Fenghuang (phoenix) Old City

Tuo River is the first level branch on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The main stream has a total distance of 629 kilometers. It pours into the Yangtze River via Chengdu, Ziyang, Neijiang and Luzhou, and covers a drainage area of approximately 27,800 square kilometers. Also the mother river of the old city of Fenghuang, the Tuo River flows softly along the foot of the city wall, nurturing the people of the town from generation to generation.

On the first day, you will get an overview of the whole town. There are many ways of entering the town. The first and most convenient way is to travel from Jishou. Regular buses from Jishou to Fenghuang are available everyday from 06:00 to 20:00 at a price of about CNY6, or CNY10 with air-conditioning. In about half an hour, you will reach the beautiful town. The second way is to take a bus from Huanhua. However, the buses are not so convenient compared with those from Jishou. They are available at the station every two hours from 07:00 to 17:00. The tickets cost about CNY20 per person, and the trip takes 3 hours. Lastly, you can also take a bus to Fenghuang from Tongren. Tongren airport is the nearest airport to this old town, however, the buses are limited; the cost runs from CNY10 net to CNY15 net.

The most distinctive feature of Fenghuang Town are the Diaojiao houses of Tu minority which project over the river, and also the special cultural styles you will feel within the town. When exploring the city, you will also see women washing clothes beside the river and the local people carrying bamboo baskets on their backs. You may also have a short cruise tour on the river. The culture sites you can visit are old residence of Shen Chongwen, Yang Memorial Temple and East Gate City Tower. The old residence of Shen Chongwen is a typical courtyard of Southern China style house. Yang Memorial Temple, also named Chaoyang Palace, was built in the year of 1836. It has a typical courtyard construction. East Gate City Tower is one of four city gates in the town. It stands at a height of 11 meters looks magnificent and stately. Stay overnight at the town.

The next day, visit Southern Great Wall and Huangsi Bridge. You may charter a taxi to go there, costing at about CNY100. Or you can take bus to A'Laying, and then take a pedicab to Huangsi Bridge. Southern Great Wall was originally built in the Ming Dynasty, having a total distance of 382 kilometers. Huangsi Bridge old town, built in the Tang Dynasty, is the best preserved stone city.

The through ticket of Old Fenghuang Town, Great Wall and Huangsi Bridge is CNY186 per person. Then proceed to your next destination.