The Charm of the Human World

**Fenghuang Ancient Town Travel Guide**
Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city, famous for Shen Congwen's novel *Border Town*. Nestled between mountains and rivers, the town is dotted with stilted houses and traversed by the Tuo River, exuding the ethnic charm of western Hunan. Here’s a detailed travel guide:

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## **1. How to Get to Fenghuang Ancient Town?**
### **1. By Air**
- **Nearest Airport**: **Tongren Fenghuang Airport** (about 30 km from the town). Take a taxi or airport shuttle (approx. 1 hour).
- **Other Airports**: Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (transfer by bus, approx. 3 hours), Changsha Huanghua Airport (transfer by high-speed rail + bus, approx. 5 hours).

### **2. By High-Speed Rail**
- **Fenghuang Ancient Town Station** (opened in 2021): Take the high-speed rail to "Fenghuang Ancient Town Station," then a taxi or shuttle (approx. 20 minutes to the town).
- **Huaihua South Station**: Transfer to a bus to Fenghuang (approx. 1.5 hours).

### **3. By Bus**
- Direct buses from **Changsha/Zhangjiajie/Jishou** to Fenghuang (travel time varies from 4-6 hours).

### **4. By Car**
- **Changsha → Fenghuang**: Hangrui Expressway (approx. 5 hours).
- **Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang**: Zhanghua Expressway (approx. 3 hours).

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## **2. Best Time to Visit**
- **Spring & Autumn (March-May, September-November)**: Pleasant weather, misty Tuo River, perfect for photography.
- **Summer (June-August)**: Lively but hot; enjoy river boating and nightlife.
- **Winter (December-February)**: Fewer tourists, snowy scenery, but some shops may close.
- **Holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day)**: Festive atmosphere but crowded with higher accommodation prices.

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## **3. Must-Visit Attractions in Fenghuang**
### **1. Tuo River Scenic Area (Free)**
- **Jumping Rock**: Stone stepping bridges on the river, a classic photo spot.
- **Rainbow Bridge**: Landmark of the town; the second floor offers panoramic views (¥15).
- **Wanming Pagoda**: Stunning night views with illuminated river reflections.

### **2. Cultural Sites (Combo Ticket ¥128)**
- **Shen Congwen’s Former Residence**: Learn about the inspiration behind *Border Town*.
- **Xiong Xiling’s Former Residence**: Home of the first democratically elected premier of the Republic of China.
- **Yang Family Ancestral Hall**: Qing Dynasty architecture showcasing Xiangxi clan culture.

### **3. Nearby Attractions**
- **Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural Zone** (¥60): Overlook the town from above.
- **Qiliang Cave** (¥60): Karst cave, about 5 km from the town.
- **Miao Village Day Trips** (e.g., Dehang Miao Village, Shanjiang Miao Village): Experience Miao culture (requires a tour or private car).

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## **4. Accommodation Recommendations**
### **1. Riverside Stilted Houses (Core Area, Beautiful Night Views)**
- **Luxury**: Fenghuang Yuexi Riverside Homestay, Sülü Lotus Resort Hotel (¥500-1000/night).
- **Budget-Friendly**: Shadow Coffee Riverside Homestay, September Courtyard (¥200-400/night).

### **2. Non-Riverside in Town (Quieter, Cheaper)**
- Fenghuang Memory Inn, Qingke Homestay (¥100-200/night).

### **3. New Town (Modern, Suitable for Drivers)**
- Fenghuang International Hotel, Tianxia Fenghuang Hotel (¥200-400/night).

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## **5. Food Recommendations**
### **1. Xiangxi Specialties**
- **Blood Tofu Duck**: Duck stewed with glutinous rice blood tofu, a must-try!
- **Sour Fish Soup**: Miao-style, spicy and tangy.
- **Smoked Bacon/Sausages**: Paired with chili for extra flavor.
- **Rice Tofu**: Served cold or in soup, soft and chewy.

### **2. Snacks & Drinks**
- **Ginger Candy**: Freshly made, sweet and spicy.
- **Wooden Hammer Crisp**: Handmade crispy candy, great as a souvenir.
- **Tuo River Fried Fish**: Crispy and delicious.
- **Bar Street Milk Tea/Coffee**: Perfect for relaxing by the river at night.

### **3. Recommended Restaurants**
- **Junzi Restaurant** (authentic Hunan cuisine), **Drunk Xiangxi** (sour fish soup), **Old Street Restaurant** (blood tofu duck).

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## **6. Itinerary Suggestions**
### **2 Days & 1 Night Classic Trip**
- **Day 1**: Arrive → Tuo River Jumping Rock → Rainbow Bridge → Shen Congwen’s Former Residence → Night river cruise/bars.
- **Day 2**: Nanhua Mountain panoramic view → Half-day Miao village tour (or Qiliang Cave) → Departure.

### **3 Days & 2 Nights In-Depth Trip**
- **Day 1-2**: Same as above.
- **Day 3**: Day trip to nearby Miao villages (Dehang/Shanjiang) or Aizhai Bridge.

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## **7. Tips**
1. **Tickets**: The town is free, but some attractions require a combo ticket (¥128). River cruises cost extra (approx. ¥80).
2. **Commercialization**: Main street shops are repetitive; bargain for souvenirs (e.g., Miao silver, shawls).
3. **Avoid Scams**:
- Beware of street touts offering "cheap Miao village tours" (may be shopping traps).
- Be cautious when taking night photos by the river; cobblestones can be slippery.
4. **Attire**: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets; mosquito repellent in summer, warm clothes in winter.

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Fenghuang Ancient Town is ideal for travelers who love slow living, photography, and culture. Stroll through ancient alleys by day and admire the lantern-lit river by night, soaking in the poetic charm of Xiangxi. Feel free to ask if you have more questions!