Not AI: I Stepped into a Real-Life Xianxia World in Western Hunan

Fenghuang Town, located in Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is an ancient town with over 2,000 years of history. It became famous through the movie "Hibiscus Town" and is known as the "Thousand-Year-Old Town Hanging on a Waterfall" due to its spectacular waterfall flowing through the town. It features unique natural landscapes while preserving rich Tujia ethnic culture and Ming-Qing dynasty architecture. Here's a detailed travel guide to Fenghuang Town, covering transportation, attractions, food, accommodation, and travel tips. --- ### **I. Best Time to Visit** Fenghuang Town is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are: - **Spring (March-May)**: Peach and rapeseed flowers bloom, with pleasant weather. - **Fall (September-November)**: Golden rice fields and colorful foliage, perfect for photography. - **Summer (June-August)**: Abundant waterfall flow, ideal for rafting and water activities. - **Winter (December-February)**: Fewer tourists, good for experiencing the tranquility of the ancient town. --- ### **II. Transportation Guide** **1. Getting There** - **High-speed Rail**: Take the high-speed train to **Fenghuang Town Station**, then a 5-10 minute taxi ride to the scenic area. - **Air**: The nearest airport is **Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport**, followed by bus or private car transfer (approximately 1.5 hours). - **Self-driving**: Navigate to "Fenghuang Town Scenic Area," where multiple parking lots are available. **2. Getting Around** Fenghuang Town is relatively small, and all main attractions can be explored on foot. --- ### **III. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Fenghuang Town Grand Waterfall** - 60 meters high and 40-80 meters wide, it's the largest waterfall in Western Hunan. Walk along the plank road to experience the splashing mist beneath the waterfall. - **Night light show** (starts at 19:30) makes the waterfall look magical. 2. **Five-Li Stone-Paved Street** - The core area of the ancient town, with Tujia stilt houses, handicraft shops, and food stalls lining both sides of the bluestone path. Try the famous **Liu Xiaoqing Rice Tofu**. 3. **Tusi Royal Palace** - A cluster of stilt houses built above the waterfall, once the summer palace of the Tusi king, where you can learn about Tusi culture. 4. **Xizhou Copper Pillar** - A Tang Dynasty historical relic that bears witness to the peace agreement between the Tujia people and the central imperial court. 5. **Tusi Bridge** - An ancient bridge spanning the waterfall, hung with lanterns at night, rich in ethnic character. 6. **Mengdong River Rafting** (recommended in summer) - About 40 kilometers from Fenghuang Town, known for its rapids and canyon scenery. --- ### **IV. Food Recommendations** 1. **Rice Tofu** - Fenghuang Town's signature snack, made famous by the movie "Hibiscus Town," with a soft texture served with spicy sauce. 2. **Tujia Cured Meat** - Rich in smoky flavor, can be stir-fried or eaten directly. 3. **Sour Soup Fish** - A Western Hunan specialty, sour and spicy, appetizing. 4. **Fresh Water-Cooked Live Fish** - Freshly cooked Youshui River fish, with delicious broth and meat. --- ### **V. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Riverside Inns**: Windows overlooking the waterfall, fall asleep to the sound of water (recommend **Yongshun Jinxiu Fenghuang Grand Hotel**). - **Traditional Courtyards**: Experience traditional Tujia stilt houses. - **Camping**: Stargazing opportunities near Five-Li Valley. --- ### **VI. Recommended Itineraries** **One-Day Tour** - Morning: Xizhou Copper Pillar → Five-Li Stone-Paved Street (taste rice tofu) → Tusi Royal Palace - Afternoon: Grand Waterfall viewing → Tusi Bridge → Blessing Corridor Bridge - Evening: Watch the waterfall light show + night market snacks. **Two-Day Tour** - **Day 1**: Same as one-day tour, overnight in the ancient town. - **Day 2**: Mengdong River rafting or surrounding village tours. --- ### **VII. Important Notes** - Wear non-slip shoes as stone paths near the waterfall can be slippery. - Apply sunscreen and mosquito repellent in summer; dress warmly in winter. - Bargain appropriately when purchasing specialties (such as cured meat, silver jewelry). Fenghuang Town combines natural wonders with cultural heritage. Whether you're tracing movie locations or experiencing Tujia culture, it's a place you won't want to leave. If time allows, staying overnight is recommended to experience the ancient town's beauty from dawn to dusk.