【Hunan】Fenghuang Ancient Town
Nestled along the Tuojiang River in western Hunan's Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Fenghuang Ancient Town was built in 1704 during the Qing Dynasty and inspired Shen Congwen's novel Border Town. Stilted houses cling to the riverbanks, supported by wooden pillars and topped with dark tiles, linked by covered corridors and slate-paved alleys. At night, lanterns cast shimmering reflections on the water as fishing boats drift, evoking a living Along the River During the Qingming Festivalscroll. Ming-Qing architecture includes Chaoyang Palace and Shen Congwen’s former residence, while Miao silver workshops chime beside Tujia batik fabrics hung in markets. During the Miao "April Eighth" Flower Jumping Festival, Nuo mask dances and horn-toasting songs celebrate multi-ethnic traditions. The primitive forests of Nanhua Mountain beyond the town add untamed charm to this "China's Most Beautiful Small Town."
Tip: Address: Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi; Ticket: Free entry to town, ¥128 for 9-attraction pass.
Language: English guides at tourist center (¥200/3h); learn Miao phrases during night boat rides.
Accommodation: "Qinghua Zen Lodge" offers Western breakfast and silver jewelry workshops (¥120/session).
Caution: Avoid street-vended "cinnabar crafts"; authentic shops display "Xiangxi Intangible Heritage" logo.