Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a key national cultural heritage protection unit.

Fenghuang Ancient Town — a national historical and cultural city, once praised by the renowned New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as the most beautiful small town in China. It neighbors the Dehang Miao Village in Jishou, the Mengdong River in Yongshun, and the Fanjing Mountain in Guizhou, serving as a key passageway between Huaihua, Jishou, and Tongren in Guizhou.

Legend says that the divine bird “Phoenix” from the ancient land of Tianfang (ancient India), after living for 500 years, would gather aromatic wood... and rise again from its own ashes, reborn more beautiful than ever and no longer subject to death. This bird is the Chinese king of birds — the Phoenix. To the southwest of Fenghuang lies a mountain that strikingly resembles a phoenix spreading its wings in flight, hence the name.

As a national historical and cultural city, Fenghuang’s scenery seamlessly blends natural and humanistic elements — perhaps the weight of its history is the very essence of its charm that draws visitors from all over.

The scenery of Fenghuang is historical. From the ancient Panhu to Fenghuang Ting, to the Chenyuan Yongjing Military Defense Circuit, to the Republican era, to the present day, walking through the ancient alleys, one can’t help but recall the figures of many notable people from Fenghuang.

The scenery of Fenghuang is cultural. But this culture is heavy. Places like the Qiliang Cave ancient battlefield and Luoma River, with their bloody connotations, serve as dark birthmarks on this beautiful landscape, constantly reminding you. This culture is also simple. Stepping into the former residences of Shen Congwen, Xiong Xiling, and the painting studio of Huang Yongyu, the humble furnishings, awe-inspiring achievements, and powerful personal charisma offer a solemn spiritual baptism through culture. This culture is also vibrant. The unique craftsmanship and rustic artistic styles of batik and tie-dye works, along with ginger candy workshops found in ordinary homes, evoke a sense of holistic cultural fusion. And of course, this culture is solemn. In the past, when Fenghuang County had a population of less than 100,000, it was home to two large academies: Jingxiu and Santan. What a strong cry for culture that represents. Jingxiu Academy was government-run, and its Confucian temple still stands today. Santan Academy was built in the 13th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty by Wu Zifa, a Miao official who served as the Military Defense Circuit Commissioner and Commander-in-Chief of Eastern Guizhou. Professor Xiao Jimei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and vice chairman of the China Postdoctoral Foundation, received his early education here. While most people spend their wealth on private mansions, gardens, or land, Wu Zifa’s reverence for culture reveals the Miao people’s drive to explore the outside world, organize their inner values, judge worth, and hope for development. Walking through the well-preserved Santan Academy and taking in the beautiful surrounding landscape, how can we not feel deep reverence?

The scenery of Fenghuang is ethnic. A small county that is home to 18 ethnic groups is rare even across the nation. Take the Huangsiqiao Ancient Stone City — the best-preserved of its kind in the country — within a small area of just over 20,000 square meters live about 110 households, yet they represent over 80 surnames and multiple ethnicities. The numerous ethnic minority festivals are simply captivating: the Miao’s Huan Nuoyuan, Ganqiu, and April 8th Festival; the Tujia’s Wenwu Tea Lantern and Yang Opera — after hundreds or even thousands of years of blending, they retain their ethnic character while also differing notably from similar customs elsewhere, making them truly fascinating.

The scenery of Fenghuang is, of course, global as well. Because of Shen Congwen, many people endure long and exhausting journeys, making Fenghuang their ultimate destination — a direct response to the essence of aesthetics, the devotion to literature, the appreciation of art, and reflections on history. Or visit Zhunti An to see the 20 magnificent murals meticulously created by Huang Yongyu, brimming with talent. Facing these timeless artworks, savoring the inscriptions full of wisdom and humor, a sense of moral inspiration washes over you. Here unfolds the inheritance of tradition by the people of Fenghuang, their embrace of culture, contemplation of the world, and vision for the future. This is scenic beauty that is both ethnic and global.

Or perhaps, the themes of history, culture, ethnicity, and the world are too weighty — many travels are simply for the uniquely beautiful natural scenery of Fenghuang. “The wise find joy in mountains, the benevolent in water.” That too is a valuable form of appreciation.

Suggested Duration

1–3 hours

Transportation

After arriving in Fenghuang County, take bus No. 1 or No. 3 outside the station and get off at Huannanmen Station to reach the ancient town area.

Ticket

Free

Tips:

Starting April 10, 2016, Fenghuang Ancient Town suspended unified ticket checks for the entire scenic area but retained individual attraction ticketing. Visitors no longer need to purchase the 148 RMB “package” ticket to enter the ancient town; instead, they only pay for specific attractions they visit.

You may opt to purchase the 148 RMB ticket package, valid for 3 days. Long-term guests may extend the validity period upon confirmation at the ticket office.

Tourists from Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture can enter for free by presenting their ID card.

For repeat visitors to Fenghuang Ancient Town, there is no need to buy a new ticket within one year. Those who have purchased tickets three times are granted lifetime free entry.

Opening Hours

The ancient town is open all day.

The Eight Scenic Spots are open from 06:30–18:00 (summer) and 08:00–17:30 (winter).

Tuojiang River boat ride: 08:00–18:00 (daytime), 19:00–23:00 (evening).

Border Town Performance: 20:00–22:00 (please confirm exact times with the official scenic site).

Location

Fenghuang Ancient Town, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Further Reading:

·Eighth Batch of National Scenic Areas

·Sixth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level