There’s a decent chance you have probably not heard of Qingyan Ancient Street as a foreigner, but it is that well known in China that Guiyang (which it is near) was one of the top 10 busiest airports during the recent May Day holiday.

With that in mind is Qingyan Ancient Street a hidden gem that you should go seek out, or an overly-touristic Chinese hell hole? Well as they say the devil is in the detail.

What the Qingyan Ancient Street?

Guiyang might be the capital of Guizhou but don’t expect Shanghai skyline vibes or Guangdong style riches here. This is one of China’s poorest provinces a place often overshadowed even by nearby Guangxi which at least has Guilin to pull in the tour buses. Guiyang not so much. It’s a working class city concrete and practical with flashes of modernisation thanks to high speed rail and the odd Starbucks but it still feels a world away from China’s east coast juggernauts.

The real reason you’d come here is Qinyan Ancient Town. Built during the Ming Dynasty it was once a military stronghold and a stop on the trade routes through the mountains. It ticks all the boxes stone paved streets wooden houses lanterns and overpriced snacks. And yes it’s beautiful.

But let’s be honest it’s also a bit like every other ancient town in China. If you’ve done Lijiang Pingyao or even Dali Qinyan won’t blow your mind but it will charm you if you let it. It’s still the crown jewel of Guiyang’s tourism game and a quiet afternoon wandering its alleys is the best excuse for giving this often skipped capital a night or two of your time.

What is there to do at Qinyan Ancient Town?

What is there to do at Qinyan Ancient Town? Well by the looks of things pretty much the sole reason to come here is to engage in the epidemic that is not just raping, but truly sodomizing Chinese tourism and that is to dress up in period clothes and have photos done. Either that or buy “blue” clothes.

Said blue clothes are the fashion now seemingly across China as I have seen it in place such as Beihai and Yangshuo. Apparently they are related to “ethnic tourism” which is a fad right now.

There are though also some legit tourist things that are worth seeing if this kind of thing is your thing;

Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁)

– A historic wooden tower dedicated to the god of literature, perched on the old city wall.

Zhou Family Courtyard (周家大院)

– A well-preserved Qing dynasty mansion showing off traditional Guizhou architecture.

Catholic Church

– Built by French missionaries in the late 19th century, it’s a rare sight in rural Guizhou and still in use.

Ciyun Temple (慈云寺)

– A Buddhist temple with ancient inscriptions and a peaceful courtyard.

Jiaxiu Pavilion Replica (甲秀楼仿楼)

– A scaled-down version of Guiyang’s famous landmark, meant to impress but mostly decorative.

Ancient City Walls and Gates

– Especially the East Gate, parts of which date back to the Ming dynasty.

Qinyan Academy (青岩书院)

– A former Confucian school and examination hall, with classic gardens and pavilions.

Old Streets and Stone Alleys

– Cobblestone lanes lined with old houses, some turned into museums or tea shops.

Street Food Qinyan Ancient Street

Part of the reason that brought me here at least though was that I had read there was a decent Qingyan Street Food scene and well that is kinda my whole raison d’être. And overall it was fairly decent, if far from earth shattering.

The scene as it were is fairly different from other Chinese places in that they have a few local specialties that are pretty cool. These include a funky tofu thing that I honestly thought was blue cheese at first and could probably be used as such to placate vegans. Chips/French fries also seem to be a bit of a street food Qinyan thing with me embracing my inner-Englishman by having sausage and chips! Other than that the food scene is largely dominated by a whole range of preserved jerky type meats with the pork chop type thing being top of the list.

Restaurant wise the place was a bit lacking though with the main eateries being just outside the old town itself. These though are fairly few and far between with none of them offering anything considered a speciality of Guizhou.

10 Must try foods at Qinyan Accent Street

So 10 must try foods at Qinyan Ancient Street might seem like a stretch, but in actuality the culinary side of the area is probably more of a highlight than the actual history, oh and of course the people dressing up.

10. Cold Rice Noodles (Liangpi 凉皮)

Slippery, vinegary, and perfect for a hot day. Tastes better than it looks, which isn’t hard, since it looks like someone dropped jelly in a gutter. Not as good as the Xian variety.

9. Fried Potato Cakes (Yangyu Bing 洋芋饼)

Think hash browns went on holiday and came back with chili flakes and a new identity. Crispy, greasy, glorious.

8. Taro Balls (Yu Tou Wan 芋头丸)

Sweet, soft, and weirdly satisfying. They pretend to be healthy but let’s be real—this is dessert in disguise.

7. Fermented Smelly Tofu (Chou Doufu – 酿臭豆腐)

The version that smells like blue cheese and is really quite interesting. You are supposed to drown in vinegar, but I personally brought a chunk for like 40 cents and then added it to every dish I had thereafter.

6. Chinese Fries (Chao Sheng Jian Shu Tiao 炒生煎薯条)

Not your regular fries. These are stir-fried potatoes, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a smoky, salty, sometimes spicy finish. As a real chips connoisseur I find them too crunchy, but I still eat them regardless.

5. Grilled Tofu Skewers (Kao Doufu 烤豆腐)

Charred, spicy, and marinated like it owes you money. A staple snack with serious attitude.

4. Pork Jerky (Zhu Rou Gan 猪肉干)

Sweet, soft, and dangerously addictive. It’s not just pork—it’s pork’s final form. And while it is jerky it is so underdone to almost be like a sashimi.

3. Beef Jerky (Niu Rou Gan 牛肉干)

This stuff is everywhere. Smoky, spicy, sometimes sweet, and often shoved into your hands by shouting vendors. Buy a bag, then another. Then regret nothing. Legit local? Probably not.

2. Guizhou Sour Soup Noodles (Suan Tang Fen 酸汤粉)

Sour, fiery, and borderline masochistic. It’s Guizhou in a bowl—your lips will burn, but your heart will be full.

1.Stuffed Tofu (Niang Doufu 酿豆腐)

The street food crown jewel. Crispy tofu bursting with minced pork, garlic, and chili oil. This is apparently the dish to try and overall it is not so bad.

Qinyan Ancient Street Nightlife

You want Qinyan Ancient Street Nightlife? Well good luck with that as it just does not exist, in fact it makes Xingping look like Ibiza. There are some restaurants near the entrance that stay open until maybe 10, as well as some stores selling noodles, but this is pretty much as far as it goes.

Sleeping in Qingyan

Much like in places like Yangshuo there is a real artisan type element to the hotels of Qingyan with many being of the boutique of homestay variety. This also means that the prices are generally very good, unless of course it is a holiday.

When it is full though it is full with Guiyang being that bit too far to stay. Other than that there is very little else within the area.

5. Xinzhuangyuan Time Homestay (新庄园时光民宿)

If you’re looking for a place that’s got the charm of old China but doesn’t come with a side of discomfort, this is a solid choice. Traditional architecture with a modern twist and cozy rooms make it a peaceful spot for some R&R. It’s not as fancy as some of the others, but you’re getting great value for money.

4. Qingyan Ancient Town RV Garden Hotel (青岩古镇房车花园酒店)

This one’s for the adventurous type. Picture yourself staying in a luxury RV, parked in a garden, with all the creature comforts of a hotel. It’s quirky, fun, and definitely a unique way to spend the night in Qinyan. Just don’t expect someone knocking on your door with room service—unless they’re in a hurry.

3. Zhongyuan Inn (中原客栈)

Straightforward and simple, but perfectly adequate. This is a great option if you’re on a budget but still want something close to the action. The rooms are basic, but you’ll get a warm welcome and a solid night’s sleep. Don’t expect the Ritz, but it does the job and keeps you in the heart of Qinyan.

2. Guiyang Yanzhushanfang Homestay (贵阳燕竹山房民宿)

This charming homestay brings the feel of old-world China, with a cozy vibe and personal touch from the owner. If you’re after a more tranquil stay with some local character, this place is an excellent middle ground. The mountain views are a nice bonus, and the owner’s hospitality will make you feel right at home.

1. Mingxian Mountain Residence (青岩明闲山居)

This was the place that I actually stayed and I have to say it was wonderful. Basically located just off of the main street they offer beautiful courtyards and 3 stories all with excellent rooms that start at just $20. I decided to go Hollywood and got the “Romantic Room” with a bed on the floor, a balcony and a an ever-kitsch projector.

Getting in and out of Qinyan Ancient Town

Getting in and out of Guiyang and Qinyan Ancient Town isn’t exactly a stress test, but it’s not without a bit of adventure either. Here’s how to make it happen without losing your mind.

Getting to Guiyang

First up, flying is still the quickest option, with Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport handling flights from key cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Once you’re in, it’s a 30-40 minute taxi or shuttle bus ride to the city.

But hey, if you’re on a budget or like a bit of adventure, trains are a great option too. Guiyang is well-connected by rail to major cities, including Beihai. The high-speed train from Beihai to Guiyang takes about 7 hours, comfortable, scenic, and definitely cheaper than flying. I personally used this option to tie my trip in with Weizhhou.

You can catch a train from Guiyang Railway Station, which is centrally located.

Getting to Qinyan Ancient Town

From Guiyang, you can easily catch a bus to Qinyan at Guiyang East Bus Station. The journey takes about an hour, and buses run regularly. If you’re pressed for time or just want to avoid the crowds, hop in a taxi or grab a Didi (Grab’s Chinese cousin) for a quicker but pricier option. Generally it will set you back $7-12 doing this.

Getting Out

When you’re done with Qinyan and ready to head back to Guiyang, the same transport options apply. You can grab a bus or taxi back, or take a train if you’re heading to a further destination like Beihai or beyond.

Keep in mind, there are high-speed trains that connect Guiyang to major cities like Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai, so it’s easy to keep traveling after you’ve explored Qinyan.

Conclusion on Qinyan Ancient Town

A throughly pleasant place, but also one devoid of any nightlife, or realistically pull to stay here too long. Couple this in with just how dull Guiyang is and it is hardly a recipe to pull you.

It is though pleasant enough and definitely worth a top if you are in the area. It is though not worth coming into the area just for Qinyan either. 

Click to check out my China Tours with Young Pioneer Tours.

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