Zhènyuǎn

Zhenyuan stands where the Wuyang River bends through the mountains of eastern Guizhou. Its old town grew on both banks: the prefectural city on one side, the garrison on the other. The river carried boats through the valley, while roads linked Guizhou with Huguang. Bridges joined the two halves of the town beneath the steep cliffs.

The Ming built Zhusheng Bridge across the river and began the Qinglong Cave complex on the cliffs above its eastern bank in 1388. Temples, halls and pavilions were built against the rock, and the complex grew through the early Qing. Zhenyuan was also a centre of imperial government among the hereditary jurisdictions of the region. Merchants and envoys travelled through the town, where river traffic, mountain roads and religious buildings met in a confined valley.