It's not that you can't afford Changsha, but Xiangxi offers better value for money

In-depth Xiangxi Travel Guide (Budget 3000 RMB, 5 days 4 nights) —— Avoid the popular routes and explore a more authentic Xiangxi Trip Highlights ✅ Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery: Skip the crowded Fenghuang Ancient Town and choose more off-the-beaten-path spots ✅ Deep experience: Visit Miao villages and Tujia settlements to feel the real life of Xiangxi ✅ Excellent value: Accommodation, transportation, and food all within budget 📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Jishou → Aizhai Bridge → Dehang Miao Village Morning: Arrive in Jishou, take a bus to Aizhai Bridge (bus fare about 30 RMB, ticket 80 RMB), experience the shock of this world-class engineering marvel Afternoon: Hike the Dehang Grand Canyon (ticket included), visit Dehang Miao Village, experience Miao culture Evening: Stay at a characteristic guesthouse in Dehang Miao Village (about 150 RMB/night), taste Miao sour soup fish and cured meat Day 2: Dehang → Biancheng Chadong (the "Border Town" in Shen Congwen's writings) Morning: Take a bus to Chadong Ancient Town (bus fare about 50 RMB), stroll along the Qingshui River, feel the tranquility at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces Afternoon: Take the Lala ferry (2 RMB) to the opposite bank to Hong'an Ancient Town in Chongqing, check in at the spot "one step across three provinces" Evening: Stay at a characteristic inn in Chadong (about 120 RMB/night), enjoy a bowl of authentic rice tofu Day 3: Chadong → Liye Ancient City (Qin Bamboo Slips Museum) → Rebala Tujia Village Morning: Take a bus to Liye Ancient City (bus fare about 40 RMB), visit the Qin Bamboo Slips Museum (free), learn about Qin Dynasty history from 2000 years ago Afternoon: Head to Rebala Tujia Village (bus fare about 30 RMB), see Tujia wind-and-rain bridges and stilted buildings, try weaving brocade and pounding glutinous rice cakes Evening: Stay at a characteristic guesthouse in Rebala (about 100 RMB/night), eat Tujia community meals Day 4: Rebala → Furong Town (the millennium-old town hanging on a waterfall) Morning: Take a bus to Furong Town (bus fare about 60 RMB), tour the ancient town, visit the big waterfall (ticket 75 RMB) Afternoon: Walk the old street, eat Liu Xiaoqing rice tofu, watch the waterfall night view at dusk Evening: Stay at a riverside inn in Furong Town (about 150 RMB/night) Day 5: Furong Town → Red Stone Forest (geological wonder) → Return Morning: Hire a car or carpool to Red Stone Forest (bus fare about 50 RMB, ticket 80 RMB), explore the 400-million-year-old underwater wonder Afternoon: Return to Jishou (bus fare about 60 RMB), end of trip 💰 Budget Breakdown (Total about 3000 RMB) Item Cost (RMB) Notes Transportation 500 Bus + carpool + local transport in scenic areas Accommodation 600 4 nights in characteristic guesthouses/inns Tickets 300 Aizhai Bridge, Dehang, Furong Town, Red Stone Forest, etc. Food 500 About 100 RMB per day, taste all Xiangxi delicacies Others 200 Souvenirs, snacks, etc. ⚠️ Notes Transportation: Xiangxi attractions are scattered; it is recommended to check bus schedules in advance or carpool for better cost efficiency. Accommodation: Prices are lower in the off-season (non-holidays), bargaining on-site is possible. Food recommendations: Sour soup fish, cured meat, rice tofu, blood duck, community meals. Pitfall tips: Fenghuang Ancient Town is heavily commercialized; it is recommended to visit more authentic places like Chadong and Dehang. 🌟 Why recommend this route? Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery: Avoid popular spots like Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie, truly feel the tranquility and originality of Xiangxi. Cultural experience: Enter Miao and Tujia villages, interact with locals, more meaningful than just taking photos. Budget control: Stay in characteristic guesthouses throughout, eat authentic food, no wasted money. 📌 Suitable for: Backpackers, students, photography enthusiasts who like niche travel and want to deeply experience Xiangxi culture. Let's go! Explore a different Xiangxi! 🌄