Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient City is a cultural treasure of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, and also one of the most romantic and border town style ancient cities in China. Renowned for the literary giant Shen Congwen's "Border Town" and hailed as "the most beautiful small town in China".

Tuojiang Style Gallery
Boating on the Tuojiang River: the soul of the ancient city. Riding a flat boat downstream, passing through the ancient Hongqiao Bridge, and seeing century old stilted houses standing by the water on both sides is a must-have for experiencing the phoenix. The ship is divided into two sections: the upstream is a rural boat, peaceful; The downstream is the core section of the ancient city, passing through the Wanshou Palace, Wanming Pagoda, etc., with classic scenery.
Jumping rocks and stone pier bridges: the most popular check-in points in the river. Walking on the stone bridge step by step and getting close to the leisurely Tuo River is an excellent way to experience the vitality of ancient city life.

Iconic historical buildings
Hongqiao (Wind and Rain Tower): A Ming Dynasty ancient bridge spanning the Tuo River, with two story pavilions on top, making it a great place for sightseeing and shopping. The second floor teahouse offers a panoramic view of the Tuojiang River.
Shen Congwen's former residence: located on Zhongying Street in the ancient city, a typical southern quadrangle courtyard. Here, you can learn about Shen Congwen's life and explore the creative source of 'Border Town'.
The Ancient City Museum (Chen Baozhen Family): A comprehensive museum showcasing the history, culture, art, and local aristocratic families of the ancient city. The building itself is also of great value.
Dongmen City Tower (Shengheng Gate): One of the four major city gates of the ancient city, well preserved, and can be climbed up to overlook.

Texture of ancient city streets and alleys
Qingshiban Road and Zongheng Street: With the Tuojiang River as the core, the four main streets of east, west, north, and south crisscross, giving rise to countless alleys. The best way to explore is to wander around Dongzheng Street, Wenxing Street, Cross Street, etc. without the need for a map.
Wanming Pagoda: Located on the banks of the Tuo River, echoing the Hongqiao Bridge from afar, it is a hexagonal brick pagoda with a particularly beautiful night view.

Brilliant and dreamy night view
The night of the phoenix is more enchanting than the day. The lights, red lanterns, bridge shadows, and tower shadows of the hanging buildings on both sides of the river are reflected in the Tuo River, flowing brightly and dreamlike. The bar street has also become lively, with both hustle and bustle and the graceful atmosphere of bars.
Forest Scene Performance of "Border Town" (Outside the Ancient City): A large-scale landscape scene performance adapted from Shen Congwen's works, with a large lineup and high artistic level, worth watching.

Folk customs and intangible cultural heritage of Xiangxi
Ethnic customs: There are multiple ethnic groups such as Miao and Tujia living in the ancient city, and local people wearing ethnic costumes can be seen, especially during festivals.
Handicrafts and specialties: Ginger candy, silver jewelry, wax printing, and tie dyeing are the "Four Wonders of Phoenix". There are shops and workshops for making ginger candy and wax printing that can be seen everywhere.
Surrounding Miao Villages: You can participate in a one-day tour to Laodong Miao Village, Shanjiang Miao Village, etc., to experience more primitive Miao customs and culture such as gate wine and encouragement.