While it may sound harsh, this is the current reality of Fenghuang Ancient Town!
Fenghuang Ancient Town, a shining pearl nestled on the border of western Hunan, attracts countless tourists with its unique Miao and Tujia cultures, ancient architectural styles, and charming natural scenery.
Must-See Attractions
1. Ancient City Wall 🏯 The ancient city wall is one of the landmarks of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Walking along the wall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient town and the Tuojiang River. The arrow towers, city gates, and gate towers on the city wall are all well-preserved, making you feel like you've traveled back to a time of war.
2. Tuojiang River Cruise 🛶 Taking a flat boat and drifting slowly on the Tuojiang River is the best way to experience the water town charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Along the way, you can admire the ancient city walls, stilt houses, and ancient dwellings, and feel the peace and tranquility.
3. Former Residence of Shen Congwen 📚 Shen Congwen is a famous modern Chinese writer, and his former residence is located in a small alley within the ancient town. Preserved here are Mr. Shen's daily necessities and manuscripts, making it a good place to learn about his life and works.
4. Yang Family Ancestral Hall 🏛️ The Yang Family Ancestral Hall is one of the best-preserved ancestral halls in Fenghuang Ancient Town. It enshrines the ancestral tablets of the Yang family and is also an important place to showcase Miao and Tujia cultures.
5. East Gate Tower 🏰 The East Gate Tower is one of the important city gates of Fenghuang Ancient Town and the starting point of the ancient city wall. The arrow towers, city gates, and walls on the gate tower are all well-preserved, offering a bird's-eye view of the entire ancient town and the Tuojiang River.
6. Wanshou Palace 🏯 Wanshou Palace is an ancient temple dedicated to Taoist deities. Its architectural style is simple and elegant, making it a good place to learn about Taoist culture. Wanshou Palace is also a popular attraction in the ancient town, attracting many tourists.
7. Chongde Hall 🏛️ Chongde Hall is a typical Miao building, famous for its exquisite carvings and unique architectural style. The wood, stone, and brick carvings here are all masterpieces, making it a good place to learn about Miao architectural culture.
Food Recommendations
• Blood Cake Duck 🦆: Blood Cake Duck is one of the specialties of Fenghuang Ancient Town, known for its unique taste and delicious flavor. This dish combines duck meat and blood cake (a food made from glutinous rice), resulting in a delicious flavor worth trying.
• Miao Sour Vegetable Noodles 🍜: Miao Sour Vegetable Noodles are a traditional snack in Fenghuang Ancient Town, loved by tourists for their sour and spicy taste. This snack combines sour vegetables, noodles, chili peppers, and other ingredients, resulting in a delicious flavor perfect for breakfast or lunch.
• Ginger Candy 🍬: Ginger candy is one of the specialty snacks of Fenghuang Ancient Town, widely praised for its unique taste and sweet flavor. The ginger candy here is made using traditional techniques, resulting in a crispy texture and a sweet but not greasy taste.
Transportation
Fenghuang Ancient Town is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. After arriving at the ancient town, you can explore on foot or take the local sightseeing bus. The streets within the ancient town are narrow and winding, so walking is recommended for a better appreciation of the scenery and culture.
Accommodation
Fenghuang Ancient Town offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from high-end hotels to budget-friendly inns. It is recommended to choose hotels near the Tuojiang River or the ancient city wall for convenient travel and better views of the ancient town. You can also choose homestays or family guesthouses to experience the local lifestyle.
Tips
• The climate in Fenghuang Ancient Town is humid and changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and sunscreen.
• When visiting attractions within the ancient town, please respect local culture and customs to avoid unnecessary trouble.
• When tasting local cuisine, pay attention to your personal taste and dietary habits to avoid allergies or discomfort. Also, pay attention to food safety and hygiene, and choose reputable restaurants for dining.