Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town, aka Phoenix Ancient Town and Feng Huang Gu Cheng in Chinese, is situated on the western boundary of Hunan Province in an area of outstanding natural beauty where mountains, water and blue skies prevail. It is about 3 hours’ drive from the downtown area of Zhangjiajie.

'Fenghuang' is Chinese for 'Phoenix', the mythical bird of good omen and longevity that is consumed by fire to be re-born again from the flames. Fenghuang Ancient Town is so called as legend has it that two of these fabulous birds flew over it and found the Fenghuang Town so beautiful that they hovered there, reluctant to leave.

Fenghuang Ancient Town

 

Upon arrival visitor will be impressed by its air of mystery, elegance and primitive simplicity. This is a world that is dominated by the color green. The mountain slopes are covered with green foliage, the fields are green and even the Tuo Jiang River reflects the greenery. The bridges over the water and unique houses built on stilts display a harmony that is so often portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings. This is particularly true when mist pervades the scene in the early morning or after rain. It soon becomes apparent that the claim to being one of the two most beautiful towns in the whole of China is more than justified; the other town is Chang Ting in Fujian Province.

Night View of Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town is a wonderful example of what villages were like prior to the onset of modernization. Here dozens of alleys paved with flagstones run between the houses. For the visitor, these alleys are where to see the typical high gabled wooden houses built on stilts along the banks of the Tuo Jiang River at close quarters. 

In many ways, life has not changed here for centuries and this is typified by the tough, hard-working yet simple-hearted people. The town offers the visitor from both home and abroad a view of a quite different China from anything experienced in the modern cities and large conurbations that are more widely known.

Tourist Map of Fenghuang Ancient Town

 In social media, when it comes to Fenghuang Ancient Town, Tuo Jiang River always appears on the screen. It is also the best photography site in Fenghuang. Stretching diagonally from the northwest to southeast of the Fenghuang Ancient Town, Tuo Jiang River is a life force of the local people. Here in its waters women wash their clothes and the men fish with their nets, while on the bank food is prepared in much the same way as it has for centuries. The river also provides a means for boatmen to support their families by ferrying visitors up and down stream for sightseeing.

Tuo Jiang River Cruise Boat

 With a history spanning 1,300 years, Fenghuang Ancient Town also has a number of remarkable old gardens as well as distinctive residential buildings, elegant bridges and mysterious towers and pagodas. These architectural delights date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911). Those of special interest are the Wengchen Pavilion, Huang Si Qiao Castle, Tian Wang Temple, Da Cheng Hall, Chao Yang Palace, and the former residence of local celebrities. Here too there are the North Gate and South Great Wall both excellent examples of municipal fortification.

Alley in Fenghuang Ancient Town

Celebrities' Former Residence in the Town

 The Miao ethnic minority is predominantly settled here. The Miao women have a natural beauty that renders the use of cosmetics quite unnecessary. They love to dress in traditional blue garments set off with a white scarf. They love also their silver jewelry especially. The Miao are friendly and hospitable and like nothing more than to interact with visitors with a variety of traditional entertainments and activities, especially during festivals.

Visitors will find a large array of hand-made items of silver ornaments for sale in the local shops. Home-made tie-dyes, printed and batik cloths are other local specialties that make wonderful souvenirs. 

Food here also is different from that found elsewhere in China. Pickled red peppers are a particular local delicacy and their appetizing smell wafts from the many small family run restaurants.

Local people doing bamboo pole dance

Taking Photos Wearing Miao Clothes

 March – May and September – November are suitable for visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town when it is not too cold or too hot. But avoid early October when it is the “Golden Week” in China. 
 1. By Train: 2 h and 20 minutes; CNY 186.5 – 324.5
Take a bullet train from Changsha South Railway Station to Fenghuanggucheng Railway Station. Then, transfer to Fenghuang High-Speed Rail Special Bus Line to Fenghuang Ancient Town directly, taking about one hour and CNY 7.

2. By Long-distance Bus: 6h; CNY 158
Depart from: Changzhutan Bus Station
Destination: Fenghuang Bus Terminal

From Fenghuang Bus Terminal, there is still 2 km’s (1.2 mi) distance. It is suggested to go there by taxi.

See also: How to Travel between Changsha and Fenghuang
 Take a high speed train from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to Fenghuanggucheng Railway Station, taking one hour and CNY 52 – 149. Then transfer to Fenghuang High-Speed Rail Special Bus Line to Fenghuang Ancient Town directly, taking about one hour and CNY 7.

See also: How to Travel between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang
 Take a direct bus from Tongren North Bus Station to Fenghuang Ancient Town, taking CNY 25 with a duration of one hour. The bus departs at 9:10, 11:50, 14:20, and 16:50.
 Take a direct bus at Huaihua West Bus Station to Fenghuang Ancient Town, taking about 1.5h and CNY 40. It departs at 15:10, 16:20, and 17:30.

See also: How to Travel between Fenghuang and Guilin
 

 

Entrance Fee

Visitors don't need to pay for admission for the ancient town, but they need to buy a ticket if they want to visit the scenic spots inside. Combo ticket: CNY 128 (daytime sightseeing boat ride on Tuojiang River + 7 attractions including Former Residence of Shen Congwen, Former Residence of Xiong Xiling, Yang Family Memorial Temple, East Gate Tower, Longevity Palace, Chongde Hall, and Hongqiao Art Museum) CNY 173 for the 7 attractions and nighttime sightseeing boat.  Note: The combo ticket is valid for two days. A visitor can enter the above-mentioned spots once within the validity of the ticket.

Opening Hours

24 hours

Further Reading
Top 9 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

Top 10 Ancient Cities in China