The Charm of the Human World

**Fenghuang Ancient Town Travel Guide** Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city, famous for Shen Congwen's novel *Border Town*. Nestled between mountains and rivers, the town is dotted with stilted houses and traversed by the Tuo River, exuding the ethnic charm of western Hunan. Here’s a detailed travel guide: --- ## **1. How to Get to Fenghuang Ancient Town?** ### **1. By Air** - **Nearest Airport**: **Tongren Fenghuang Airport** (about 30 km from the town). Take a taxi or airport shuttle (approx. 1 hour). - **Other Airports**: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (transfer by bus, approx. 3 hours), Changsha Huanghua Airport (transfer by high-speed rail + bus, approx. 5 hours). ### **2. By High-Speed Rail** - **Fenghuang Ancient Town Station** (opened in 2021): Take the high-speed rail to "Fenghuang Ancient Town Station," then a taxi or shuttle (approx. 20 minutes to the town). - **Huaihua South Station**: Transfer to a bus to Fenghuang (approx. 1.5 hours). ### **3. By Bus** - Direct buses from **Changsha/Zhangjiajie/Jishou** to Fenghuang (travel time varies from 4-6 hours). ### **4. By Car** - **Changsha → Fenghuang**: Hangrui Expressway (approx. 5 hours). - **Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang**: Zhanghua Expressway (approx. 3 hours). --- ## **2. Best Time to Visit** - **Spring & Autumn (March-May, September-November)**: Pleasant weather, misty Tuo River, perfect for photography. - **Summer (June-August)**: Lively but hot; enjoy river boating and nightlife. - **Winter (December-February)**: Fewer tourists, snowy scenery, but some shops may close. - **Holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day)**: Festive atmosphere but crowded with higher accommodation prices. --- ## **3. Must-Visit Attractions in Fenghuang** ### **1. Tuo River Scenic Area (Free)** - **Jumping Rock**: Stone stepping bridges on the river, a classic photo spot. - **Rainbow Bridge**: Landmark of the town; the second floor offers panoramic views (¥15). - **Wanming Pagoda**: Stunning night views with illuminated river reflections. ### **2. Cultural Sites (Combo Ticket ¥128)** - **Shen Congwen’s Former Residence**: Learn about the inspiration behind *Border Town*. - **Xiong Xiling’s Former Residence**: Home of the first democratically elected premier of the Republic of China. - **Yang Family Ancestral Hall**: Qing Dynasty architecture showcasing Xiangxi clan culture. ### **3. Nearby Attractions** - **Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural Zone** (¥60): Overlook the town from above. - **Qiliang Cave** (¥60): Karst cave, about 5 km from the town. - **Miao Village Day Trips** (e.g., Dehang Miao Village, Shanjiang Miao Village): Experience Miao culture (requires a tour or private car). --- ## **4. Accommodation Recommendations** ### **1. Riverside Stilted Houses (Core Area, Beautiful Night Views)** - **Luxury**: Fenghuang Yuexi Riverside Homestay, Sülü Lotus Resort Hotel (¥500-1000/night). - **Budget-Friendly**: Shadow Coffee Riverside Homestay, September Courtyard (¥200-400/night). ### **2. Non-Riverside in Town (Quieter, Cheaper)** - Fenghuang Memory Inn, Qingke Homestay (¥100-200/night). ### **3. New Town (Modern, Suitable for Drivers)** - Fenghuang International Hotel, Tianxia Fenghuang Hotel (¥200-400/night). --- ## **5. Food Recommendations** ### **1. Xiangxi Specialties** - **Blood Tofu Duck**: Duck stewed with glutinous rice blood tofu, a must-try! - **Sour Fish Soup**: Miao-style, spicy and tangy. - **Smoked Bacon/Sausages**: Paired with chili for extra flavor. - **Rice Tofu**: Served cold or in soup, soft and chewy. ### **2. Snacks & Drinks** - **Ginger Candy**: Freshly made, sweet and spicy. - **Wooden Hammer Crisp**: Handmade crispy candy, great as a souvenir. - **Tuo River Fried Fish**: Crispy and delicious. - **Bar Street Milk Tea/Coffee**: Perfect for relaxing by the river at night. ### **3. Recommended Restaurants** - **Junzi Restaurant** (authentic Hunan cuisine), **Drunk Xiangxi** (sour fish soup), **Old Street Restaurant** (blood tofu duck). --- ## **6. Itinerary Suggestions** ### **2 Days & 1 Night Classic Trip** - **Day 1**: Arrive → Tuo River Jumping Rock → Rainbow Bridge → Shen Congwen’s Former Residence → Night river cruise/bars. - **Day 2**: Nanhua Mountain panoramic view → Half-day Miao village tour (or Qiliang Cave) → Departure. ### **3 Days & 2 Nights In-Depth Trip** - **Day 1-2**: Same as above. - **Day 3**: Day trip to nearby Miao villages (Dehang/Shanjiang) or Aizhai Bridge. --- ## **7. Tips** 1. **Tickets**: The town is free, but some attractions require a combo ticket (¥128). River cruises cost extra (approx. ¥80). 2. **Commercialization**: Main street shops are repetitive; bargain for souvenirs (e.g., Miao silver, shawls). 3. **Avoid Scams**: - Beware of street touts offering "cheap Miao village tours" (may be shopping traps). - Be cautious when taking night photos by the river; cobblestones can be slippery. 4. **Attire**: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets; mosquito repellent in summer, warm clothes in winter. --- Fenghuang Ancient Town is ideal for travelers who love slow living, photography, and culture. Stroll through ancient alleys by day and admire the lantern-lit river by night, soaking in the poetic charm of Xiangxi. Feel free to ask if you have more questions!