Ming Paradise in Tongren

Ming Paradise (Daming Border Town) in Tongren

A Grand 4A-level Ming Dynasty Frontier Heritage Resort, Unfolding 600 Years of Guizhou’s History Along the Jinjiang River

Basic Overview

Ming Paradise (officially Daming Border Town Scenic Area) is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, a key cultural industry demonstration base in Guizhou, and a national dragon boat sports base. It is located in the eastern suburbs of Bijiang District, Tongren City, Guizhou Province, stretching along the right bank of the Jinjiang River from Shuijingge. Built on the site of an ancient Ming Dynasty fishing village with protective development, it takes Ming Dynasty history as the basis, Ming military culture as the main thread, and Guizhou’s multi-ethnic integration as the background, dedicated to showcasing 600 years of Guizhou’s history since the founding of Guizhou Province in 1413. With a total investment of 1.19 billion yuan and a vast area, the core first-phase scenic area has 8 themed cultural experience zones, integrating heritage display, immersive performances, ethnic crafts, dragon boat sports, catering, and accommodation—an ideal destination for history lovers, Hanfu photography enthusiasts, family trips, and cultural study tours, with easy connections to Fanjing Mountain and Fenghuang Ancient CityGuizhou, China.

Core Highlights & Attractions

1. Border Town Square & Immersive Ming-Style Performances: Daily regular real-scene shows include Chieftain Welcome Ceremony, Drill Ground Inspection, and Border Town Fishing Fire Night Show. The Wujiao (Pentagon) Theater features local Nuo Opera and Miao folk performances, allowing visitors to interact with actors in authentic Ming costumes and experience the etiquette and customs of the border regions.
2. Market Culture & Ethnic Craft Workshops: Qinglang Street recreates the prosperity of the Ming military town’s commercial streets, with old-style shops, traditional snack stalls, and workshops for Tujia Xilankapu brocade weaving, wood carving, and sugar painting. The Daming Winery offers rice wine tasting, and the Jinjiang Fishery Cultural Zone has bamboo raft cruises and fishing experiences.
3. Military Experience & Dragon Boat Base: The military zone displays replica Ming firearms (such as Hongyi cannons and three-eyed blunderbusses), and there are drill ground archery and battle simulation experiences. As a national dragon boat base, the 水师 camp offers dragon boat riding/training; the riverside 300-meter wild reed marsh is especially beautiful in late autumn.
4. Evening Lights & Riverside Views: After sunset, the red city walls, green-tiled pavilions, and riverfront corridors are lit up with warm lights, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Strolling along the Jinjiang River, enjoying the night view and the cool breeze, is an unmissable experience.

Visitor & Travel Information

• Location: Shuijingge, Bijiang District, Tongren City, Guizhou Province (along the right bank of the Jinjiang River in the eastern suburbs)
• Opening Hours: 09:00–17:30 daily (core scenic area; ticket sales stop at 16:30; night tour hours and holiday adjustments are subject to on-site announcements)
• Admission & Fees: Adult full-price ticket is around 80 yuan (online advance booking and off-season promotions often have discounted prices of 49.9–59 yuan). Free for children under 1.2 meters; discounted tickets for children 1.2–1.4 meters, seniors over 65, and students with valid IDs. Separate charges apply for dragon boat experiences, theater VIP seats, craft workshops, catering, and parking.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for mild weather and blooming flowers; late autumn (October–November) for the white reed marsh by the river; evenings for the stunning lit-up city walls; weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
• Getting There: Take city buses to Shuijingge/Ming Paradise stop; taxis from Tongren Railway Station take ~15 minutes, and from Tongren Fenghuang Airport ~35 minutes. Self-driving can navigate to “Daming Border Town, Tongren,” with sufficient on-site parking.

Practical Tips

• It is highly recommended to wear Hanfu for a more immersive experience; Hanfu rental services are available at the scenic entrance.
• Do not miss the scheduled performances—confirm the showtimes at the ticket office or the official WeChat account on the day of your visit.
• The temperature difference by the river can be large in the evening; prepare a thin jacket.
• Follow the safety guidelines for dragon boat activities, and children must be accompanied by adults.