Qingyan Ancient Town: The Stone Fortress of Guizhou

Qingyan, about 30 kilometers south of Guiyang, is one of Guizhou Province's most atmospheric ancient towns. Founded in 1378 as a military garrison, it became a prosperous commercial center on the route between Guiyang and Guangxi. Its stone walls, cobbled streets, and well-preserved temples earned it a place on China's list of National Historic and Cultural Towns.

Military Architecture

Qingyan was built for defense. Massive stone walls, punctuated by gate towers, encircle the old town. The North Gate, South Gate, East Gate, and West Gate each had watchtowers and drawbridges. The walls, up to 5 meters thick, were designed to withstand both bandit attacks and siege warfare. Walking the ramparts offers views over the rooftops and surrounding countryside.

Religious Diversity

What makes Qingyan unusual is the coexistence of multiple religions within its small area. A Buddhist temple, Taoist temple, Confucian shrine, and Christian church stand within a few hundred meters of each other. The Zhao Yiman Memorial Hall commemorates a Communist heroine who died in the anti-Japanese war. This religious pluralism reflects Guizhou's position as a crossroads of cultures.

Stone Architecture

As its name ("Blue Rock") suggests, Qingyan is built of local grey-blue limestone. The houses, walls, and streets are all stone. The craftsmanship is remarkable: the Masonic-style carvings on doorways and window frames show the skill of local artisans. Many buildings date to the Ming and Qing dynasties, and restoration has been sympathetic.

Local Food

Qingyan is famous for its pickled vegetables (Qingyan ca), especially preserved radishes and cabbage. The "Qingyan Three Treasures" — preserved duck, tofu, and vegetables — make popular souvenirs. Street vendors sell sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), grilled tofu, and sweet rice cakes. The town's restaurants serve Guizhou specialties like sour soup fish and spicy chicken.

Craft Traditions

Qingyan maintains traditional crafts. Women still make embroidered shoes and clothing in Miao and Bouyei styles. Blacksmiths forge farm tools and decorative items. Paper-cutting, bamboo weaving, and woodcarving are also practiced. Workshops welcome visitors.

Bouyei People

The surrounding villages are home to the Bouyei people, an ethnic minority related to the Zhuang. Bouyei women wear distinctive indigo-dyed clothing with silver ornaments. The village of Shiban, about 5 kilometers away, offers an opportunity to see traditional Bouyei life.

Getting There

Qingyan is easily reached from Guiyang by bus (about 1 hour). The town can be explored in half a day, but an overnight stay allows for evening strolls when the crowds thin and the stone buildings glow in lantern light. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; summer can be humid.