Hidden Activities in the Lower Reaches of Phoenix Ancient Town! Off-the-Beaten-Path Route to Avoid Crowds and Encounter the Poetic Xiangxi

I thought the upper reaches of Phoenix Ancient Town were beautiful until I visited the lower reaches.

This millennium-old town embraced by the Tuojiang River

Hides the misty rain scenes described by Shen Congwen

Morning mist drifts over the bluestone slabs

Night lights illuminate the stilted buildings

And in the lower reaches, I encountered the most poetic Phoenix💫

🚄 Easy Arrival Guide

High-speed train from Chengdu takes 6 hours directly to Phoenix Ancient Town Station, then a 20-minute taxi to the lower reaches’ “That Side That City.”

Highly recommend staying in the lower reaches! Quiet and less crowded, almost no tour groups, enjoy exclusive Tuojiang River scenery～

🏮 2-Day 1-Night In-Depth Travel Route

DAY 1: Phoenix Ancient Town Station → Tuojiang River - Wanming Tower → Wind Bridge Pavilion → That Side That City Art Shop → Guandi Temple for Blessings → Yunqiao Night Banquet for Panoramic View → Experience the Eight Bowls

DAY 2: Mist Bridge Stroll → Read and Drink Tea at Congwen Study → Intangible Cultural Heritage Flower Carving Experience → Daydream at Lower Reaches Stilted Buildings Watching the Sunset

🔍 Complete Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

1️⃣【Wanming Tower】Pearl on the Tuojiang River

Seven-story ancient tower reflected in the river, best photographed at 6-7 AM! Pair with an oil-paper umbrella for great shots; nearby stilted buildings are also worth photographing.

2️⃣【Wind Bridge】Boundary of the Ancient Town

Cross the bridge to reach the tranquil lower reaches, fewer people, beautiful scenery, great for strolling; red lanterns light up at dusk creating a perfect atmosphere.

3️⃣【That Side That City】Artistic Treasure Spot

Must-visit green window viewpoint! Order the specialty “Tuojiang Trio” coffee; on the first floor, you can find unique souvenirs like Miao silver and cinnabar.

4️⃣【Guandi Temple】Blessing Sanctuary

Centuries-old temple with thriving incense offerings; you can pray for love red strings or release blessing boats; architectural details are exquisitely carved.

5️⃣【Mist Bridge】Excellent Aerial Photography Spot

Ancient style corridor bridge is very photogenic; soft light from 4-5 PM; drone shots capture the layered landscape beautifully.

6️⃣【Congwen Study】Bookish Hidden Gem

Quiet study house hidden in the back mountain, bamboo chairs are very photogenic! Remember to get the limited edition stamp; it houses Shen Congwen’s replica manuscripts.

7️⃣【Yunqiao】Top Night View Spot

Grab a seat on the second floor before 7 PM to watch the lights come on while enjoying Hunan cuisine “Eight Bowls,” instantly transporting you to a fairy tale world.

🎨 Unique Experience

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall’s “Paper Embroidery” is a must-try! Make your own Miao pattern bookmark, more meaningful than ordinary batik～

🚶 Transportation Tips

✔️ Taxi starting fare is 5 yuan; ride-hailing cars are rare

✔️ Walk inside the ancient town; about 30 minutes from upper to lower reaches

🍢 Food Recommendations

Highly recommend intangible cultural heritage sour soup beef, rice tofu, and blood rice duck! For late-night snacks, Xiangxi barbecue is a must, especially beef oil and yellow throat—amazing! Finally, go to “That Side That City” to drink homemade glutinous rice wine; a slight buzz while enjoying the night view is the proper way to experience Phoenix!

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When night falls

Lanterns along both sides of the Tuojiang River gradually light up

Sitting on the corridor bridge listening to the evening breeze whisper

Finally understand why they say

Phoenix’s most enchanting moment is at night🏮