Gates and walls
Of the old fortress.
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One of Guizhou's four best-known ancient towns, founded in 1378 under the Ming as a military fortress south of Guiyang; stone walls and gates still ring it, and stone-paved lanes wind between Ming- and Qing-era buildings with curving roofs and carved woodwork. In 2005 it was listed among China's famous historic and cultural towns. Eleven ethnic groups live here, among them the Han, Miao and Bouyei; the town has the house of Zhao Yijiong, the first scholar from Guizhou to take top place in the imperial examinations, it hosted part of Zhejiang University when the university moved west during the Second World War, and its lanes are dotted with stone memorial archways, sweet shops and craft stalls. Entry to the town costs about CNY 10 and a combined ticket for its sights about CNY 60, with the sights open from 8.30 am to 5 pm, per visitor guides. The town's signature dish is braised pig's trotters, so look for restaurants under the halal sign or stick to sweets and vegetarian food.
Of the old fortress.
Between Ming and Qing houses.
Carved in stone.
Huaxi District, south of Guiyang
It lies in Huaxi district south of the city, about an hour by car or bus from central Guiyang, and half a day is enough.