: From Anshun East Station, take the tourist shuttle line (06:30-18:00, every 20 minutes), fare 15 yuan. Practical Tips 1. Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-April) when rapeseed flowers bloom and autumn (September-November) when the rice fragrance fills the air are the most pleasant. It is recommended to avoid the rainy season in July and August. 2. Dress Suggestions: The ancient town mainly has bluestone roads, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended. You can try wearing Hanfu for photos, which are very photogenic. 3. Hidden Activities: Don’t miss the century-old "Four-Eyed Well" on South Street, spend 2 yuan to experience drawing water fun; or go to the old teahouse on North Street to drink 5-yuan bitter tea while listening to local elders sing mountain songs. 4. Accommodation Recommendations: It is recommended to stay in local guesthouses within the ancient town, such as Pulanjv Inn (about 300 yuan/night), renovated from a carved old house, very distinctive. Old Zhou Ancient Town is different from other commercialized ancient towns. It is free to enter, full of life atmosphere, and residents still maintain traditional lifestyles. The most charming moment is early morning before tourists flood in—the sound of footsteps echoes on the bluestone roads, elders leisurely drink tea and chat in front of their doors, as if time has stopped here. If you are tired of the monotonous commercialized ancient towns, come to Old Zhou and experience the surprises brought by this living Tunpu culture museum.