This undated photo shows the Dragon Palace Scenic Area in Anshun, southwest China's Guizhou Province. /Photo provided to CGT

This undated photo shows the city walls surrounding Qingyan ancient town in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Established in 1378 by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Qingyan was historically a key military fortress and trade hub. /Photo provided to CGTN

This undated photo shows the Xijiang Qianhu Miao ethnic village in southwest China's Guizhou Province. Most of the homes there are maple-wood shacks. /Photo provided to CGTN

An undated photo shows an aerial view of Wanfenglin in southwest China's Guizhou Province. Known as the "Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks" in Chinese, it's a major part of the Maling River Canyon, a national scenic area. /Photo provided to CGTN

An undated photo shows an aerial view of Zhenyuan ancient town in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The town has a history dating back more than 2,000 years. /Photo provided to CGTN

Replete with abundant cultural heritage and resources, China's southwestern province of Guizhou is home to a stunning array of well-preserved ancient towns. These sites are an essential part of the historical and cultural treasures found along the renowned Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia.

The historical locations that shine in the province include the 2,000-year-old Zhenyuan ancient town, Xijiang Qianhu Miao ethnic village – and Qingyan ancient town, which was established in 1378 by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).