Four days and three nights in Xiangxi in November, leisurely exploring the secret mountain waters! Experience the lively Miao villages!

In November, Xiangxi is rich with autumn hues, thin mist winding around the mountains, the Tuojiang River flowing quietly, stilted buildings lighting up at dusk, and the scent of cured meat drifting through the vividly colored valleys— here lies all things poetic: ancient cities thousands of years old, pristine Miao villages, stunning karst caves, and rich folk customs. This budget-friendly four-day, three-night independent travel guide under 3000 RMB takes you into the border town world described by Shen Congwen. --- 🗓 Itinerary (4 days 3 nights) Day 1: Arrive in Fenghuang → Stay by the Tuojiang River · Night scenery like a painting High-speed train [Changsha/Huaihua → Jishou Station or Tongren Station] round trip about ¥500 After exiting, carpool to [Fenghuang Ancient Town] (about ¥60/person) Stay at a characteristic guesthouse by the Tuojiang River 💰380/night × 3 = 1140 Stroll at dusk from [Rainbow Bridge] to [North Gate Pier], watch thousands of lights reflecting on the river, unbelievably beautiful! Dinner must-try: blood rice duck and sour soup fish, about ¥50 per person for authentic and satisfying flavors. Day 2: Deep tour of Fenghuang Ancient Town + Autumn viewing at Nanhua Mountain ✅ Morning visit [Shen Congwen Former Residence] and [Xiong Xiling Former Residence] to feel the literary atmosphere ✅ Climb [Nanhua Mountain Forest Park] for a panoramic view of the ancient town, with slightly red maple leaves in November, peaceful and serene ✅ Afternoon explore alleys for handicrafts: tie-dye, silver jewelry, Miao embroidery, with DIY experiences available In the evening, recommended to watch the live performance "Border Town" (optional ticket ¥128), where light and shadow blend with mountains and waters, deeply moving. Day 3: Dehang Miao Village day tour — original ecological charm Charter or carpool to [Dehang Grand Canyon] (about 1-hour drive) ✅ Visit [Aizhai Bridge] viewing platform, check in at this world-class engineering marvel 🌉 ✅ Walk the [Cliffside Plank Road], admire the magnificent mountain views ✅ Explore [Shibadong Village], learn about the starting point of targeted poverty alleviation ✅ Dive into [Dehang Miao Village], watch Miao drum dance, taste the long table feast, sing duets with villagers, an immersive ethnic experience! Day 4: Before returning, check in at Qiliang Cave + free time to relax Morning visit [Qiliang Cave] (ticket ¥80): one cave with three scenes—water cave, dry cave, and ancient battlefield, mysterious and fascinating Buy some cured sausage, ginger candy, and rice wine as souvenirs 🎁 Afternoon carpool back to the station, easy trip home. --- 💰 Budget details: - Transportation: major transport ¥500 + local carpool + bus ≈ ¥300 - Accommodation: 1140 - Meals: 450 (mainly rice noodles, sour soup, cured meats) - Tickets + performance: about 200 ✅ Total: about 2590 RMB, with leftover for buying cultural products or upgrading experiences! --- This November, don’t just go to Jiangnan to see autumn, come to Xiangxi, listen to a Miao song by the Tuojiang River, step on fallen leaves echoing on the thousand-year-old stone slabs, and you will find— the true beauty of China is hidden in the warm glow by the firepit deep in the mist.