When it comes to ancient towns in Hunan, most people’s attention is drawn to Fenghuang. However, there are actually quite a few other ancient towns in the province worth visiting: Gaoqi Ancient Village, Chadong Ancient Town, Shanggan Tang Village....Each has its own unique charm and cultural depth that is no less remarkable than Fenghuang.
Gaoqi Ancient Village
Gaoqi Ancient Village is located in Huitong County, Huaihua City. It gets its name from its terrain, which resembles a high-backed armchair. The architecture here centers around the Wutong Temple, with lanes and enclosed courtyards arranged in a pattern reminiscent of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), giving the place a strong cultural and humanistic character. Known as a “folk museum,” every house is like a silent book that offers a glimpse into the long-standing ethnic customs of the Dong people.
Transportation:After arriving in Huaihua, you can take a bus directly to Gaoqi Ancient Village.
Chadong Ancient Town
Many people associateFenghuang Ancient Townwith Shen Congwen’s novel *Border Town*, but in fact, the Border Town depicted in the book is actually Chadong.Chadong is locatedat the junction of(the provinces (and municipality) of)Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing,and is known as"a place where “one step takes you into three provinces.”"It is a settlement area for the Miao ethnic group. Although close to Fenghuang, it has not been overly commercialized and still retains an authentic, simple ethnic charm. With its tranquil rivers, neat and elegant bluestone paths, and classic stilted houses, Chadong Ancient Town showcases its unique appeal in a quiet and unassuming way.Transportation:
Take a train to Jishou, then after exiting the station, take a bus to Huayuan, or take a taxi to the West Bus Station to transfer to a bus to Huayuan. Get off at Biancheng Park or Liangshuijing, then transfer to a bus to Chadong.Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Changsha to Chadong.Shanggan Tang Village
Shanggan Tang Village is currently the oldest millennium-old village discovered in Hunan Province. Not only are its ancient buildings well-preserved, but its simple atmosphere remains intact, with little tourism development. So-called “attractions” such as pavilions and towers are also free to enter. The most worthwhile sights in Shanggan Tang Village are its old houses, especially the distinctive horse-head walls and the thoughtfully symmetrical layouts that are especially captivating when it rains—painting a scene so picturesque it feels like a traditional Chinese ink painting, making it hard to leave.
Transportation: After arriving in Jiangyong County, Yongzhou, take a bus to Cushijiang Town and get off at Shanggan Tang Village.
Yongshun Laosi City
Yongshun Laosi City is Hunan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the largest, best-preserved, and most historically significant ancient Tusi (local tribal chieftain) city ruin in China. This site was the capital of the Tusi kings of Western Hunan for over 800 years and offers visitors a chance to experience the rise and legacy of the Tusi Dynasty firsthand. The architectural layout of Laosi City is exquisitely planned, perfectly blending natural terrain with military defense. Its vast scale and magnificent layout are comparable to Italy’s Pompeii.
Transportation: After arriving in Yongshun County, transfer to a bus to reach the site.
Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City
Ancient Hongjiang Commercial City
Hongjiang has been a major commercial hub since ancient times, with the earliest signs of urban development dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period. Today, the ancient town of Hongjiang preserves the architectural styles and urban layout from the Ming, Qing, and Republican eras in their entirety. Its bustling streets and markets have even earned it the nickname of a real-life “Along the River During the Qingming Festival.” Notably, this liveliness doesn’t come from tourists—what you experience here is the most authentic local culture and way of life.
Transportation:After arriving in Huaihua, you can take a direct bus to the ancient Hongjiang Commercial City.
Instead of heading to the overcrowded Fenghuang Ancient Town, why not visit these tranquil ancient towns and villages to experience the genuine charm of historic settlements?