Phoenix Ancient Town｜A Thousand-Year Ink Painting by the Tuo River in Western Hunan

🌊Phoenix Ancient Town｜A Thousand-Year Ink Painting by the Tuo River in Western Hunan

Step into Phoenix Ancient Town, where stilted houses line the banks of the Tuo River and cobblestone paths wind through the area, as if you've entered an ancient painting. At night, when the lights come on, it feels like a fairyland✨

📍Address: Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province
🚗Transportation: It is recommended to first arrive at Huaihua South Station or Fenghuang Ancient Town Station, then transfer to a bus to the town entrance. Motor vehicles are prohibited inside the town, so walking or taking a human-powered tricycle is the most convenient.
🕙Opening Hours: Open all day (Night tours are recommended between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM when the lighting is most beautiful)
🎫Tickets: Entry to the ancient town is free, but indoor attractions like Shen Congwen's Former Residence and Xiong Xiling's Former Residence require separate tickets. Combo tickets cost around 148 RMB.

🌟Must-Do Experiences:

• Tuo River Boating: Take a wooden boat ride along the river, admire the stilted houses and green mountains on both sides, and enjoy the boatman's singing of Xiangxi folk songs, which adds a unique charm.

• Night Stroll at East Gate Tower: Climb the tower at dusk to watch the sunset over the river, and at night, see the reflections of countless lights on the Tuo River—perfect for photography.

• Visit Shen Congwen's Former Residence: Immerse yourself in the literary atmosphere of "Border Town." The lush greenery in the courtyard makes it a serene spot for exploration.

🍜Must-Try Foods:

• Traditional Rice Noodles: Xiangxi-style rice noodles with pickled beans and fried peanuts—spicy and satisfying, and only 10 RMB for a filling meal.

• Grilled Small Fish by the Tuo River: Fresh small fish grilled over charcoal, sprinkled with chili powder—aromatic and delicious, just 5 RMB per skewer.

• Miao Sour Soup Fish: The sour soup is refreshing, the fish is tender and springy, and paired with local vegetables, it's a signature dish you must try in Phoenix.

Tips: For accommodations, choose a stilted house guesthouse to enjoy views of the Tuo River right from your window. When buying souvenirs like silver jewelry or batik, remember to negotiate prices!