Must-Visit Hidden Gem Ancient Town for Summer Vacation
by SaagaHaapala
Aug 1, 2025
🏮【Fenghuang Ancient Town 2-Day 1-Night Ultimate Guide】Discover the border town from Shen Congwen's literature!✨
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🌍 Location
Fenghuang Ancient Town is located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, with the Tuo River flowing through it. About 3 hours' drive from Zhangjiajie, it’s the prototype of *The Border Town*!
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🚌 Transportation Guide
✈️ By Air:
• Nearest airport: Tongren Fenghuang Airport (30 km from the town, taxi ~¥60)
• Changsha → Tongren (discount flights often ~¥200+)
🚄 By High-Speed Rail:
• Fenghuang Ancient Town Station (newly opened in 2021!) → Town shuttle bus (¥7/person, 20 mins)
• Changsha South → Fenghuang Ancient Town (2.5h, ¥190)
🚗 By Car:
• Changsha → Fenghuang (5h via highway) Parking available outside town (¥30/day)
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📅 2-Day 1-Night Highlights
**Day 1: Ancient Town Stroll + Tuo River Nightscape 🌉**
Morning:
• 9:00 Hongqiao Bridge (central landmark)
• 10:00 Shen Congwen’s Former Residence (¥45 ticket) see *The Border Town* manuscripts
Afternoon:
• 14:00 Tuo River Stepping Stones (free) take viral river-crossing photos
• 15:00 Rent Miao ethnic costumes near Wanming Pagoda (¥20/hour)
Evening:
• 19:00 Night cruise on Tuo River (¥80 boat ticket) admire stilt-house lights
• 21:00 Listen to folk music at Bar Street (~¥50/person)
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**Day 2: Cultural Gems + Nearby Adventures 🏞️**
Morning:
• 8:00 Nanhua Mountain (¥60 ticket) panoramic views
• 10:00 Shanjiang Miao Village (shared taxi ¥50/person) experience traditional market
Afternoon:
• 14:00 Qiliang Cave (¥60 ticket) underground karst wonders
• 16:00 Hunt for handmade silverware at Huilong Pavilion (bargain hard!)
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🏡 Accommodation Recs
✔️ Riverside rooms: Stilt-house B&Bs near Hongqiao (¥150-300/night)
✔️ Budget: Hostels in town (¥50/bed)
✔️ Luxury: Boutique inns by Tuo River (¥500+/night)
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🍜 Must-Try Food
▪️ Blood Tofu Duck (¥58): Unique mix of glutinous rice & duck blood
▪️ Sour Fish Soup (¥40/jin): Wild Tuo River fish
▪️ Ginger Candy (¥10/bag): Watch live sugar-pulling demos
▪️ Rice Tofu (¥5/bowl): Served cold or hot
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💡 Pro Tips
✅ Shoot misty Tuo River at 7 AM (fewest tourists!)
✅ Wear anti-slip shoes! Cobblestones get slippery
✅ Avoid holidays (room prices triple!)
✅ Town entry is free, but 9-attraction combo ticket ¥128
(Bring Hanfu/Miao outfits for epic photos! 📸)
Post by BA. Dream 22 | Jun 8, 2025
















