Ancient City of Qianzhou

　　“Fenghuang has its soldiers, Qianzhou has its city” — this is a widely circulated saying in western Hunan. The city of Qianzhou was the capital of the Miao territory, grand, magnificent, and a place where Miao culture converged and was preserved. In contrast, Fenghuang was merely a small garrison town — petty yet exquisite.

　　 As the saying goes: “To explore western Hunan, head to Qiancheng.” As early as 4,200 years ago, the Ancient City of Qianzhou became the capital of the vast Miao territory. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, to suppress uprisings by the Miao people, imperial generals were stationed in Qianzhou. Figures such as Prince Fu Kang’an (who is also the prototype of Fuerkang in *Princess Huanzhu*), He Lin (the brother of Heshen), the renowned late-Qing general Luo Rongguang, and Shaanxi-Gansu Governor Yang Yuebin, all successively garrisoned troops in Qianzhou.

　　 Through the vicissitudes of time and despite the trials of wind and rain, the ancient city retains its majestic presence. Its well-preserved architectural complex, stone-paved ancient streets, ten-mile waterways, lotus ponds under moonlight, and numerous other historical sites all possess unique charm, fascinating visitors who find it hard to leave.