Fenghuang Ancient Town 2-Day Tour Guide: Meet the Poetry and Beauty of Western Hunan
Day 1: First Impressions of the Ancient Town, Enjoy the Night View of the Tuojiang River
Morning: Meet the Ancient Town, Stay by the River
Arrive at the picturesque Fenghuang Ancient Town and check in to a stilted guesthouse by the Tuojiang River. We recommend choosing a guesthouse in the middle or lower reaches of the Tuojiang River, where it is quiet and peaceful, with a great view of the river. Put down your luggage, take a short break in the antique stilted building, and immerse yourself in the unique architectural charm. Let your body and mind relax in the gentle river breeze.
Afternoon: Stroll on the Flagstone Road, Explore the Memories of the Ancient Town
Enter the ancient town from the East Gate Tower and walk slowly along the winding flagstone road, as if stepping on the drumbeat of history. Visit the Former Residence of Shen Congwen and the Former Residence of Xiling Xiong, touch the past of celebrities in the mottled bricks and tiles, and learn about the profound cultural heritage of the ancient town. Shuttle through the characteristic shops in the ancient town, and you will be fascinated by the dazzling array of ethnic handicrafts. You can pick a few as souvenirs of your trip.
Evening: Take a Boat on the Tuojiang River, Enjoy the Sunset
Rent a small boat by the Tuojiang River and float on the river. The breeze blows on your face, and the stilted buildings and the continuous green mountains and rivers on both sides accompany you. When the sun sets, the golden afterglow shines on the river, sparkling and breathtaking. Every photo you take is a beautiful picture.
Night: Taste the Food, Enjoy the Nightlife of the Ancient Town
When night falls, the ancient town is brightly lit and bustling. Walk into a small shop on the street and taste the local specialties such as Phoenix Blood Duck and Miao Sour Fish. Let your taste buds revel in the flavors of Western Hunan. After dinner, stroll around the lively night market and feel the unique fireworks and romantic atmosphere of the ancient town at night.
Day 2: Explore the Miao Village, Experience the Ethnic Customs
Morning: Go to the Miao Village, Experience the Miao Culture
Go to the Shanjing Miao Village or Dehang Miao Village near the ancient town, go deep into the Miao Village, and explore the unique customs and cultural traditions of the Miao people. Watch the wonderful Miao song and dance performances. The warm and hospitable Miao people will convey their enthusiasm with cheerful songs and dances, allowing you to experience the authentic Miao customs.
Afternoon: Return to the Ancient Town, Enjoy Leisure Time
After returning to the ancient town, you can choose to continue to stroll leisurely in the ancient town and discover more hidden beauty. You can also find a riverside cafe, order a cup of fragrant coffee, and quietly enjoy the river view by the window. Or you can go to the surrounding attractions such as Qiliang Cave to explore the wonders of nature.
Night: Watch the Grand Performance of "Border Town", Enjoy the Charm of Literature
At night, watch the large-scale live performance "Border Town". The play is adapted from Shen Congwen's novel of the same name, using the Tuojiang River as a natural stage to vividly show the folk customs and tragic love stories of Western Hunan. The grand performance and shocking lighting effects will surely take you into the poetic and sad literary world.
Travel Guide
Transportation
Fenghuang Ancient Town is very convenient to reach, with planes, trains, and cars to choose from. In the ancient town, walking is the best way to visit, and you can also take an eco-friendly car for easy sightseeing.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodations in the ancient town, from affordable guesthouses to high-end luxury hotels. We strongly recommend experiencing the stilted guesthouses by the Tuojiang River to feel the unique accommodation style.
Food
Don't miss the local specialties such as Phoenix Blood Duck, Miao Sour Fish, Bacon, Sour Soup Fish, and Ginger Candy. Every bite is a condensed flavor of Western Hunan.
Notes
The roads in the ancient town are narrow, so be sure to pay attention to safety when traveling. Respect local customs and be a civilized tourist. Protect the environment and do not litter.
Travel Tips
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town. Book accommodation and tickets online in advance to save time and effort. Prepare some cash in case some small shops do not support electronic payment.