I don't even want to leave after coming to this place - it's so beautiful!

Transportation Guide

• High-speed rail: After arriving at Fenghuang Ancient Town Station, take Line 1 shuttle bus (¥7/person, half price for students) to Qifeng Square in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take the maglev train (¥19 one-way, unlimited rides within 4 days) to enjoy the scenery.

• Flight: After landing at Tongren Fenghuang Airport, take a bus to Fenghuang North (¥30/person), then transfer to a taxi to reach the ancient town.

• Self-drive: Navigate directly to parking lots outside the town, such as Hongqiao Underground Parking (about ¥40/day). Vehicles are prohibited within the ancient town.

Accommodation Suggestions

• Riverside B&Bs: Recommended near Jinshui Bridge, priced around ¥100-150 during off-season. Enjoy Tuojiang River views and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water.

• Themed Inns: Many ethnic-style inns in the ancient town feature Western Hunan-themed decor for deep cultural immersion.

Food Recommendations

• Blood Cake Duck: Fenghuang specialty made with duck blood glutinous rice cakes and duck meat. Try at Junzi Restaurant (about ¥40/person).

• Sour Fish Soup: Miao ethnic traditional dish. Laogen Restaurant serves excellent versions.

• Snacks: Try sour radish (¥5/serving), shrimp cakes, Fenghuang rice noodles, rice tofu, and ginger candy.

Photo Spots

• Daytime: Nanhua Gate (best for morning "ink painting" panoramas), Tuojiang Stepping Stones (wear Hanfu for great shots), Hongqiao Wind-Rain Bridge (west side for bridge views, east for stilt houses).

• Nighttime: Wanming Pagoda reflections, "Cloud Bridge" for symmetrical shots, Snow Bridge (featured in Chinese Paladin), Fog Bridge (6:00-7:30 AM for silhouette views).

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive → Nanhua Gate → Hongqiao Bridge → Stepping Stones → Wanming Pagoda → Night cruise (¥10-15/person) → Bar street.

• Day 2: Shen Congwen's Former Residence → East Gate → Yang Family Ancestral Hall → Shawan Ancient Alley → Bonfire party (¥30/person).

• Day 3: Nanhua Mountain hike (free panoramic views) → Nearby Miao villages (Shanjiang/Dehang) → Souvenir shopping.

Tips

• The ancient town is free to enter - beware of "ticket" scams and "free guides".

• Rent Miao costumes from shops with clear pricing (¥50-100/hour including makeup). Ask about photography policies.

• Avoid overpriced riverside restaurants with mediocre food.