Complete Travel Guide to Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City

In-depth Travel Guide to Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City In Hongjiang District of Huaihua, Hunan Province, lies a Ming and Qing dynasty treasure known as "China's First Ancient Commercial City" — Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City. Once the commercial heart of western Hunan, it perfectly preserves guild halls, banks, escort agencies, and other historic buildings. Every brick and tile tells the story of its past prosperity, while the bustling atmosphere flows with tales of bygone days. This guide will help you unlock the unique charm of this ancient commercial city! I. Convenient Ways to Arrive - Self-driving: From Changsha, take the Shanghai-Kunming and Baotou-Maoming Expressways, arriving in about 5 hours; from Huaihua city center, it's just a 1.5-hour drive (60 km) to reach the ancient city's alleys. - High-speed rail/flight transfers: First take the high-speed train to Huaihua South Station, then transfer to a 1.5-hour shuttle bus; if flying, after landing at Huaihua Zhijiang Airport, renting a car or taking a taxi is convenient. - Coach buses: Direct buses are available from Huaihua South Bus Station, with tickets around 30 yuan to start your ancient city journey. II. Must-Visit Highlights (1) Exploring Historic Buildings - Lijin Bureau: A "living fossil" of Qing dynasty taxation, where you can understand the mysteries of ancient commercial taxes. - Fuquan Tang Pharmacy: A time-honored traditional pharmacy full of Chinese medicine culture. - Zhongyi Escort Agency: Step inside and travel back to the martial arts era, feeling the heroic spirit of escort guards. - Pan Cunde Hall: A wealthy merchant's mansion in Hui-style architecture with breathtaking carvings. (2) Characteristic Streets and Alleys - Yinzi Houses: Ming and Qing commercial residences with gray tiles and blue bricks, cool in summer and warm in winter, perfect for photography. - Fortune God Alley: The former "financial street" filled with banks and businesses, exuding historical atmosphere. - Rainy Hongjiang District: Recreates the Republican era ambiance; when night falls and lights come on, it's like traveling through time. (3) Cultural Immersion Experiences - "Tung Oil Blossoms" live performance: An immersive show recreating the glory of the ancient commercial city; remember to book in advance. - Ming and Qing Street Life Exhibition: Vividly displays the daily lives of ancient merchants and craftsmen, highly engaging. III. Recommended Itineraries - One-day tour: Visit the Lijin Bureau, Zhongyi Escort Agency, Pan Cunde Hall, and Fortune God Alley in the morning; stroll through Rainy Hongjiang District, Yinzi Houses, and Fuquan Tang Pharmacy in the afternoon; enjoy the night light show in the evening. - Two-day tour: Explore historic buildings in depth and watch cultural performances on the first day; visit Songyun Mountain National Forest Park (10 minutes away by car) on the second day to experience natural beauty. IV. Hongjiang Cuisine - Signature dishes: Hongjiang Blood Cake Duck, duck meat stewed with glutinous rice blood cake, deliciously spicy; Hongjiang Rice Noodles, with fragrant broth topped with pickled beans and chili, a must for breakfast. - Special snacks: Street sour radish, refreshingly sour and spicy; Lawei Hezheng, a classic western Hunan preparation of cured meat and sausage. - Restaurant recommendations: "Hongjiang Restaurant" and "Old Neighbor's Home Cooking" in the ancient city offer authentic flavors. V. Accommodation Options - Ancient city guesthouses: Zeng Mansion Hotel converted from an ancient residence, full of Ming and Qing charm; Rainy Hongjiang Inn built along the river with beautiful night views. - City hotels: Economy chain hotels offer good value for budget-conscious travelers. VI. Helpful Travel Tips - Ticket information: Adult tickets 90 yuan (includes some guided tours), night tour tickets 50 yuan; half-price for students and seniors with ID. - Best seasons: March-May and September-November (spring and autumn) have pleasant weather, avoiding the rainy season. - Practical advice: Wear non-slip flat shoes for stone pavements; prepare for sun protection in summer; some ancient residences require combined tickets, plan ahead; mobile signal is weak in the ancient city, prepare offline maps; rent a Hanfu costume (about 50 yuan/hour) for great traditional-style photos. VII. Nearby Attractions - Qianyang Ancient Town: 1 hour by car, a thousand-year-old town more pristine than Fenghuang. - Fenghuang Ancient Town: 2.5 hours by car, experience the western Hunan romance described by author Shen Congwen. - Zhijiang Surrender Memorial Hall: 1.5 hours by car, commemorating war history. The beauty of Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City needs to be savored slowly. Take your time and encounter traces of history on the bluestone paths. If you need customized itineraries or activity information before departure, remember to contact the scenic area in advance. Wishing you an unforgettable journey to this ancient commercial city!