Written by Clementine |
Fenghuang Ancient Town, also known as the Phoenix Ancient Town, is located in the southwest of Tujia-miao autonomous prefecture of XiangxiĀ (West Hunan)Ā and covers an area of about 10 square kilometers. It is a typical residence of 28 ethnic groups, including Miao, Han, TujiaĀ and so on.
A national historical and cultural city, and one of the most beautiful ancient towns in in China, Fenghuang Old Town is teem with ancient architectures of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also endowed with beautiful natural scenery – the clear Tuo River slowly flowing through the city presents a quiet and charming landscape. A boat ride on Tuo River is one of the highlights of Fenghuang Ancient Town tours.
Content Preview
- Fenghuang Ancient TownĀ Facts
- History ofĀ the Fenghuang Ancient TownĀ in China
- Highlight Attractions of FenghuangĀ Ancient City
- What to See and Do in Fenghuang Ancient Town
- How to Buy Entrance Tickets:
- When is the Best Time to Visit Fenghuang Ancient Town?
- How to Get to the Fenghuang Ancient Town?
- Accommodation in Fenghuang Ancient Town
- What to Eat in Fenghuang
- How to Plan a Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour
- Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town with China Xian Tour
Fenghuang Ancient TownĀ Facts
- In Chinese: å¤å°å¤å
- Location: Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Xiangxi, Hunan Province, China
- Size: About 10 kmĀ²
- Climate: central subtropical monsoon humid climate
- Openinghours: all day
- Suitable for: Chinese culture and history buffs, and anyone that is interested in Chinese ancient town
- Highlights: Shen Congwen’s former residence, Chaoyang Palace, Tianwang Temple, Phoenix Ancient City Building, Hongqiao, Tuojiang River
History ofĀ the Fenghuang Ancient TownĀ in China
Fenghuang Ancient TownĀ was built in 1704, the 43rd year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty. The old east gate and the north gate of the city still exist after about 300 years.Ā The Chaoyang Palace,Ā Longevity Palace, Heavenly Kings temple, Yang FamilyĀ Ancestral Temple, Former Residence of Shen Congwen, Formal Residence of Xiong XiLing, East Gate Tower, Chongde HallĀ andĀ many other old architectures are still well-preserved.
Today Fenghuang Ancient TownĀ isĀ listedĀ one of the ten cultural heritages in Hunan province. ItĀ was regardedĀ as the most beautiful town in China by the New Zealand writer Rewi Alley. And FenghuangĀ sharesĀ great reputation withĀ Old town of Lijiang in Yunnan province and Ancient city of PingyaoĀ in Shanxi provinceĀ as Chinese ancient towns.
Highlight Attractions of FenghuangĀ Ancient City
Chaoyang Palace
Chaoyang Palace, also known as the Chen Family Ancestral Hall, is the most complete ancestral hall masterpiece of modern antique architecture in Fenghuang Ancient City.
Chaoyang Palace was built in the fourth year of the Republic of China by Chen Quzhen’s brother, “King of Xiangxi” Chen Quzhen’s brother, Chen Kaibing, and Chen Kaifan constructed Chaoyang Palace during the fourth year of the Republic of China. Chen Quzhen, the commander of the Xiangxi Patrol force, enhanced and extended it in the twelfth year of the Republic of China (1923).
The gate, the main hall, the stage, the left and right boxes, the kitchen, the lavatory and the other 14 residences are now all combined to create a typical southern Siheyuan. It is a an important place for Chen people to congregate and attend important events or see plays.
Ancient Tower of North Gate
The north gate of Fenghuang Ancient City was built in the Ming Dynasty. In the 35th year of Ming Jiajing (1556), the original earth city of Fenghuang was rebuilt into a brick city, opening four gates, each with a tower. In 1715, the brick city was rebuilt into a stone city, and the north gate was named “Bihui Gate”, which has been preserved till today.
Stilt House over Tuojiang River
Situated southeast of the ancient city near the Huilong Pavilion, the diaojiaolou building group faces the Guguan Road in front and hangs over the Tuojiang River in back. It is among the historic building groupings in the Fenghuang Old Town that exhibit Miao architectural style. The 240-meter-long cantilevered structures date back to the early Republic of China and the Qing Dynasty.
Rainbow Bridge (Rainbow Bridge)
Located in the heart of the ancient city of Fenghuang, Hongqiao, also called the “Wind and rain building” or laying Hongqiao, was constructed in the early Hongwu year of the Ming Dynasty. From the Hongqiao, you may get a broad perspective of the beautiful landscape on both sides of the Tuojiang River and the Fenghuang Ancient Town.
The first floor of Hongqiao is primarily made up of businesses and supermarkets, while the second story is devoted to the folk culture building, which has all of the calligraphy and paintings related to the Hongqiao Wind and Rain Building from antiquity to the present.
Tianjia Ancestral Hall
Tianjia Ancestral Hall is located in Laoying Shao Street on the north bank of Tuojiang River in the FenghuangĀ Ancient City. It was constructed during Daoguang’s 17th year of the Qing Dynasty (1837). Tian Xingshu, a member of the Fenghuang Miao ethnic group who served as the imperial minister and governor of Guizhou Province at the time, donated it. The Xiangxi garrison commander and Kuomintang Lieutenant General Tian Yingzhao (son of Tian Xingshu) invested a significant amount of money to finish the construction at the start of the Republic of China.
This complex of clan ancestral halls featuresĀ a great hall, a stage, gates, patios, cloisters, Tianchi, and two entrances marked “five blessings” and “six shun”.
The Miao Museum of China
The Miao Museum of China is located in the mysterious place known as “Miao King’s House” – Baigu Miao Village, Shanjiang Town, Fenghuang County. The museum covers an area of 1,864 square meters, with a construction area of 1,200 square meters. ItĀ is the largest, highest grade and most exhibits private Miao museum in China.
What to See and Do in Fenghuang Ancient Town
Many people travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town in Hunan to walk along the quartzite street inside the ancient city, appreciate the ancient wooden stilted building (Diaojiao building) and immerse inĀ the sound of Tuo river flowing or take some photos to record the unique experience.
Admire Local Stilted BuildingĀ (Diaojiaolou)
The stiltedĀ buildings are located in the Huilong Pavilion in the southeast of the ancient city, facing the Guguan Road in front and hanging over the Tuojiang River in the back. With a total length of 240 meters, the stiltedĀ building group is one of the ancient buildings with the strongest Miao architectural characteristics in Fenghuang AncientĀ Town.
This ancient Chinese wooden building, divided into two floors, has a high value of craftsmanship. Every time after the rain, a layer of mist rises above the Tuojiang River. When the well-arranged stilted houses are reflected in the water, it looks like a Chinese ink painting scroll.
Walk the Ancient Alleyways
The ancient city is divided into the old and the new parts: The old city is near the mountains and Ā Tuo River.Ā The north gate of the old city was originally named as āBihui Gateā.Ā There is an old and narrow wooden bridge that can only be passed by two people. The bridge was the only way out of the city.
The oldĀ town takes Huilong Pavilion as its central axis, connecting countless lanes through whole city. Huilong pavilion ancient street has been theĀ most bustling street and market since ancient times.
Fenghuang Night Life with a Bar Street
On oneĀ side of Tuo River, there is aĀ modern and famous bar street for people to relax, where many pub singers sing folk songs or pop songsĀ every night to igniteĀ visitorsā nightlife.Ā In addition, it is very popular for visitors to enjoy the charming night viewĀ of Fenghuang AncientĀ Town.
Explore the Guantianshan Miao Village
When you visit Fenghuang Ancient City in China, there are other must-visit attractions, e.g. the Miao Village. It is a rare chance to experience authentic custom and know the traditional culture of Miao people. Here, visitors can not only enjoy the unique ethnic songs and dances of the Miao people and taste traditional food, but also buy some handmade silver products or embroidery and other souvenirs with ethnic characteristics.
You may also be interested in:
How to Buy Entrance Tickets:
Prices of tickets: The ancient town is free for entrance, but if you want to visits certainĀ scenic spots, you need to buyĀ a ticket.
TicketĀ package for 9 main attractions |
CNY 128 |
Tuo River boat cruise |
CNY 80 |
Notes:Ā The ticketĀ packageĀ includesĀ nine scenic spots: Former Residence of Shen Congwen, Formal Residence of Xiong XiLing, East Gate Tower, Yang Ancestra Temple, Chongde Hall, Longevity Palace, Boat ride on Tuo River, Hongqiao Art Museum and Fenghuang Ancient City Museum. And the ticket is valid for 2 days, visitors can arrange their travel time appropriatelyĀ in advance.
When is the Best Time to Visit Fenghuang Ancient Town?
The best time to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town in Hunan China isĀ fromĀ April toĀ May, and September toĀ OctoberĀ — these are the spring and autumn seasons. During these months, the natural scenery is charming and the weather is pleasant.
Summer (June to August) is also a good season for touring Fenghuang Ancient Town, although the temperature is high and there is more rain. It is recommended that tourists visit the ancient city in the morning and evening to avoid the high temperatures. There are also many water activities and festivals (e.g. dragon boat racing) in Fenghuang Ancient Town in summer, allowing visitors to fully experience the local ethnic culture.
The old town of Fenghuang in winter (December to February) has lower temperatures, but the scenery is still beautiful, suitable for tourists who prefer a quiet atmosphere. You may be able to enjoy the snowy scenery at this time.
How to Get to the Fenghuang Ancient Town?
With the advantageous geographical location,Ā Fenghuang Ancient Town is 27 km fromĀ Tongren FenghuangĀ Airport,Ā 57 km fromĀ Huaihua Zhijiang AirportĀ and about 280 km from Zhangjiajie HehuaĀ International Airport.Ā It is easy to travel from Zhangjijie to Fenghuang. And many choose to extend their Zhangjiajie toursĀ to Fenghuang.
From Changsha to Fenghuang Ancient Town
Changsha West Coach Station has buses to Fenghuang Ancient Town Bus Center four times a day. The whole journey will take 5.5 hours.Ā The ticket fare is 145 yuan per ticket.
From Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town
Visitors can take bus to Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Ancient Town, and there are three buses that take about 5 or 6 hours to Fenghuang Ancient Town are available as follows:
- West Bus Station: 8:10, 10:40,15:30,Ā 17:30 Ā CNY130
- South Bus Station: 9:30,15:30 Ā CNY 130
- Changzhutan Bus Station: 8:00,10:00,Ā 14:00 Ā CNY 145
Accommodation in Fenghuang Ancient Town
Most accommodations hereĀ are located inside the old town. They are quite unique as they areĀ mainly converted from traditional wooden houses or small boutique hotels. And to a great extent, choosing the right area matters more than choosing the hotel brand.
Best Areas to Stay
- Midstream (around Hongqiao):
This is the most lively area, and you can easily findĀ bars, performances, and night viewsĀ here. Suitable for young travelers who enjoy nightlife, butĀ this areaĀ can also be noisy until late at night.
- Upstream or Downstream (recommended):
Quieter and more relaxed, soĀ families or light sleepersĀ often stay here. Downstream areas near Moon Bridge are especially peaceful.
River-view vs. Alley Rooms
- River-view rooms:
This place has great scenery and convenient location, but can be a bit humid and noisy at night.
- Alley rooms:
Much quieter and drier,Ā however, theĀ viewsĀ are not as good as other places.
What to Eat in Fenghuang
Tasting food is certainly a must-try activity here, as the flavors are all very local and repetitive. Taste is generally similar across shops, so choosing less crowded places usually gives better experiences.
Local Dishes to Try
- Blood Duck (Xue Ya): A signature Xiangxi dish
- Miao-style Cured Pork andSausages
- Beef Rice Noodles (Fen) -popular for breakfast
- She Fan (Miao Sticky Rice) -seasonal specialty
Snacks Worth Trying
- Ginger candy
- Rice tofu (best from street vendors carrying bamboo baskets)
- Shrimp cakes & Miao pancakes
How to Plan a Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour/h2>
Best Attractions to Combine With Fenghuang
- Aizhai Bridge (Half-day):
One of the worldās highest suspension bridges, and itās suitable for easy day trip
- Miao Villages (Half or Full Day):
Experience traditional Miao cultureĀ through theirĀ music, dance, and handicrafts
- Zhangjiajie:
Many travelersĀ alsoĀ extend their Zhangjiajie tour to Fenghuang, as these destinations are quite near each otherĀ and withĀ convenient transport
Sample Fenghuang Ancient Town Itineraries
Option 1: 1-Day Classic Route
- Afternoon: Walk riverside, Hongqiao, stilt houses
- Evening: Night view at Nanhua Bridgeand visiting Wanming Pagoda
- Optional: Bar street stroll
Option 2: 2-Day In-depth Visit (Recommended)
Day 1:
- Upstream ā Midstream walk
- Visit Hongqiaoand Shen Congwen Former Residence
- Night photography and riverside walk, then have a nice meal
Day 2:
- Morning: walk through downstream quiet areas
- Visit cultural halls and art spaces
- Free time,enjoy yourĀ coffee, shopping, or slow walking
Option 3: 3-Day Combination Tour
- Day 1: Fenghuang Ancient Town
- Day 2: Aizhai Bridge andnearby villages
- Day 3: Miao Village cultural experience/transfer to Zhangjiajie
Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town with China Xian Tour
Fenghuang Ancient Town is a charming riverside old town and its incredible scenery will certainly impress you. Its night view and traditional vibe allow you to explore the local Miao culture by the most lively way. And travel with China Xian TourĀ can make you visit to Fenghuang Ancient Town more that rewarding. Weāll customize the itinerary for you so that all your expectations about this town will be fulfilled. And your private guide will be there to take care of everything for you along the journey, so that what you need to do is prepare yourself for the best moments.
