Strategy
🐦🔥Best time to travel
In spring and autumn (March to May, September to November), the climate is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful, suitable for sightseeing; in summer (June to August), the weather is hot and you can experience the coolness of Tuojiang River; in winter (December to February), the ancient city appears more peaceful, suitable for tourists who like quietness.
🐦🔥Transportation
🎷Plane: Tongren Phoenix Airport is about 30 kilometers away from the ancient city. There are buses from the airport directly to the ancient city.
🎷Train: You can take the high-speed rail to Huaihua South Station, and then transfer to the bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town, the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
🎷Self-driving: Starting from Changsha, drive along Changzhang Expressway and Hangrui Expressway and it takes about 5 hours to arrive.
🐦🔥Main attractions
🎷Tuojiang River: The core of the ancient city. Along both sides of the river are quaint stilt houses. The lights are bright at night and the scenery is charming.
🎷Hong Bridge: Spanning the Tuojiang River, it is one of the landmark buildings of the ancient city. From the bridge you can overlook the entire ancient city and the beautiful scenery of the Tuojiang River.
🎷Shen Congwen’s Former Residence: The former residence of the famous writer Shen Congwen.
🎷East Gate Tower: One of the well-preserved towers, you can overlook the panoramic view of the ancient city from the tower.
🎷Yang Family Ancestral Hall: typical Xiangxi architectural style.
🎷Nanhua Mountain: Located on the south side of the ancient city, there are temples and observation decks on the mountain, overlooking the entire ancient city.
🐦🔥Featured Activities
🎷Tuojiang River Rafting: Take a boat to drift on the Tuojiang River and enjoy the stilt houses and ancient city scenery on both sides.
🎷Miao ethnic performances: You can watch Miao song and dance performances in the ancient city and experience the local ethnic culture.
🐦🔥Food recommendations
🎷Blood Duck: A specialty of Fenghuang Ancient Town, duck meat is stewed with glutinous rice and blood cake, which tastes delicious.
🎷Sour soup fish: a specialty of western Hunan, sour and spicy, appetizing, with tender fish meat.
🎷Bacon: Xiangxi bacon has a unique flavor and a strong smoky taste, perfect for eating with rice.
🎷Rice tofu: A local specialty snack with a smooth texture, often eaten with chili sauce.
🐦🔥Accommodation recommendations
🎷Inn by Tuojiang River: Stay in the stilt house inn by Tuojiang River. You can see the beautiful scenery of Tuojiang River by opening the window and experience the unique style of the ancient city.
🎷B&Bs in the ancient city: There are many characteristic B&Bs in the ancient city with comfortable environment, suitable for families or couples.
🐦🔥Shopping recommendations
🎷Miao silver jewelry: Fenghuang Ancient Town is a Miao settlement, and the silver jewelry craftsmanship is exquisite. You can buy some silver jewelry as souvenirs.
🎷Tujia brocade
🎷Bacon and chili sauce
🐦🔥Things to note
🎷Wear comfortable shoes: There are mostly cobblestone roads in the ancient city, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
🎷Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
🎷Respect local customs: Fenghuang Ancient Town is a gathering place for ethnic minorities.
🐦🔥Itinerary suggestions
🎷2 days and 1 night tour:
Day 1: Arrive at the ancient city, visit Tuojiang River, Hongqiao, Shen Congwen's former residence, and enjoy the night view at night.
Day 2: Visit the East Gate Tower, Yang Family Ancestral Hall, and Nanhua Mountain, and return in the afternoon.
🎷3 days and 2 nights tour:
Day 1: Arrive at the ancient city, visit Tuojiang River, Hongqiao, Shen Congwen's former residence, and enjoy the night view at night.
Day 2: Visit the East Gate Tower, Yang Family Ancestral Hall, and Nanhua Mountain, experience Tuojiang River rafting in the afternoon, and watch Miao ethnic performances in the evening.
Day 3: Free time, shopping or tasting local food, return in the afternoon. Fenghuang Ancient Town is waiting for you [Yeah][Yeah]