My unforgettable encounter with Phoenix Ancient Town
#Mainland Travel
1. Preliminary preparation
1. Certificates
• Bring your ID card, which is required for checking into a hotel, purchasing tickets, etc.
2. Clothing
• Prepare clothing according to the season. If it is summer, light and breathable clothes are more suitable. At the same time, you should bring sun-protective clothing, a sun hat and sandals, because the temperature in the ancient city is high in summer and you need to walk to visit, and sandals are convenient for walking. If it is spring or autumn, you can bring some long-sleeved shirts, thin jackets, etc., as the ancient city may be a little cold in the morning and evening. In winter, you need warm clothes such as thick cotton coats, scarves, gloves, etc.
3. Other items
• Be prepared with sunscreen, an umbrella or a raincoat. There is more rain in Fenghuang Ancient Town in summer, and sunscreen can protect the skin from strong sunlight.
• Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged, as the beautiful scenery of the ancient city is perfect for taking photos. You can bring a power bank to ensure sufficient power.
2. Transportation
1. Arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town
• Plane: You can fly to Tongren Phoenix Airport first. The airport is close to Phoenix Ancient Town. There are airport buses or taxis to the ancient town, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
• Train: You can take the train to Jishou Railway Station. After exiting the station, there are many buses to Fenghuang Ancient Town, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
• Car: There are also long-distance buses from surrounding cities that go directly to Fenghuang Ancient Town.
2. Transportation in the ancient city
• The ancient city is mainly explored on foot. However, there are also some electric cars available. If you carry a lot of luggage or are tired of walking, you can take an electric car to travel between the main attractions in the ancient city. The price is generally calculated according to the length of the journey.
3. Accommodation
1. Linjiang Inn
• The advantage is the beautiful scenery. You can enjoy the beauty of Tuojiang River, especially at night, when the river is sparkling and the lights of the stilt houses are reflected in the river, which is very romantic. However, the prices are relatively high, especially during the tourist season, and it can be noisy because it is close to the street and the river.
2. Inns in the alleys of the ancient city
• This type of inn is relatively affordable and allows you to experience the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient city. However, it may be some distance away from Tuojiang River and major attractions, and it may take some time to walk there.
4. Food Experience
1. Special dishes
• Blood-soaked Duck: This is one of the signature dishes of Fenghuang Ancient Town. The duck meat is firm and chewy, while the blood cake is soft and glutinous with the unique aroma of duck blood. The two complement each other. The salty fragrance of the duck meat and the fresh fragrance of the blood cake are mixed together, and the taste is very rich.
• Fish in sour soup: The fish is tender and the sour soup is appetizing. The sour soup is made by fermenting local tomatoes and other ingredients. It has a unique sour taste and aroma. With the help of seasonings such as chili peppers and peppercorns, it tastes sour and spicy, which increases people's appetite.
• Xiangxi bacon: The bacon is fat and lean, and after being pickled and smoked, it has a unique smoky aroma. It can be fried, such as fried bacon with green peppers. Some of the fat in the bacon will be absorbed by the green peppers, making it fragrant and not too greasy.
2. Snacks Recommendations
• Ginger candy: Fenghuang’s ginger candy is very famous, it is sweet and spicy with a crispy texture. Ginger candy workshops can be seen in every street and alley of the ancient city. You can watch the production process on site and taste ginger candies of different flavors.
• Ice sweet wine: Sweet wine made from glutinous rice, with ice cubes and sugar, has a sweet taste and is very suitable for cooling off and quenching thirst while traveling.
5. Sightseeing
1. Rafting on Tuojiang River
• This is one of the must-experience activities when visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town. Drifting on the Tuojiang River on a small boat, you can enjoy the scenery of the stilt houses on both sides of the river up close. The boatman will also sing some local folk songs, adding a strong local atmosphere. Along the way, you can see iconic buildings such as the Hongqiao Bridge and the Wanming Tower, and feel the tranquility and beauty of the ancient city.
2. Shen Congwen's Former Residence
• This is where the famous writer Mr. Shen Congwen was born and grew up. The former residence displays an introduction to Mr. Shen Congwen’s life and deeds, manuscripts of his works and other items. Through the visit, you can gain a deeper understanding of Mr. Shen Congwen's literary achievements and the source of his creation of the Xiangxi world.
3. Yang Family Ancestral Hall
• It is one of the best preserved ancestral halls in Fenghuang Ancient Town. The architectural style is typical of western Hunan, with exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings and other craftsmanship. Here you can learn about the history and cultural heritage of the Yang family and feel the family culture in the ancient city.
4. East Gate Tower
• It is one of the four major city gates of Fenghuang Ancient Town and is majestic and spectacular. The buildings on the city wall are well preserved. You can climb up the city wall to overlook the scenery inside and outside the ancient city. The mountains and Tuojiang River in the distance are in full view, and you can also feel the historical weight of the ancient city.
6. Folk Culture Experience
1. Watch Miao dance performances
• Some theaters in the old city have Miao song and dance performances. The actors dressed in gorgeous Miao costumes and performed traditional Miao dances, such as the Lusheng dance, as well as wonderful acrobatics and difficult martial arts performances. At the same time, there will be interactive sessions such as Miao girls toasting the audience, allowing tourists to deeply experience the folk culture of the Miao ethnic group.
2. Visit the Miao silver jewelry store
• The Miao silver jewelry in Fenghuang Ancient Town is very famous. The silver jewelry is exquisitely shaped and comes in many varieties, including silver bracelets, silver necklaces, silver earrings, etc. In the silver jewelry store, you can not only buy exquisite silver jewelry as souvenirs, but also learn about the production techniques of Miao silver jewelry, such as forging, carving and other traditional techniques.
7. Shopping Experience
1. Special souvenirs
• In addition to Miao silver jewelry, you can also buy some handicrafts with Xiangxi characteristics, such as batik products. Batik has exquisite patterns, including various floral, animal and other patterns, and can be used to make wall hangings, scarves, etc. There are also hand-woven bamboo baskets, straw sandals, etc., which are both practical and commemorative.
2. Notes
• Be careful to distinguish the quality and price of goods when shopping. Especially when buying silver jewelry, you should understand the purity and market price of silver to avoid buying high-priced, low-quality goods.
Fenghuang Ancient Town is a charming tourist destination. Whether it is the natural scenery, food culture or folk customs, it can bring tourists a unique and unforgettable travel experience.