Fenghuang Ancient Town
凤凰古城 · Fenghuang County, Xiangxi, Hunan, China
The Tuo River runs through the town, and the stilt houses and flagstone lanes on both banks preserve a Ming and Qing town layout; this is the hometown of the writer Shen Congwen and a home of the Miao and Tujia peoples.
Know before you go
- Walking into homes or workshops uninvited
- casually touching ritual objects
- making noise in residential areas at night
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Shen Congwen and Border Town
The writer Shen Congwen spent his childhood in Fenghuang, and his former home is now a popular stop in the old town. His novel Border Town is set against the landscape and customs of Xiangxi, but the book's Chadong is not Fenghuang Ancient Town, and the novel's places should not be matched one-to-one with the real town.
Source: Wikipedia: Fenghuang County
Legend
The Name Fenghuang
Fenghuang County is named after the fenghuang, the phoenix of Chinese mythology. The name expresses an auspicious wish rather than recording any historical event.
Source: Wikipedia: Fenghuang County
History
How Old Is the Town?
Local introductions often say the town was built in 1704 and has 300 years of history. In fact, the walls, lanes and individual buildings date from different times, so go by the inscriptions and displays at each site.
Source: Wikipedia: Fenghuang County
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Fenghuang Ancient Town lies in Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, in Hunan's Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. The natural flow of the Tuo River is woven into the layout of this mountain town, and the riverside stilt houses, flagstone lanes, East Gate Tower and Hong Bridge make up its classic scenes. The town preserves many Ming- and Qing-style buildings, and more than half of its residents are Miao or Tujia, whose languages, customs and crafts are still very much alive. The town was formerly called Zhengan and took the name Fenghuang after 1913. The New Zealand writer Rewi Alley once called it the most beautiful small town in China. In 2008 Fenghuang Ancient Town was placed on the World Heritage Tentative List; in July 2014 the town was damaged by flooding.
Local customs
- Walk along both banks of the Tuo River to see the stilt houses reflected in the water and the Hong Bridge lit up at night
- take a wooden boat on the Tuo River
- visit Shen Congwen's former home to learn about the background of the author of Border Town
- stroll the flagstone lanes and taste local flavours such as Miao sour-soup fish and blood-rice duck
- see Miao silverwork and batik crafts.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Walking into homes or workshops uninvited
- casually touching ritual objects
- making noise in residential areas at night
Locals appreciate DO
- Ask the owner's permission before entering homes or workshops
- greet residents before photographing them
- follow your host's lead at folk events
- keep your voice down at night
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Some sights in the old town are ticketed separately, with prices subject to official announcements. In the rainy season watch the Tuo River's water level and scenic-area notices
- the flagstone streets and riverside steps are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes, and on night walks mind the riverside railings and steps.
- Tongren Fenghuang Airport is about 34 kilometres from Fenghuang County and Jishou railway station about 50 kilometres, and from either you can take a bus or taxi
- the Fenghuang Maglev, opened in 2022, links the high-speed Fenghuang railway station with the Folklore Garden, with schedules subject to official announcements. The town is open all year, and spring and autumn are best for strolling
- in summer prepare for rain and heat
- in winter river mist hangs over the town, giving it a special charm, so dress warmly.
Photos
Photos
于/Yu 回/Hui · CC BY-SA 2.0
张韡武 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sources & verification notes
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