A Must-Visit One-Day Tour of Phoenix Ancient Town

Phoenix Ancient Town Travel Guide 1. Overview of the Ancient Town Phoenix Ancient Town, located in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province, is a place full of ancient charm and local flavor. It features unique stilted buildings built along the Tuojiang River, where mountains and water coexist, resembling a beautiful ink painting. With a long history and rich cultural heritage, it is the prototype location of Shen Congwen’s novel "Border Town," attracting countless visitors seeking tranquility and beauty. 2. Transportation Guide External Transportation Airplane: You can first arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport or Huaihua Zhijiang Airport, then take a bus or rent a car to Phoenix Ancient Town. Zhangjiajie Airport is farther but offers more flight options; Zhijiang Airport is closer, allowing flexible choices based on your itinerary. Train: Huaihua Station is the nearest train station to Phoenix Ancient Town. After exiting Huaihua Station, you can take a shuttle bus to Phoenix Ancient Town from the nearby bus station. There are many departures, making transportation convenient. Bus: There are direct long-distance buses to Phoenix Ancient Town from various places within the province and surrounding cities. After getting off at the Phoenix County Bus Terminal, you can walk or take a taxi to the ancient town scenic area. Internal Transportation You can easily explore the ancient town on foot. There are boats on the Tuojiang River to enjoy a unique water experience. For farther attractions nearby, local taxis or chartered cars are available. 3. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Tuojiang River The Tuojiang River runs through the entire ancient town, with clear green water. Take a small boat and slowly tour the stilted buildings and Rainbow Bridge along the riverbanks, experiencing a unique water journey accompanied by the boatman’s oar sounds. 2. Shen Congwen Former Residence This is the birthplace of the literary master Shen Congwen. The residence displays some of his works and biographical materials, allowing you to deeply understand the growth and creative inspiration of this cultural giant. 3. Xiong Xiling Former Residence Xiong Xiling was the first democratically elected premier of the Republic of China. His former residence features typical Xiangxi architectural style, showcasing the lifestyle of that era. 4. Ancient City Wall Stroll along the ancient city wall to overlook the entire town, feeling the weight and vicissitudes of history while enjoying the charming scenery on both sides of the Tuojiang River. 4. Food Recommendations 1. Blood Rice Duck Made from duck blood and glutinous rice to form blood rice cakes, cooked together with duck meat. The duck is tender, the blood rice cake is soft and sticky, spicy and delicious—this is a signature dish of Phoenix Ancient Town. 2. Sour Fish and Sour Meat Pickled fish and meat with a unique sour flavor that stimulates the appetite and pairs well with rice, offering a distinctive taste. 3. Phoenix Rice Noodles Fresh and flavorful soup served with various side dishes, a favorite breakfast choice among locals. 5. Accommodation Suggestions You can choose to stay in stilted inns along both sides of the Tuojiang River, enjoying river views and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient town. There are various types of inns, from budget-friendly to high-end and comfortable, allowing you to select according to your budget. 6. Recommended Itineraries One-Day Tour Morning: Arrive at Phoenix Ancient Town and visit Shen Congwen Former Residence to learn about his life and literary achievements. Noon: Taste local specialties in the ancient town to recharge. Afternoon: Walk along the Tuojiang River, admire the architecture on both sides, and take a boat tour on the river. Evening: Enjoy the night view of the ancient town and experience the unique charm under the dazzling lights. Two-Day Tour Day 1: Follow the one-day tour route to visit the main attractions. Day 2: Visit nearby Qiliang Cave to experience the wonder and grandeur of the karst cave; or go to a Miao village to experience Miao culture and participate in folk activities. 7. Notes In summer, take sun protection measures and bring light clothing; in winter, prepare enough warm clothes. Some alleys in the ancient town are narrow, so keep your personal belongings safe. Respect local customs and residents’ living habits, and travel with civility. Phoenix Ancient Town awaits your exploration with its unique charm. May you have an unforgettable journey here!