Autumn 3-Day 2-Night Tour of Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan

🎯 Itinerary Overview Destination: Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan Time: Autumn (best from late October to mid-November) Duration: 3 days 2 nights Budget: About 1500 RMB per person (including transportation, accommodation, meals, and tickets) Keywords: Ancient charm, slow life, photography, ethnic customs, off-the-beaten-path spots 🗓️ Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Fenghuang, Night Tour of the Ancient Town Transportation Suggestions: Recommended to depart from Changsha, take the high-speed train to Huaihua South Station (about 1.5 hours, ticket around 150 RMB), then transfer to a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town (about 1 hour, ticket 30 RMB). Total cost controlled within 300 RMB. Or choose the night train hard seat (Changsha → Jishou, ticket about 70 RMB), arrive early morning and take a taxi to Fenghuang (about 80 RMB, can share a ride). Afternoon Check-in: Recommended to stay in a characteristic guesthouse by the Tuojiang River, book in advance for off-season prices around 200 RMB/night. Recommended “Tingtao Bieyuan” or “Jiangpan Shiguang,” with river views and stilted buildings right outside the window. Evening & Night Activities: Walk into the ancient town (currently no entrance fee, but scenic spot combo tickets need to be purchased separately). Stroll across Hongqiao Wind and Rain Tower, watch the sunset light up the Tuojiang River. At night, take a hand-rowed boat night tour on the Tuojiang River (40 RMB/person), with lights reflecting on the water like a painting. Have dinner at the bar street or snack alley: blood duck, sour soup fish, ginger candy, rice tofu... average cost about 50 RMB per person. ✅ Estimated expenses for the day: Transportation 300 + Accommodation 200 + Meals + Boat 100 = 600 RMB Day 2: In-depth Exploration of the Ancient Town + Nearby Miao Villages Morning: Cultural Walk in the Ancient Town After breakfast, visit Shen Congwen’s Former Residence (ticket 40 RMB), Xiong Xiling’s Former Residence, Yang Family Ancestral Hall, and other key spots (recommended to buy combo ticket 148 RMB, includes 9 attractions, great value). Climb Wanmingsi Pagoda and East Gate Tower for a panoramic view of the ancient town layout. Walk through old alleys to find hidden handicraft shops: tie-dye workshops, silver jewelry stores, batik experience centers (some free to visit). Noon: Taste authentic Miao cuisine in the ancient town, recommended “Laodong Miao Village Local Cuisine,” about 60 RMB per person. Afternoon: Visit Nearby Miao Villages Take a taxi or join a short day tour to Laojiazhai or Lahao Yingpan (non-commercialized Miao villages, more original and natural). About 40 minutes by car, round-trip fare about 100 RMB (can share a ride). Hike in the village, see ancient walls and stone steps, autumn drying scenes, encounter elders weaving and children playing—every shot is a masterpiece. Evening: Return to the ancient town, relax at a riverside café, or watch excerpts of the live performance “Border Town” (free viewing areas available). Try dinner at a casual bar with fusion dishes like “Tuojiang Story,” about 70 RMB per person. ✅ Estimated expenses for the day: Combo ticket 148 + Lunch 60 + Transportation 100 + Dinner 70 = 378 RMB Day 3: Farewell Journey in the Morning Light Early Morning Scenery: Get up at 6:00, stroll along the Tuojiang River when tourists are few, mist covers the water, washerwomen lightly beating clothes—this is the most authentic daily life scene. Photograph morning scenes at Tiaoyan Rock, black canopy boats returning, stilted building silhouettes—high chance of great shots! Breakfast: Try a bowl of hot Fenghuang rice noodles or rice wine with egg, street stalls for 10 RMB. Shopping Before Departure: Buy souvenirs: handmade ginger candy (20 RMB/pack), cured meat (vacuum packed under 50 RMB), Miao embroidered sachets (starting at 30 RMB). Compare prices to avoid high prices in the scenic center. Return Trip: Choose a bus back to Huaihua or Jishou according to your schedule, connect to high-speed train or train for your return. ✅ Estimated expenses for the day: Meals + Shopping 100 RMB + Return transportation 300 RMB = 400 RMB 💰 Total Cost Summary (Per Person) Item Cost (RMB) -------------- ------------ Round-trip Transportation 600 Accommodation (2 nights) 400 Meals 300 Tickets + Boat 188 Local Transportation 100 Shopping & Others 100 Total ≈1488 RMB ✔️ Well controlled within 1500 RMB, excellent cost performance! 🍁 Autumn Travel Tips Clothing Guide: Big temperature difference between morning and evening, recommend wearing a windbreaker + sweater, comfortable hiking shoes are a must. Photography Timing: Golden hours are 6-7 AM and 5-6 PM; autumn leaves mostly concentrated between Nanhua Gate and North Gate. Avoid Pitfalls: Do not easily accept “free guiding” services to avoid aggressive sales. Most public restrooms in the ancient town charge 1 RMB, prepare small change. Combo tickets are valid for 5 days, plan your visits reasonably. Environmental Protection: Do not litter, respect local ethnic customs, ask permission before taking photos. 🌟 Conclusion Autumn in Fenghuang is a poem written on the water. It is no longer just a fleeting memory of a “check-in” visitor but an immersive journey of light, flavor, and human warmth. Spend three days and two nights living in the breath of the Tuojiang River, hearing the true echoes of Shen Congwen’s “Border Town.” If you also yearn for such a low-cost, high-quality autumn private trip, then pack your bags and come to Fenghuang for a date with time.