Western Hunan offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also the breath and heartbeat of a thousand-year-old Miao and Dong civilization

【3 days 2 nights, about 2800 RMB per person! Western Hunan Guide: Secret Miao Villages, Double Hits of Scenery and Culture】

Day 1: Take the high-speed train to **Jishou East Station** (round trip from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen about 900-1200 RMB), then charter or carpool to **Fenghuang Ancient Town** (1.5 hours, 60 RMB). Stay at a stilt house guesthouse by the Tuojiang River (such as Huazhu·Qian, 500 RMB/night). In the evening, stroll along the ancient town’s stone-paved streets, watch the night sky lit by thousands of red lanterns, and listen to folk ballads by the river. Dinner includes blood rice duck and sour soup fish, about 60 RMB per person.

Day 2: In the morning, take a bus to **Dehang Grand Canyon** (30 RMB fare), check in at the “World’s First Bridge” **Aizhai Bridge**, walk the cliff plank road, and explore **Liusha Waterfall** and **Jiulong Valley**. In the afternoon, experience **Miao Village customs**—visit **Jidou Village** or a **family Miao village**, wear Miao costumes for photos, play Miao drums, and drink gate-blocking wine. Return to Fenghuang in the evening and freely browse tie-dye workshops and silver jewelry shops.

Day 3: Early morning, photograph the Tuojiang riverside homes in the mist, climb **Nanhua Gate** for a panoramic view of the town. After breakfast, visit the **Shen Congwen Former Residence** (40 RMB ticket) and the **Xiong Xiling Former Residence** to feel the deep cultural heritage. Check out before 12:00, then take a car back to Jishou or Changsha to catch the high-speed train home.

💰Budget details:
Transportation (high-speed train + local) 1200 + Accommodation 1000 + Meals 300 + Tickets + Scenic transport 300 ≈ **2800 RMB**

📌Tips:
- Fenghuang Ancient Town is free to enter; internal small attractions offer a combined ticket (148 RMB) to buy as needed;
- Dehang Scenic Area is not fully commercialized, wear comfortable non-slip shoes;
- Respect ethnic minority customs, do not casually photograph elders or ritual activities.

⚠️Warnings:
❌ “Free guiding” in the ancient town is often a shopping trap, use your own navigation;
❌ Do not sit on privately set-up paid stools by the river when taking photos to avoid disputes.

Three days and two nights, step into the border town world described by Shen Congwen. Western Hunan offers not only stunning landscapes but also the breath and heartbeat of a thousand-year-old Miao and Dong civilization. Come here to encounter the most original and poetic southern China.

Post by Benjamin Kingsley | Sep 24, 2025