• Stroll the streets of the “ancient town” replica combining Tujia architecture and folk style, soak in local ambiance.
• Catch live folk performances (dances, songs, “crying marriage” ritual) along the main street or in the theater.
• Experience “throwing the bowl” (摔碗酒) – part of Tujia drinking/ritual culture.
• Visit the Indoor Scenic Theater (Daughter City Grand Theater) for staged cultural shows.
• Explore the water park / aquatic-themed attractions inside the complex.
• Browse the folk culture museum / exhibition areas that showcase Tujia minority culture, crafts, instruments.
• Shop in artisan or specialty shops for local crafts, souvenirs, ethnic jewelry.
• Try local snacks & local food in the food streets inside the complex, especially Tujia specialties.
• In evenings, enjoy the lit-up streets, night performances, ambient lighting.

Daughter City is a man-made themed “ancient town / folk cultural village” built in Enshi (address: Ma’anshan Road No. 41) combining Tujia architectural style and ethnic cultural elements. It’s designed to be a cultural tourism cluster integrating entertainment, folk culture, performances, exhibits, and commercial streets. Its aim is to showcase Tujia heritage, local minority customs, music, cuisine, and to serve as a cultural landmark in Enshi.
It is located in Enshi City, Hubei, at Ma’anshan Road 41 (恩施市马鞍山路41号). From Enshi city center, one can take local taxi or bus to reach this attraction. Because the town is within the urban area, transport is relatively straightforward. Walking is possible from nearby areas if you are staying close, but public transport or taxi is more convenient.
Opening hours: Not always clearly specified, but the site operates day & evening for shopping, performances, night ambiance. Best times to visit: - Afternoons into evening to catch live performances - Evening/night for lanterns, street lighting, ambient mood - Weekdays avoid crowds
Entrance to the Daughter City complex is free (i.e. no general admission fee). Some internal attractions (theater shows, water park, special exhibits) may require tickets. You may purchase those tickets on site (offline). Online booking may be available via local tourism or ticketing platforms depending on specific show or event.
For the general complex, no advance booking is required (free admission). For special performances (in the theater) or water park events, booking ahead (same day or prior day) is advisable during peak times to secure seats or entry.
Typically 2–4 hours is enough to stroll through the streets, watch performances, explore the exhibits, and take photos. If you plan to spend time in the water park or see multiple shows, allocate more time.
I did not find concrete evidence that guided tours or audio guides (especially in English) are routinely offered at Daughter City. Local staff and performers may give informal explanations or commentary in Chinese. If you're part of a travel group, they might arrange a guide with some explanation.
• The main street and old-town style facades lit up after dusk
• Performance stages during dance/music shows, capturing motion and costume
• Architectural details: Tujia-style balconies, wooden beams, overhead lanterns
• Overlooks on upper floors or roof terraces giving a view over the complex
• Night lighting, lanterns, reflections on wet floors if rainy
• Enter from the main gate into the pedestrian “old town” street
• Walk along the two main axes (three horizontal, two vertical streets) to experience all major shops and facades (the complex is planned with five enclosed walking streets)
• Stop at performance zones along the way, maybe catching a show or local ritual
• Detour into exhibition / museum halls
• Visit the theater for the scheduled show
• Visit aquatic / indoor attractions if open
• Finish with night stroll (if evening) and shopping or snacks
Yes — night visits are a feature, with lighting, ambiance, night performances, and street life after dark. Some performances (folk shows) typically are scheduled in the evening. Special tours may be arranged internally by the site, but specific light-shows were not clearly documented.
Being an easily accessible urban attraction, weekends, holidays, and evenings attract more crowds. Least crowded times: weekday daytime, especially mid-afternoon before evening performances begin. Off-season visits (non-peak tourism period) will also reduce crowding.
Facilities are reasonably good:
• Public toilets in multiple locations inside
• Many restaurants, snack stalls, food street spots offering local and tourist fare
• Shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, ethnic goods
• Rest areas / benches in walkways
• Exhibition halls, theater building, indoor recreation zones
Because the complex is relatively flat (being built within urban terrain) many sections are accessible to children and elderly. However, some elevated walkways, stairs, or performance stages may pose difficulty. Disabled access (ramps, lifts) is not clearly documented — inquiries on site or with staff recommended.
In modern Chinese tourist attractions, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are generally accepted in restaurants, shops and ticket counters. However, for small vendors or street stalls inside the complex, having some cash (Chinese yuan) is wise.
Inside the complex, there is a food street featuring Tujia and local specialties. Notable restaurant “Baren Tang (巴人堂)” is cited as a key dining venue inside the complex. Nearby in Enshi city you’ll find many ordinary restaurants, local eateries serving Hubei/local Chinese food.
Vegetarian dishes (rice, vegetables, tofu) are possible in local restaurants. Strict vegan or halal restaurants are less common in this region. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s best to inquire in each restaurant or carry snacks.
You can stay in Enshi city, which offers a wider selection of hotels, guesthouses, inns. There is a Daughter Village Hotel / Daughter Village Resort (女儿寨度假酒店) associated with the region / scenic area context. Also, many of the Tujia themed guesthouses may be integrated near or within the cultural complex or adjacent streets.
• Enshi Grand Canyon / Qixingzhai — magnificent karst canyon, waterfall, cliff walks
• Shennong Stream (神农溪) — scenic river canyon
• Tenglong Cave — karst cave system
• Yunlong Ground Fissure / Waterfall — ground crack and waterfall zone
• Enshi Tusi / Tusi cultural sites — ethnic / historical points in Enshi These can be combined depending on time and transport arrangement.
Yes, there are many souvenir / craft shops in the complex: Typical souvenirs include: - Tujia silver jewelry, ethnic ornaments - Weaving, textile handicrafts - Local specialties: teas, dried goods, local snacks - Small decorative items, postcards, folk crafts
After visiting, you can head back into Enshi city by taxi or local transit to connect to your next destination. If your next stop is outside Enshi, you may connect via coach, train (Enshi Railway Station), or airport (Enshi Xujiaping) from the city. For visiting other scenic spots (canyons, caves), arrange a local car, shuttle, or join guided tours.