The Beautiful Phoenix Ancient Town Travel Guide is Here

Phoenix Ancient Town Travel Guide: Immersive Experience of Western Hunan Culture I. Introduction to the Scenic Area Phoenix Ancient Town is located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is a famous historical and cultural city in China, renowned through Shen Congwen's novel "The Border Town." The ancient town is built along the Tuojiang River, featuring bluestone streets, stilt houses, Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards, and ethnic minority culture. It is known as "China's most beautiful small town." II. Best Time to Visit - Spring and Fall (March-May, September-November): Mild climate with morning mist and sunset reflections on the Tuojiang River, ideal for photography. - Summer (June-August): Lush greenery with cool river breezes at night, but more crowded. - Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists and peaceful, with a unique charm when the ancient town is covered in snow. III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: - By Air: The nearest airport is Tongren Phoenix Airport (about 40km from the ancient town), then take a bus or shared car (about 1 hour). - By High-Speed Rail: Travel to Huaihua South Station or Jishou East Station, then transfer to a bus to Phoenix (about 1.5 hours from Huaihua, about 1 hour from Jishou). - By Car: About 5 hours from Changsha, about 3 hours from Zhangjiajie. 2. Internal Transportation: - Walking is sufficient within the ancient town, as attractions are concentrated along both sides of the Tuojiang River. - Shuttle Service: Some inns provide pickup and drop-off services. IV. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Tuojiang River Boat Ride - Take a covered boat downstream to enjoy the stilt houses and Hong Bridge reflections (80 yuan/person for daytime tours, night tours are more expensive but feature beautiful lights). - Best time: Early morning with light mist or at sunset. 2. Hong Bridge and Fengyu Tower: The town's landmark, offering panoramic views of the Tuojiang River from the second floor. Shops inside the bridge sell Miao silver jewelry and handicrafts. 3. Shen Congwen's Former Residence: Learn about the literary master's life and the background of "The Border Town" (included in the ancient town combo ticket). 4. Wanming Tower and Tiaoyan: - Tiaoyan: Original stone bridge piers on the Tuojiang River, a popular photo spot (be careful of slippery surfaces). - Wanming Tower: Looks like a pagoda floating on the river when illuminated at night. 5. Nanhua Mountain Phoenix Culture Area: Climb for a panoramic view of the ancient town, with phoenix totem sculptures scattered throughout the forest (ticket: 60 yuan). 6. Day trips to surrounding Miao villages: - Dehang Miao Village: Experience welcome wine ceremonies and Miao drum dances (about 1.5 hours from the ancient town). - Shanjiang Miao Valley: Explore canyon caves and traditional Miao villages. V. Special Cuisine - Blood Rice Duck: Duck meat stewed with glutinous rice blood cakes, rich and spicy. - Sour Fish Soup: Miao specialty, sour and spicy, recommended with fresh Tuojiang River fish. - Stir-fried Bacon with Fern: Western Hunan smoked bacon with wild ferns. - Snacks: Ginger candy, wooden hammer pastries, rice tofu, and she fan (community rice). - Recommended restaurants: Junzi Restaurant, Drunk Xiangxi, and Shili Fragrant Noodle House. VI. Accommodation Suggestions - Inns along the Tuojiang River: River views from your window and the sound of flowing water at night (such as "Shadow Coffee Guesthouse" and "Su Lu Lian Hua"). - Youth hostels in the ancient town: Suitable for backpackers, good value for money (such as "Phoenix International Youth Hostel"). - Luxury hotels: "Phoenix Xueqing Ji Cultural Inn" downstream of the Tuojiang River, offering more privacy. - Tips to avoid pitfalls: Avoid staying near the bar street, as it can be noisy at night. VII. Important Notes 1. Tickets: The ancient town is free to enter, but some attractions require a combo ticket (128 yuan/person, including Shen Congwen's Former Residence and 9 other attractions). 2. Warnings: Be cautious when buying "antiques" from street vendors, and clarify costume rental prices before taking photos by the river. 3. Attire: The stone paths are uneven, so flat shoes are recommended. 4. Respect customs: In Miao villages, avoid taking photos of elderly people or religious ceremonies without permission. 5. Protection: Bring mosquito repellent and sun hats in summer. VIII. Suggested Itinerary (2 days, 1 night) - Day 1: Shen Congwen's Former Residence → Tuojiang Tiaoyan → Hong Bridge and Fengyu Tower → Night cruise on the Tuojiang River (listen to folk music at the bar street). - Day 2: Panoramic view from Nanhua Mountain → Day trip to Miao villages (Dehang/Shanjiang) → Buy souvenirs before departure (ginger candy, batik). Phoenix Ancient Town is a fusion of poetry and everyday life. Stroll along the bluestone alleys, float on the Tuojiang River, and experience the stories of Western Hunan in slow time. 🌉🛶🏮