[2025 Huayuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Hong'an Ancient Town (Updated Apr)

Shen Congwen's *Border Town* depicts a small town filled with poetry and warmth. The prototype of this town, Chadong Ancient Town, is hidden in Huayuan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. Located at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, its unique geographical location, where you can "step into three provinces at once," gives it a special charm and attracts countless visitors. Now, follow this guide to embark on a romantic journey to this border town. Trip Preparation - Transportation: Transportation to Chadong Ancient Town is not very convenient. Driving is recommended; navigate to "Biancheng Chadong Ancient Town." If you take public transportation, if you are closer to Chongqing, take the high-speed train to Chongqing Xiushan Station and then a taxi to the town. If you are closer to Hunan, take the high-speed train to Jishou Station, then go to Jishou West Bus Station and take a bus to Huayuan, followed by a taxi. If you are closer to Guizhou, take a bus to Huayuan County and then a taxi. - Accommodation: Accommodation in the ancient town offers great value, averaging CNY 100/night. There are many guesthouses and family-run hotels. Choose a room by the Qingshui River for a beautiful river view and a more enjoyable experience. Attractions - Chadong Ancient Wharf: This is the heart of the ancient town. Standing here, you can see the opposite Hong'an Ancient Town Wharf in Chongqing. The ancient stone steps and moored boats are perfect for taking photos, creating a retro atmosphere. - Lala Ferry: A unique ferry crossing in western Hunan. A steel cable spans the river, connecting Hunan's Biancheng Town and Chongqing's Hong'an Ancient Town. For CNY 2, take a boat ride, feel the river breeze, admire the scenery on both sides, and experience the scene of Cuicui ferrying in *Border Town*. - Cuicui Island: Named after Cuicui in *Border Town*, the island is shaded by lush trees and offers a tranquil environment. There is a statue of Cuicui, exhibits related to *Border Town*, and a white pagoda, making it a great place for photos. - "One Step Across Three Provinces Monument": Although not a real boundary marker, it is a must-visit spot for tourists. Stand by the monument and straddle three provinces at once—a unique experience worth remembering. The surrounding scenery is beautiful and perfect for photos. - Former Residence of Shen Congwen: Visit the former residence to experience the writer's life, learn about his life story and creative achievements, and gain a deeper understanding of Shen Congwen's literary accomplishments and life experiences through photos and artifacts. Food Guide - Jiaoyuji Fish: This fish has tender meat, similar to yellow catfish. Its cooking method combines the spiciness of Hunan, the numbingness of Chongqing, and the sourness of Guizhou, resulting in a rich taste. It is recommended to try it at Cuicui Renjia Restaurant by the river in Hong'an Town, where you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Chadong across the river. - Blood Cake Duck: Blood cake is made with duck blood and glutinous rice, served with tender duck meat. The duck meat is stewed until flavorful, then blood cake is added and simmered slowly. The blood cake absorbs the essence of the duck meat, resulting in a bright red color and rich flavor. - Rice Tofu: A specialty of western Hunan, this tofu is made from rice and served with vinegar and local chili sauce. It has a soft and glutinous texture with a sour and spicy taste. - Youbaba (Fried Dough Twists): Affordable and delicious, four pieces for CNY 1. Various flavors are available. Itinerary - One-day Tour: Arrive at Chadong Ancient Town in the morning, visit Chadong Ancient Wharf and take the Lala Ferry to experience the unique ferry crossing. Enjoy Jiaoyuji Fish and other local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Cuicui Island and the Former Residence of Shen Congwen. Take a stroll along the Qingshui River in the evening and enjoy the sunset. - Two-day Tour: Visit the main attractions on the first day, enjoy local cuisine and the night view in the ancient town in the evening. On the second day, stroll through the old streets, buy some souvenirs, and return in the afternoon for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

This is the setting of the famous novella "Border Town" by Shen Congwen. It is located at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, and is known as the place where "one foot steps on three provinces, and three provinces hear the rooster crow." For just 2 yuan, you can take a one-minute ferry ride from Hunan to Chongqing, experiencing the cultures of the three provinces. You can also try the "one pot, three provinces" dish (Chongqing pickles, Guizhou tofu, and Hunan fish).

📜📜📜I always thought that Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town" was about Fenghuang Ancient Town. I was impressed by the writing style when I read the novel, but I didn't have any specific impression of the border town described in the book. This time, I went to Hong'an Ancient Town and read "Border Town" in the homestay. I found out that the border town was actually Chadong Ancient Town. Chadong Ancient Town is across the Qingshui River from Hong'an Ancient Town. Hong'an Ancient Town is located in Xiushan County, the southeasternmost part of Chongqing. There is an island called Sanbuguan in the ancient town, where the three provinces of Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou meet. Chadong Ancient Town is in Huayuan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. 📜📜📜I stayed in Hong'an Ancient Town for one night, wandered around the two ancient towns, took the ferry described in "Border Town," and visited Shen Congwen's former residence. This ancient town is quite artistic, and the homestay prepared Shen Congwen's novels and essays. 📜📜📜My impressions: 1. Of the two ancient towns, Hong'an Ancient Town is quieter, while Chadong Ancient Town is livelier and more commercial. Shen Congwen's former residence is in Chadong Ancient Town. You can stroll leisurely on both sides. The two ancient towns are connected by a stone bridge. You can walk across the bridge or take a ferry across the river. You can take a ferry to cross the river or take a river tour. The prices are different. I think the river tour is more scenic and interesting. 2. This is an important command post for the People's Liberation Army led by Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping to advance to the southwest during the Liberation War. There are many red attractions in both ancient towns. 3. The ancient town's Jiao Jiao fish is very famous. Jiao Jiao fish is a type of catfish. Among them, the taste of Jiulong Lao Fish Restaurant in Hong'an Ancient Town is very good.

I. Introduction to the scenic spot Biancheng Hong'an is located at the junction of Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou, with one foot in each province. There are ancient stilted houses, clear rivers, and a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town" adds endless romance and poetry to this place. II. Traffic guide 1. Self-driving: Navigate to Biancheng Hong'an, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way. 2. Public transportation: Take a long-distance bus to a nearby town, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to get there. III. Travel route 1. Stroll through the old street: admire the ancient stilted houses and feel the traces of time. 2. Visit the Three No-Man's Island: learn about its unique historical background. 3. Take a Lala ferry: experience a unique way of water transportation. 4. Climb Cuicui Island: admire the Cuicui statue and recall the touching story in "Border Town". IV. Food recommendations 1. Hong'an pickled fish: the fish is tender and the taste is sour and spicy. 2. Rice tofu: the texture is delicate, and it is served with special sauces, which are unique. V. Precautions 1. Respect local customs. 2. Pay attention to water activity safety. 3. Protect the environment and do not damage ancient buildings and natural landscapes.

| Hong'an Ancient Town. ◾️Hong'an Ancient Town is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, in the southeast of Chongqing, 47 kilometers away from Xiushan County. This is the border town described by Shen Congwen, where the tragic love story in "Border Town" takes place. ◾️Hong'an Ancient Town is situated at the junction of Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou, known as the place where "one foot steps into three provinces." It serves as the gateway to southeastern Chongqing, with National Highway 319 running through the entire area, and the Qingshui River flowing eastward around the ancient town. This is the border town for both Hunan and Chongqing people, and "Border Town" endows it with profound cultural significance, giving the ancient town a rich charm. ◾️The architectural style of Hong'an Old Street features unique Miao and Tujia characteristics, offering a different experience of multicultural integration. The entire old street is about a thousand meters long, with varying terrain that adds to its charm. Standing on the higher parts of the street, you can see rows of fire-sealing tubes arranged unevenly on both sides of the street, forming an impressive architectural complex. ◾️The old street is lined with ancient buildings, characterized by unique craftsmanship and design. Natural attractions include Fuxing Bank, Elephant Trunk Water Absorption, Jiulongpo, Sanbuguan, Yulu Tower, and the Monument to Liu and Deng's Army Marching to the Southwest. From the 319 line that crosses the town, you can enter the old street and climb the solid and heavy stone steps. This is a quaint and peaceful town far from the hustle and bustle. 📍Travel Tips Geographical Location: Hong'an Town, Xiushan County, Chongqing Opening Hours: Open all year round Ticket Price: Free Famous Attractions: Southeastern Chongqing's First Gate, Monument to Liu and Deng's Army Marching to the Southwest, Elephant Trunk Water Absorption, Jiulongpo, Sanbuguan Island. Public Transportation: Take a train from Chongqing North Railway Station (Longtou Temple Railway Station) to Xiushan, then transfer to a bus to Hong'an. Self-driving Information: Navigate directly to Hong'an Ancient Town, accessible via the Chongqing-Hunan Expressway.

⛰【Travel Guide】 📍Detailed address: Bianhong Road, Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing 🚗Transportation guide: 🕙Opening hours: All day 💰Ticket price: Free 🌟Highlights: Inside the territory of Hong'an Town, there is the Hong'an Ancient Town, a Chongqing municipal-level historical and cultural famous town; there are also attractions such as the former site of the Liu-Deng Army's entry into Sichuan headquarters, 'Elephant Trunk Drawing Water', and the majestic Jiulong Slope. 📌Small Tips: A very peaceful little town

Hong'an Ancient Town is also known as Border Town because of its special geographical location. It is located at the junction of Chongqing, Hunan and Guizhou. It is across the river from Biancheng Town in Huayuan County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Province to the east, and is connected to the mountains and rivers of Zaijia Town in Songtao County, Tongren City, Guizhou Province to the south. It is the gateway to southeastern Chongqing and is known as "three provinces with one foot". It is the core area of ​​"Border Town Scenery" and is also the prototype of "Border Town" written by literary master Shen Congwen. Biancheng Village is surrounded by Hong'an River, Qingshui River and Jiulong Mountain, forming a border town pattern of "surrounded by mountains on all sides, with mountains behind and water in front", "surrounded by mountains and water outside, and a city locked deep inside". The village is crisscrossed with rivers. The Qingshui River divides Biancheng Village and Biancheng Town (Hunan Province) into two parts. The Hong'an River meanders through the west side of Hong'an Biancheng Village and merges with the Qingshui River from the south, forming two beautiful islands: Sanburan Island and Cuicui Island (Chadong Town). There are many historical elements in Hong'an, mainly including Lala Ferry, Sichuan-Hunan-Guizhou boundary monument, Monument to the March into the Southwest, Chairman Mao's Quotations Tower, islands (no man's land), street paving, Sola ferry, Hongcha ancient ferry, river pier and boat-catching stones, courtyard walls, etc. The Sichuan-Hunan-Guizhou boundary monument was erected when Xiushan was under the jurisdiction of Sichuan. In front of the stone tablet are inscribed "The Southeastern Gateway of Sichuan" in large characters, accompanied by a couplet that reads "After travelling thousands of miles, we have now reached the Land of Heaven; now, with just a few steps, we have entered the Xiushan Mountains." The words "Border Town of Sichuan, Hunan and Guizhou" were written at the end, with a self-encouragement attached: "Miao, Han and Tujia people work together to achieve great things, and Hong and tea will all work together to build a well-off society." The March into the Southwest Monument was built in 2009. The main body is more than ten meters high. The five large characters "March into the Southwest" engraved on the front were written by Deng Xiaoping in a book published in 1988 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Southwest Service Corps. Hongcha Ferry is located between Hong'an Wharf of Hong'an Group, Hong'an Border Town Residents Committee and Huayuan Chadong Wharf of Hunan Province, on the border of Songtao, Guizhou Province, and is the junction of Chongqing, Hunan and Guizhou provinces (cities). The ferry is 130 meters wide and covers an area of ​​1,500 square meters. On November 6, 1949, the Second Field Army of the Chinese People's Liberation Army led by Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping built a pontoon bridge here to cross the river, taking the first step towards the liberation of Chongqing. Steel ropes are now used to fix the two banks to form a lala ferry, allowing border residents to travel freely. "A small bamboo pole with a movable iron ring was erected at the bow of the ferry. A steel cable was stretched across the water at both ends of the river bank. When someone wanted to cross the river, they would hang the iron ring on the waste cable, and the people on the boat would hold the rope and slowly pull the boat across to the other side." Today, the Lala Ferry described in "Border Town" remains the same, except that the waste cables have been replaced with steel cables. Hong'an Ancient Town

⛩ Hong'an Ancient Town is located at the junction of Chongqing, Guizhou, and Hunan provinces, also known as 'One Step into Three Provinces,' and is the 'gateway to southeast Chongqing.' Across from it is the town of Chadian in western Hunan, which is the prototype location for the novel 'Border Town' by the great writer Shen Congwen. 📷 Attractions check-in: Old street view: Hong'an in Chongqing at night is very beautiful, and you can even see the moon in the sky. Lala Ferry: From Chadian in Hunan to Hong'an in Chongqing, the two sides face each other across the river. Take the Lala Ferry for a fun cross-province experience. Chadian Ancient Town: This area belongs to Huayuan County in western Hunan, with buildings in the form of Miao stilted houses. There are small shops in the alleys, snack and specialty stores, etc. The most beautiful part is by the Qingshui River, where you can rent a boat to tour the scenery on both sides, or take the Lala Ferry to the opposite bank. Hong'an Tea Cave Bridge: This bridge connects Chongqing and Hunan, with most people taking photos on the Chongqing side, probably because of the 'Sichuan-Hunan-Guizhou Border Town' monument. Turn left out of Chadian Ancient Town and keep walking to get there, passing a small square and the local rural commercial bank on the way. One Step into Three Provinces: In addition to Hunan and Chongqing, there is also Guizhou territory here. After checking in at the monument by the bridge, you can see the 'One Step into Three Provinces' sign on the right-hand power pole. Follow the arrow direction towards the Qingshui River (use navigation if you have a poor sense of direction), and after passing a few restaurants by the river, you will see the tri-provincial boundary marker. 🚗 Travel tips: Depart from Chongqing by high-speed train for 4 and a half hours to reach Xiushan, then take a bus to Hong'an for 1 hour, or you can choose to drive yourself. 🍜 Food recommendations: Corner Fish: Recommended to choose any riverside restaurant at night, personally think it's a must-try in the border town. Rice Tofu: The ones encountered in Chadian are a bit tastier. Mung Bean Noodles: A local shop with generous portions, meaty and tasty. Ice Cream: Affordable, so I had three ice creams one afternoon. Oil Tuo Tuo: Feels okay, a bit oily.

Hong'an Ancient Town, located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, southeast of Chongqing City, southeast of Xiushan County, 47 kilometers away from the county seat, is the junction of Chongqing, Guizhou, and Hunan provinces, known as the 'Southeast Gate of Chongqing', a place where one foot steps into three provinces. The famous Qing Dynasty scholar Zhang Kai once wrote a poem saying 'There is a near time in the Shu Road, how many places are divided by the spring breeze; the rain from the Qian region is blown here, and it is rolled into the clouds of the Chu sky', depicting the geographical advantage of 'one foot stepping into three provinces'. The ancient architectural group in Hong'an Ancient Town stands, with its unique craftsmanship and shape. The whole town of Hong'an is surrounded by mountains and water, with green trees and clear waves in the river, picturesque scenery. The most flavorful thing in Hong'an Old Street is the Soladu River boat, which is connected to the two banks by a wire, and also ties the power of the ferry. After boarding the passengers, the helmsman uses a two-foot round wood with a thin groove as a winch, and pulls the boat to the opposite bank bit by bit on the river crossing wire.