Eleven ethnic groups, including Han, Miao, Bouyei, Dong and Zhuang, live in the town.

In the Tianqi period (1621–1627) of the Ming dynasty, Ban Lingui (班麟贵), a Bouyei tusi, founded a castle.

In 1687, in the 26th year of Kangxi era (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qingyan came under the jurisdiction of Guizhu County (贵筑县).

In 2016, it was listed as the first batch of "Small Towns with Chinese Characteristics" by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

The town has many historic buildings, including the Former Residence of Zhao Yijiong (赵以炯故居), Ancestral Hall of Marshal Zhao (赵公专祠), Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁), Longevity Palace (万寿宫), North Gate (北城门), and Dingguang Gate (定广门).