2024 Fenghuang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
Fenghuang, located in the southwestern part of western Hunan. It has gradually transformed into a gathering place for young artistic people. The region's long and storied history, legends and folk tales are among the reasons for this as are the ancient-style stilt houses, the clear waters of the Tuojiang River and the heavily ethnic minority atmosphere. Fenghuang’s Phoenix Ancient Town is ideal for walking tours. Nestled deep in the mountains alongside a fast-flowing river, you can visit places such as the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, the Former Residence of Xiong Xiling, the Yang Family Temple, Eastgate Fortress and the Ancient City Museum. The Tuojiang River flows alongside the city walls of Phoenix Ancient Town. While there you can go rafting on the Tuojiang and see and enjoy the hundred-year-old Hmong stilt houses on either bank. This is a unique and pleasurable experience. Outside the ancient city you may spend some time visiting places such as Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park and the Miaowang (King of the Hmong) Cave.
Today's Weather
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Popular Attractions
Fenghuang Ancient Town
FengHuang Maglev Cultural Tourism
Qiliang Cave
Phoenix China Giant Panda Garden
Zhushan Miaozhai
Winter Tour of Changsha-Zhangjiajie-Phoenix Ancient Town. Don't miss it!
Ladies! 6-day tour of Changsha-Zhangjiajie-Phoenix Ancient Town, enjoy Hunan without any pitfalls! Here's a super detailed guide, save it now~
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🛤️ Route Overview:
Day 1: Arrive in Changsha 🚗, VIP car will pick you up and take you to the hotel in the city, then you can enjoy free time and explore Changsha~
Day 2: Hunan Museum -> Yuelu Mountain -> Hunan University -> Aiwan Pavilion, travel through history and nature in one day and experience the cultural heritage of Hunan.
Day 3: Wulingyuan -> Zhangjiajie National Forest Park -> Tianzi Mountain Viewing Platform -> Xihai Stone Forest -> Ten-mile Gallery, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the magical scenery of Zhangjiajie.
Day 4: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park -> Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk -> Furong Town, challenge the high-altitude glass skywalk and explore the beautiful Furong Town.
Day 5: Phoenix Ancient Town -> Tuojiang River, stroll through the streets of the ancient town and feel the tranquility of Tuojiang River and the charm of Phoenix.
Day 6: Sleep in 💤, explore the Star City 🌈, enjoy free time all day, and arrange a VIP car to take you to the airport or train station according to your return time, and return happily 🚄✈.
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🎒 Travel Essentials: Changsha-Zhangjiajie-Phoenix Ancient Town Packing List
👚 Clothing: It's cold in Hunan in December, bring a thick coat and sweater, and wear comfortable long sleeves underneath to keep warm and stylish.
👟 Shoes: Non-slip sneakers are recommended, and if you are going to climb mountains in Zhangjiajie, remember to choose lightweight and breathable ones.
🎩 Accessories: Hats and scarves add warmth and color, sunglasses protect you from the sun and make you look cool, don't forget to bring them!
📋 Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), driver's license, check before you travel.
🔋 Electronic devices: Mobile phone, power bank, data cable, and camera to record the beautiful scenery, don't forget them.
💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, just in case, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
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🎉 The food in Changsha, the wonders of Zhangjiajie, and the ancient town of Phoenix are waiting for you to explore one by one, don't miss this beautiful trip to Hunan! 🌈
6-Day Hunan Zhangjiajie-Yuanjiajie Scenic Area Itinerary - Save This Super Detailed Guide!
Hey guys, here's a 6-day itinerary for Hunan Zhangjiajie-Yuanjiajie Scenic Area! Explore Zhangjiajie without any detours or pitfalls. Save this guide now!
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🚩Itinerary:
Day 1: Beijing Daxing → Changde
Depart from Beijing Daxing and arrive in Changde to start your Hunan trip!
Day 2: Fenghuang Ancient Town
Spend the whole day exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town and experience the charm and history of the ancient town.
Day 3: Miao Village → Furong Town
Visit the mysterious Miao Village and then head to Furong Town to experience different local customs.
Day 4: Yuanjiajie Scenic Area → Yangjiajie Scenic Area → Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area → Ten-Mile Gallery
Travel through the magnificent mountains and rivers of Yuanjiajie and Yangjiajie, then climb Tianzi Mountain, and finally stroll through the Ten-Mile Gallery to enjoy the wonders of nature.
Day 5: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park → Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk
Challenge the steep Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park and conquer the glass skywalk!
Day 6: Tusi Palace → Huangshizhai
Visit the historic Tusi Palace, then head to Huangshizhai to overlook the beautiful scenery of Zhangjiajie.
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Travel Preparation: 🎒
👕 [Clothing] Bring a warm coat, scarf, and hat, and wear non-slip shoes to walk more steadily on mountain roads.
📱 [Accessories] Bring your phone, power bank, and charger to record the beautiful scenery and stay connected.
🆔 [Documents] Bring your ID card, student ID, and bank card. Prepare your travel documents and don't miss out on special offers.
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If you like Zhangjiajie-Yuanjiajie, don't forget to follow me for more travel tips! 🌲✨
Fenghuang in the Snow
Fenghuang (Fenghuang Ancient), the Venice of China, the charm of Hunan
A must-check-in spot for visitors is the traditional bridge known as dingbu. It is constructed by placing square-cut stones at intervals that match a person's stride, spanning across the Tuojiang River. Upstream from the bridge, there is a place called Hongqiao, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns, preserving the ancient city's charm.
Phoenix Ancient Town | Nanny-level travel guide, recommended for collection.
Xiangxi is the full name of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, located in northwestern Hunan Province. It has a long history, profound cultural heritage, and beautiful natural scenery. Today, I want to strongly recommend a place of extreme beauty - Xiangxi Furong Town. Furong Town, originally named Wangcun, is an ancient town with a history of over 2,000 years. It is like a shining pearl, and it has the reputation of "a thousand-year-old ancient town hanging on a waterfall" because of the magnificent waterfall flowing through it.
🚉 Transportation Guide:
High-speed rail: You can take the train to Fenghuang Ancient Town Station. After exiting the station, take a shuttle bus directly to Nanhua Gate.
Airplane: You can first fly to Tongren Fenghuang Airport, then take the airport bus to Chengbei, and then take a taxi to the ancient town.
Self-driving: Navigate directly to the parking lot. You can reach the ancient town directly without going through the visitor center.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
Middle reaches of Tuojiang River:
The most prosperous area, also the best place to enjoy the night view. If your budget allows, you can consider a river view room in the middle reaches. There's a reason why it's expensive.
Upper and lower reaches of Tuojiang River:
If you prefer a quiet environment, you can stay here. If you are driving, you can choose to stay in the lower reaches, which is closer to the parking lot.
❤ Reasons for Recommendation:
1. Open the East Gate Tower: As the gateway to the ancient town, the East Gate Tower has witnessed the vicissitudes of Fenghuang. Standing on the tower, you can have a panoramic view of the stilted houses on both sides of the Tuojiang River.
2. Boat trip on the Tuojiang River: Take a flat-bottomed boat and drift downstream, feeling like you are "swimming in a painting". The lights on both sides of the river are dazzling, reflecting on the shimmering water surface, creating a beautiful scene.
3. Shen Congwen's Former Residence: Step into the birthplace of the literary giant, and it seems as if you can hear the stories about Biancheng whispering in your ears.
4. Stone slab alley: Wander through the intricate stone slab alleys of the ancient town, each step echoing with history. You may stumble upon a small shop or cafe with a story.
5. Night view of Tuojiang River: As night falls, the lights on both sides of the Tuojiang River gradually light up, reflecting in the water, forming a flowing ink painting. Take a walk along the river and feel the tranquility and romance of the ancient town.
6. Night tour of Fenghuang: Romance under the flickering lights.
🍜 Food Recommendations:
Taste feast: Fenghuang on the tip of your tongue
1. Blood-soaked duck: As Fenghuang's signature dish, this dish combines the deliciousness of duck meat and the glutinous rice, spicy and flavorful, leaving you wanting more.
2. Miao sour soup fish: Sour and spicy, with tender fish meat, it is a must-try dish to experience Miao customs.
3. Ginger candy: Ginger candy shops can be found everywhere in the streets and alleys. They are made on the spot, sweet and spicy, and are a great gift for friends and family.
4. Snack exploration: Don't forget to try Fenghuang's local snacks such as Shefan, Liangfen, and glutinous rice cake. Each bite is an ultimate temptation for your taste buds.
Fenghuang Ancient Town: Timeless Beauty
#100WaysOfTravel
Fenghuang Ancient Town, set along the serene Tuojiang River, is a picturesque gem in Hunan Province. With its well-preserved stilt houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and ancient city walls, it feels like stepping back in time. Explore the winding alleys filled with local crafts and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the river, where traditional wooden boats glide past charming bridges and red lanterns.
Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September–November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Must-See: The Phoenix Statue, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Former Residence of Shen Congwen.
Michaela (@uncoveringcities) Phoenix Ancient Town Is Beautiful
Phoenix Ancient Town (Fenghuang), located in Hunan Province, China, is a picturesque town known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. This ancient town, with over 300 years of history, is nestled along the banks of the Tuojiang River, offering stunning views of traditional wooden houses perched on stilts above the water. Cobblestone streets wind through the town, where visitors can explore historical sites, ancestral halls, and ancient city walls.
The town’s vibrant culture is a blend of Han Chinese and indigenous Miao and Tujia ethnic traditions. This is reflected in the local customs, arts, and cuisine, creating a unique cultural experience for visitors. By night, the town lights up with glowing lanterns reflecting off the river, adding to its enchanting charm. With its serene atmosphere, timeless beauty, and deep cultural roots, Phoenix Ancient Town provides an immersive journey into China’s rich past and vibrant present.
#ancienttown
Travel Guide｜I declare that autumn in Xiangxi is truly a human ideal.
Bluestone slabs, stilted buildings, Tuojiang River, and a leaf boat.
Many people's impression of Xiangxi is still limited to Fenghuang Ancient Town. Until this time, I really traveled around Xiangxi and saw another side of it under the bright lights. Its true beauty is understated yet resounding. Xiangxi is no longer mysterious, just waiting for you to come.
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⛰️4-day itinerary in Xiangxi
Day 1: Fenghuang Ancient Town
Day 2: Dehang Miao Village➜ Aizhai Bridge➜ Tianwen Observatory➜ Biancheng Chadong
Day 3: Wulongshan Grand Canyon (Ruo Mi Cave)➜ Liye Ancient Town➜ Liye Qin Jian Museum➜ Bamianshan
Day 4: Ruoba La➜ Furong Town
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🚉How to get there
🚄High-speed rail: Fenghuang Ancient Town Station
✈️Airplane: Arrive in Changsha➠ Take the maglev train/airport bus to Changsha South and transfer to the high-speed rail🚅
⚠️You can choose to take a taxi🚗, bus🚌, or maglev🚊 from Fenghuang Ancient Town High-speed Rail Station to the ancient town scenic area. The bus and maglev have fixed stops and require more walking. Taxis have more freedom in where you can get off.
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🗺️Travel Guide
▪️Fenghuang Ancient Town
The Tuojiang River reflects the brilliance of the three thousand lights of Fenghuang City. However, I prefer the way it looks when it just wakes up, with fog covering the river and birds chirping.
▫️Dehang Miao Village
The original Miao village style, surrounded by mountains, so quiet that it doesn't feel like it's on earth. The ticket includes a visit to the Miao Village, Liusha Waterfall, and Astronomical Observatory.
▪️Aizhai Bridge
A rainbow bridge spanning two sides surrounded by mountains. It's hard to imagine the magnificence before you see it in person.
▫️Astronomical Observatory
A naturally formed stone platform with a bottomless canyon below and cliffs above. It has a strong immortal-xia style, and you can take great photos📷 without aerial photography.
▪️Biancheng Chadong
The prototype of "Biancheng" is not Fenghuang, but Chadong. Located at the junction of Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou provinces, the Huayuan River flows through it. You can take the "Lala Ferry" mentioned in the car to Cuicui Island. In the evening, it's so beautiful to eat by the river with the wind of Xiangxi.
▫️Wulongshan Grand Canyon
The Ruo Mi Cave is amazing. It's so cold in the summer that it smokes. None of the caves I've been to before are as large and open as this one. The "Nine Dragon Divine Pillars" and "Sharingan" formed by hundreds of millions of years of waiting are worth seeing.
▪️Liye
An ancient town surrounded by the You River. The Liye Qin Jian Museum houses three national treasure-level bamboo slips, not to be missed.
▫️Bamianshan
See the cliffs and sea of clouds❗️At an altitude of over 1,000 meters, there are homestays on the mountain and you can also set up your own tent🏕️.
▪️Ruoba La
The "beautiful and beautiful place" in Tujia language. The palace built for the TV series is very photogenic📷.
▫️Furong Town
An ancient town on a waterfall. It's not comparable to Fenghuang, each has its own characteristics, and both are worth checking in.
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💡Tips:
A taxi from Fenghuang High-speed Rail Station to the ancient town costs💰24, starting with three people.
Fenghuang Ancient Town lights up at 7:30 pm.
Liusha Waterfall in Dehang requires a high water period.
The "Snack Bar Parking Lot" on Aizhai Bridge is a great angle to take photos of the bridge.
The "One Fish, Three Provinces" fish pot in Chadong is delicious❗️
You can navigate🧭 to the Sun-dried Clothes Rock for the sea of clouds on Bamianshan.
The black building in Ruoba La is at the end of the road.
Furong Town lights up at 7 pm.
The magical Phoenix old town (凤凰古城)
#100WaysOfTravel I traveled here for two nights but I wish I could have stayed longer! Both the daylight view and the night view was amazing, almost magical. I enjoyed a lot dressing up and taking photos with beautiful clothing and stunning background. I also went to watch theatre which was truly a special experience and I enjoyed every moment! After the theatre they had organised fireworks and other beautiful outdoor shows. The hotel prices were good and many of the hotels were decorated nicely. I would suggest to stay as central as possible in the old town, near the river. Also their barbecue was amazing as well as other Hunan food. I think a hood duration of stay would be 2-4 nights!#fenghuang #fenghuangancienttown #holidayvacation #stunning #summer
Changsha is really fun, I will come again next time!
Changsha is really fun, there are so many delicious foods, and the people are super nice👍
Before going: Changsha has a lot of delicious food!
After going: There are too many delicious foods, I don't want to leave... (Don't worry about eating, you basically won't step on landmines, it's just that as a northerner, my body is a bit unaccustomed)
Tea Yan Yue Se: Recommend Sheng Sheng Oolong, You Lan Latte, Matcha Grapefruit (the iced version tastes better) Whenever you see Tea Yan Yue Se in every place, you must queue up to buy it, it's really good (also, there is none in the north)
Stinky Tofu: You can try the black classic oh
You must go to Orange Island Head, it's very photogenic, it's just that there are a lot of people (you can go early in the morning)
The night view of Fenghuang Ancient City is still good, but it's too commercialized, it's basically all travel photography, but the cost-performance ratio is still okay, if you have been to Lijiang Ancient City before, then it's not highly recommended here, there's not much difference.
Zhangjiajie's Seventy-Two Wonders Building is also quite recommended You don't need to buy a night ticket, it's very nice to take photos and check in across the street!
The scenery of Tianmen Mountain is really beautiful, you must go and see it yourself, the natural wonder (recommended tourist route A line, not tiring at all, remember to make an appointment a bit earlier)
The National Forest Park is still worth a visit, to feel the magnificence of the three thousand strange peaks and rocks, after all, you have already come to Zhangjiajie, it's really big inside, saw wild monkeys🐒 very cute, recommend entering and exiting from the east gate.
By the way, for those planning to travel to Hunan, you really don't need to check the weather forecast in advance, it's really useless, even the locals don't look at it, everyone just go and have fun, it's very comfortable to stroll around on cloudy and rainy days, sunny days are actually too hot, everyone just prepare an umbrella, the rain comes fast and goes fast!
Three-Day Tour Guide and Feelings of Fenghuang Ancient Town in Western Hunan
I personally think that the ancient town of Fenghuang is better during the day than at night. It is best to travel outside of holidays to truly appreciate the unique charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Traveling during holidays, apart from the lively nights, only offers a bland and heavily commercialized experience!
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After getting off the high-speed train, don't take the magnetic levitation taxis. Instead, walk inside and buy a direct bus ticket for 7 yuan per person. It's about 8 kilometers and takes 20 minutes. When purchasing, show the staff the hotel you're going to, and they will tell you which bus number to take (there are only 2 routes).
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Book your hotel in advance, and don't worry about which gate to enter through. The ancient town is neither too big nor too small, and there are many places to visit, so it doesn't really matter where you stay. There's no need to be picky about the location or to stay in the county outside. Just choose a hotel inside the ancient town. It's best not to choose a hotel by the river during holidays, as it can be noisy until 2 a.m., making it hard to sleep. On regular days, riverside hotels can be an option, but choose carefully. I personally recommend staying at a hotel further inside, as accommodations are very affordable and you're unlikely to encounter any issues.
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If you choose a homestay near Nanhua Gate, there will be many stairs, which is not convenient for luggage. Look at the map and try to choose a location a bit closer to the river at the bottom left corner, where there are not too many stairs and it's more convenient.
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Two days and one night are enough; there's no need to stay too long. The scenery is beautiful during the day when the weather is good, especially from Wanming Pagoda to Feng Bridge. If you want to see the night view, you can go to Nanhua Bridge.
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The photos you can take in the ancient town are quite similar, so there's no need to choose too expensive a package. The 199, 299, 399, 699 options are really just for the experience. A 199 package is enough, and the photos will be similar. Many are just casual shots, but you can still get one or two that you like! It's best to rent a costume and take photos during the day, as they don't look good at night. You don't need to deliberately look for roadside photographers; sometimes they will take photos for you, and if you like them, you can buy them—10 yuan for 7 photos!
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The food and goods in the ancient town are too expensive and not tasty or enjoyable. You're always stepping on landmines with the heavy commercialization. The entire ancient town is almost entirely filled with clothing and travel photography shops. It's really only suitable for a glance at the scenery. Biancheng is not Fenghuang Ancient Town, but if you have time, you can find a driver to carpool for 80 yuan per person to visit Chadianzi, the place described by Shen Congwen in his writings!
You really should visit the ancient town of Fenghuang in Xiangxi
During the day, there aren't many people, but at night it gets very crowded! The streets are quite narrow and packed with people. The night view of the ancient town is very beautiful, you must go and see it, there are many music bars by the river but the prices are generally high.
Local delicacies include special dishes like blood curd duck, Miao pancakes, beef rice noodles, and shrimp cakes. I tried the blood curd duck and beef rice noodles (blood curd duck is available in many restaurants) and the taste was quite good~ There are many top-rated restaurants every day, you can go and check them out!! It is recommended to use group buying for 1-2 person meals, most of which are priced around 68 yuan, and you can eat very well. The most popular shop for beef rice noodles is Shili Xiang noodle shop, but I just randomly chose a shop, and the taste was also good. The noodles are the very wide kind, they look spicy but are not.
Photography: There are photo studios all over the ancient town, with both cheap and expensive prices, but you get what you pay for. You should visit several studios, pick and choose carefully. 398 yuan for 10 retouched photos, with all negatives included. The makeup artists are very good, and you can ask for a makeup change if you're not satisfied.
Accommodation: Don't worry about not having a place to stay! There are homestays everywhere, but you still need to look ahead of time. The river view rooms have great views, and at night you can listen to the music from the bars by the river. But the prices are a bit more expensive, ranging from 200-600 yuan (or even more expensive), so you can choose according to your own needs.
Attention! When visiting the ancient town, be sure to wear comfortable flat shoes! Otherwise, your feet will hurt, as the roads in the ancient town are uneven. Some attractions in the scenic area require tickets, so check the weather forecast, as it is often rainy in this southern water town, so be prepared with an umbrella. Travel light, and if you can avoid bringing a suitcase, do so, as it's not convenient to wheel a suitcase around the ancient town.
Check in at the popular tourist destination Fenghuang Ancient Town in Xiangxi, famous for its beautiful bridges
Having visited many ancient towns, one might feel a sense of commercial homogeneity. However, I find the bridges over the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang Ancient Town particularly interesting. Nestled among green mountains, with clear waters flowing, each bridge has its own unique shape, full of aesthetic quality, and also carries a folkloric charm.
It reminds me of the famous lines written by Mr. Shen Congwen, a local writer of Fenghuang Ancient Town:
'Between the green mountains and waters,
I want to hold your hand and cross this bridge,
Above the bridge are green leaves and red flowers, below is the flowing water and people's homes,
The end of the bridge leads to youth, and this end to grey hair.'
I think, this is probably the most beautiful expression of love and life.
Visiting Phoenix Ancient Town was magical 💫
Fenghuang Ancient Town is this unreal slice of history tucked away in Hunan, China. With its stilted houses right on the river, winding cobblestone paths, and bridges that look amazing lit up at night, it's like walking into the past.
It's perfect for anyone into history, culture, or just looking for some awesome photos. Definitely a must-see for an authentic peek into China’s rich heritage. Super picturesque and full of character.
It was accessible by train directly from Zhangjiajie, can be visited as a day tour but I would definitely recommend staying at least one night since trains back to Zhangjiajie depart early. That way you can enjoy this picturesque town also at night.
Bonus tip: if you rent an outfit and have a photoshoot, you can do it almost at sunset time, so you have both daytime and nighttime pictures 😉
#freehotelstay
Zhangjiajie + Phoenix Ancient City | Zhangjiajie + Phoenix Ancient City | Winter Travel Guide
Winter treasure travel destination: Zhangjiajie + Phoenix Ancient City⛰️
Collect this Zhangjiajie guide if you like it🍃
🚗Travel route:
Day1: Forest Park→Yuanjiajie→Golden Whip Stream→Wulingyuan
Day2: Tianmen Mountain→Huangshizhai→Baofeng Lake→Charm Xiangxi
Day3: Furong Town→Furong Waterfall→Night Tour Phoenix
Day4: Phoenix Ancient City →Xiangxi Miao Village
🍣Food recommendation:
·Tujia Three Pots🥘: A special dish of Zhangjiajie, with three kinds of fresh meat paired with local special sauce, spicy and fragrant, warming and cold-relieving.
·Fern root powder🥣: A local special snack, smooth and tender fern root powder, paired with various seasonings, refreshing and delicious.
·Blood duck🦆: A special dish of Xiangxi, stewed with rice blood, duck meat and other ingredients, the meat is fresh and fragrant, soft and chewy
·Xiangxi bacon🥩: A local special dish, bacon smoked with firewood, with a rich and mellow taste, loved by foodies.
⛰️Scenic spot recommendation:
1️⃣Tianzi Mountain: One of the four major landscapes of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, known for its peak forest, sea of clouds, sunrise and winter snow.
2️⃣Bailong Elevator: A famous sightseeing elevator in Zhangjiajie, the highest outdoor elevator in the world, which can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the scenic area
3️⃣Phoenix Ancient City: Located in the Xiangxi section, it is a historical and cultural ancient city, with stilted buildings on both banks, the Tuojiang River is green and rippling, and the scenery is beautiful.
4️⃣Xiangxi Miao Village: One of the important birthplaces of Chinese Miao culture, it is a good place to appreciate Miao scenery and experience Miao customs.
Like this guide, friends, hurry up and like and collect it💕
Welcome to the comment area for interaction🍃
Phoenix Ancient City Night View| Border Town under the pen of Shen Congwen
|Border Town under the pen of Shen Congwen. 'A bend of Tuojiang River, a Phoenix city.'
A slight mist is diffused, three thousand bright lights are brilliant, so this is the border town under the pen of Mr. Shen Congwen...
Rush to the Phoenix Ancient City in western Hunan to see the 'Border Town' under the pen of Shen Congwen. The majestic ancient city wall, the neat stilted buildings, the smooth bluestone roads, the Yao girls by the Tuojiang River... These are the first impressions of the Phoenix Ancient City. Phoenix is located in western Hunan, and is a county where ethnic minorities such as Miao and Tujia are mainly concentrated.
This place has a long history and was once called 'the land of barbarians', but a 'Border Town' has pushed this ancient city to the world.
Today's Phoenix is the 'most beautiful small city in China' in the mouth of New Zealand writer Rewi Alley and the 'Painting Township' under the pen of painter Huang Yongyu, which is comparable to the ancient city of Lijiang in Yunnan and the ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi.
'Wait for a city of misty rain, just for you; cross a lifetime of love, only with you'
'I have walked over many bridges in my life, seen clouds many times, drunk many kinds of wine, but only loved a person at the best age'
Perhaps many people like Shen Congwen because of this sentence. And because of his 'Border Town', they fell in love with Phoenix.
Appointment with the screen: reshaping classic scenes, leaving beautiful moments like a TV drama
Phoenix Ancient Town, like a pearl embedded in the mountains and waters of Hunan, is a small town full of historical vicissitudes. Ancient buildings, tranquil Tuojiang River, stone alleys, every step is a symphony of time. In this quiet and beautiful city, let us unveil its mysterious veil together.
Detailed address:
Phoenix County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province
Ticket price:
Phoenix Ancient Town ticket: 120 yuan/person (including core scenic spots and related attractions)
Transportation strategy:
Airplane: Arrive at Phoenix Airport, you can choose a taxi or bus to the ancient town.
Train: After arriving at Jishou Station, transfer to a bus, taxi or tourist bus to Phoenix Ancient Town.
The temperature in Phoenix in December is relatively low, cool in the morning and evening, and more pleasant during the day. It is recommended to bring a warm jacket, and you may need some thick clothes at night.
It is recommended to wear warm but lightweight clothing and bring a warm jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for strolling in the ancient town.
Travel advice:
Time planning: Enter the ancient town around 8 o'clock in the morning, avoid the peak of tourists, and better feel the tranquility of the ancient town.
Stroll in the alley: Walk along the bluestone alley and discover the hidden beauty and stories in the ancient town.
Taste food: Try local snacks and feel the unique charm of Tujia cuisine.
Check-in photo spots:
Stilted building group: The representative of Tujia architecture, the picturesque stilted building is an excellent background for taking pictures.
Tuojiang scenery: The beautiful scenery on the side of Tuojiang River, the quiet river reflects the buildings of the ancient town, it is a good place to shoot scenery.
Waterfall Tuojiang night view: The ancient town is brightly lit at night, and the night view on the side of Tuojiang River is intoxicating.
Itinerary arrangement:
Morning: Stroll along the Tuojiang River and feel the quiet morning atmosphere.
Morning: Visit the core scenic area, including stilted building groups, Tusi City, etc.
Lunch: Taste local food and feel the taste of Tujia.
Afternoon: Visit Qianhu Miao Village and learn more about ethnic minority culture.
Evening: Enjoy the sunset by the Tuojiang River and take beautiful pictures of the dusk.
Small tips:
You can choose to hire a local guide to better understand Tujia culture. Before renting costumes and hiring photographers, clarify the price to avoid subsequent disputes.
Choose to play on weekdays to avoid the peak of people flow on weekends or holidays.
Some merchants may sell souvenirs at high prices, it is recommended to understand the market situation first.
If you want to rent costumes and hire photographers in Phoenix Ancient Town, it will be a unique and unforgettable experience.
Stroll around the ancient town at night and feel the tranquility and beauty of the night.
If there are local special activities, you might as well participate in them, understand Tujia culture and add some fun
Phoenix Ancient City, an extraordinary journey
My first step into the beautiful land of Hunan - Phoenix Ancient City, this is an extraordinary journey. The long-distance bus ran through half a day and night, and finally at six o'clock in the morning, I arrived in Changsha.
After the exhaustion of the long journey, after a period of rest, we finally came to the embrace of this ancient city. At noon, we settled down in the homestay and enjoyed the food. Although the homestays in the ancient city are not satisfactory, the choices of takeaways are not unique, and what's more, we have trouble finding an ideal delivery location, which really brings a lot of trouble.
After lunch, we decided to take a rest and replenish our energy to welcome the upcoming exploration journey. At five o'clock in the afternoon, we started our exploration of the ancient city. Although it was drizzling outside, it did not stop our exploration. The ancient city at night is cool and pleasant, and such weather is really refreshing.
Of course, the trip to the ancient city cannot be without taking beautiful photos. We randomly chose a shop in the ancient city. Although the crowd was bustling, the shop assistants seemed a bit rushed, and the makeup and styling might not be exquisite, but the overall effect was still good. The price is reasonable, we chose to travel and shoot. Although the photographer's photos have not yet been developed, the photos we took ourselves are also quite good. The models are very satisfied with the effect of the photos and can't help but laugh.
However, I want to remind everyone that the night of the ancient city is indeed crowded. Looking for beauty in such an environment is like finding a needle in a haystack. Therefore, I chose to leave during the day and enjoy the cool time with my friends. Overall, this trip, in addition to the time for taking pictures that made me happy, the scenery of the ancient city is also quite charming. This city is the shooting location of the fairy sword, and I am full of love for it.
Fenghuang Ancient City
#citywalk
This is an ancient city with dual images between days and nights. Around the city, with all the lighting everywhere in the evening, it is a dreamlike and blinking place. Young ladies wearing gorgeous (苗族) traditional clothes are everywhere. They rent the clothes with makeup service and professional photographer to take pretty photos for them.
There are lots of bars along the river (Tuo Jiang). Singers perform in the bars until 11:30pm according to the regulations. There are also snacks and souvenior shops along the river and on all streets/paths.
In the day time, it's a completely different place without lighting and crowds. If you want to see the "ancient city", make sure to enter the city gates.
Fenghuang - Phoenix Townin Hunan Province
Fenghuang is a picturesque ancient town nestled in the mountains of Hunan province, China.
It is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, traditional wooden houses, and scenic natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lush green hills, crystal-clear rivers, and dense forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. 🌿💚
At night, the town comes alive with colorful lights, music, and street performers, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Fenghuang is also famous for its delicious local cuisine, including spicy Hunan-style dishes and traditional snacks. 🍢🍲
With its rich history, stunning scenery, and unique cultural heritage, Fenghuang is a very nice destination for anyone traveling to Hunan!
#urbanexplorer #hunan #fenghuang #mytripvlog #summervacation #travel #passionpassport #tripblazers
Fenghuang -at least a full day and night
Fenghuang in Hunan is a beautiful town along a river that is well worth a visit. The ticket for 8 sites and a boat trip was 120 rmb and gives your wandering some focus, but I only spent about 10-15 minutes in each site and a lot of the information was not in English. The boat trip was good but only 20 minutes. At night there are queues for the boat trip so we went late afternoon
Ancient Fairy Town
Spent a day in Fenghuang Ancient City and was mesmerized by this magical little town. I stayed in a beautiful room on the river with a balcony that overlooked all the activity. It was raining most of the time, but the mist just added more of a fairy-like atmosphere to the whole experience. There was plenty of street food, snacks, drinks to keep people fed while they are wandering through the alleys and checking out the scenery.
#fenghuangancienttown #fenghuang #chinatravel #hunan
Fascinating Fenghuang
Fenghuang (Phoenix) ancient town is situated around 4 hours (by road) from Zhangjiajie and is a cultural town with lots of picturesque scenes. The old town has a river running through the centre where there a lot of different activities taking place. A lot of the accommodation is mainly small B&Bs or hostels which are small and family owned. The prices of most things (particularly food and drink) is very expensive and catered towards the tourists who tend to visit for one or two days only. #tourism #china #Ancientown #summervacation #awesomepic
SOLO Trip to Ancient Phoenix City
It’s a very nice place with nice view and have lots of delicious food.. it’s so much beautiful during the night… its more easier these days to go since they have opened the high speed train station near it so we can take high speed train then just take a taxi to the city. There is also some attractions along the way to the city and we can walk around or take the bus to go around. It’s also suggested to try out the boat on the river ☺️#solotrip
Magical Fenghuang Town!
Located in Hunan province, Fenghuang Ancient Town is one of the most famous old towns in China. You can appreciate the antique flavor of this 300-year old town, feel the rich culture of the 28 minority ethnic groups, and explore the remaining traces of the famous historical figures and great writers.
Walking around the town is a visual treat. You can walk along the river early in the morning and enjoy watching fishermen fish.
You can also go to the local noodle shops to eat delicious Beef Rice noodles.
Tip: Travel to Zhangjiajie as part of package holiday because it's very close.
#fenghuang
#fenghuangancienttown
Day and night Fenghuang Ancient
Day and night. Beautiful lights besides the river.
Recommend 2 nights maximum.
Hotels near the center along the river range at 300rmb but be aware live music plays until 11:30pm.
Also be aware many restaurants and hotels lack in cleanliness.
Feng Huang, this kind of atmosphere, "I love it"
#WinterTravel
Fenghuang Ancient Town, China
An old town in the middle of a valley, the atmosphere is very good. The houses are still old and classic. The elderly people look energetic. They come out to do various activities, fish, walk for exercise. And there are many groups hired to take pictures for tourists near the bridge. So we got a lot of beautiful pictures back.
We took the high-speed train from Changsha for 2 hours, got off at Honghua, and took a taxi for 1:30 to get here.
It is an impressive city and I want to go again.
#fenghuangancienttown
#FenghuangAncientTown
#TravelChina
Phoenix ancient town- gorgeous night view
Phoenix town (Fenghuang/凤凰) is a small town in Hunan province. We went there on the way to Zhangjiajie Park. It's absolutely stunning after sunset, so you'd better stay for the night there.
There are many small cute cafés facing the river and a lot of "photo shops" renting garments and offering photography services.
It's small, so a day and night is quite enough (IMHO)
In some sources it's said to be a UNESCO
heritage site, though I'm not 💯% sure.
It's a nice travel spot: if you are in Hunan or north-east Guizhou, don't miss it
We got there from Tongren by shared hello taxi (beware of unexpected extra charges) and went to Zhangjiajie by train
In peak season (end of July) it may be quite hard to find a didi/hello taxi, so plan accordingly
#phoenixtown
#fenghuang
Fenghuang Ancient Town
Getting There - A short drive from Changsha or Zhangjiajie.
Ideal time - two days.
Spend time walking along the river, going through cobbled streets and eating the excellent rice noodles that are unique to Hunan.
Tip: Wake up early in the morning and walk along the river to see the misty fog and the men fishing.
#fenghuang Ancient Town #hunan #water town
East Gate Tower of Xiangxi
1.
Name - East Gate Tower of Xiangxi
Highlights - the tower itself is small but has intricate detailing.
Rating - 10/10
2.
Name - the shops surrounding the tower
Highlights - these shops have everything you could want from an ancient town, from candy to handmade items, dress shops, tea and ice cream
Rating - 8/10
#staycation #gooutside #solotravel
Wanming Pagoda
Beautiful riverside landmark at Fenghuang Town. It is not possible to enter inside but it is nice to see and take some photos. There are many gorgeous places to explore in this town.
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#passionpassport #fenghuang #china #chinalife #pagoda #culturalattractions #historicculture #historicallandmarks #tripmoments
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