Tuojiang River

　　The Tuojiang River is the largest river in Fenghuang County and the mother river of Fenghuang. Its waters are emerald green and crystal clear, like gemstones, shimmering with fine glimmers that catch the eye without being overly dazzling. Boarding a covered wooden boat, listening to the boatman’s rhythmic chants, and gazing at the century-old Tujia stilted houses along the riverbanks creates a uniquely charming experience. As you float down the upper reaches of the Tuojiang River, landmarks such as the Wanshou Tower, Wan Yong Pagoda, and Duocui Tower come into view—the river sparkles under the sunlight, occasionally rippled by fishing boats drifting by. This winding ribbon of green water meanders gracefully around Fenghuang, leaving visitors spellbound. The southern bank of the Tuojiang River is lined with ancient city walls built from purplish-red sandstone, elegant yet majestic. The walls feature two gate towers, one on the east and one on the north, both weathered by time yet still standing imposingly. The ancient Tuojiang River has been home to human activity since the Shang and Zhou dynasties. A 3,500-year-old Shang and Zhou site was discovered in Fenghuang County on the southern bank of the Tuojiang River. This site is located within Longtan Village, Guanzhuang Township, Fenghuang County, situated on the southern bank of the river. The century-old Tujia stilted houses also bear witness to the river’s long history. Clustered along the Tuojiang’s edge near the Dongmen Rainbow Bridge and the Beimen Rock-hop Crossing, these slender stilted structures stand delicately above the water, resembling a timeless landscape frozen in place.