A Glimpse into 3,000 Years of History: A Detailed Guide to Fenghuang Ancient Town

A Super Detailed Travel Guide to Fenghuang Ancient Town✨ Pre-trip Preparations - Documents: ID card, student ID (bring it with you if you have one, some scenic spots offer discounts). - Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing according to the season. Flowy dresses are perfect for taking photos in the ancient town. Also, bring a light jacket in case of temperature differences between day and night. - Other: Power bank, sun protection (umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses), and stomach medicine (you might need it when tasting local delicacies). Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - High-speed Rail: You can arrive at Huaihua South Railway Station first, and then transfer to a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hrs. - Airplane: Fly to Tongren Fenghuang Airport. There is a direct airport bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town, which is very convenient. - Internal Transportation: Walking is the best way to explore the ancient town, allowing you to slowly appreciate the scenery. There are also sightseeing buses available if you don't want to walk. Must-see Attractions - Former Residence of Shen Congwen: Step into the birthplace of this literary giant and experience the origins of the western Hunan world depicted in his works🎈. - Former Residence of Xiong Xiling: Learn about the life of Xiong Xiling, the "First Premier of the Republic of China." The ancient architecture tells stories of the past. - Ancient City Wall: Stroll along the city wall, touch the ancient bricks, and imagine the town's former glory. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful at dusk🌆. - Tuojiang River Cruise: A must-try experience! Sit on a boat, watch the stilt houses reflected on the river, and feel the gentle breeze. It's incredibly relaxing. - Hong Bridge: From the bridge, you can overlook the entire Tuojiang River scenery. The views are different during the day and night, perfect for taking photos📸. Food Recommendations - Blood Cake Duck: A signature dish of Fenghuang. Duck blood and glutinous rice are made into blood cakes and cooked with duck meat. It has a unique aroma and rich taste. - Sour Soup Fish: Fresh fish is stewed in a sour and spicy soup. The soup is rich, and the fish is tender. It's both appetizing and goes well with rice🍲. - Xiangxi Bacon: Cured and smoked bacon, fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry. It's delicious whether stir-fried or eaten directly. - Rice Tofu: Smooth rice tofu paired with spicy seasonings. One bite is full of Xiangxi flavor. - Glutinous Rice Balls in Sugar Syrup: Sweet and soft, with syrup overflowing with every bite. Super satisfying😋. Accommodation Recommendations - By the Tuojiang River: Enjoy stunning river views. Open the window to see the Tuojiang River scenery, and fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river at night. However, the price is relatively higher. - Inside the Ancient Town: Convenient for visiting various attractions. There are many characteristic inns to choose from, offering a rich selection and allowing you to experience the strong atmosphere of the ancient town. - Around the Ancient Town: Relatively affordable. If you have a limited budget, you can consider staying here. It's not far from the ancient town, and transportation is still convenient. Travel Route Planning - Day 1: Arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town in the morning → check in → stroll through the streets of the ancient town and taste snacks → visit the former residences of Shen Congwen and Xiong Xiling in the afternoon → enjoy the night view of the ancient town in the evening, take a walk along the Tuojiang River, and experience the town's nightlife. - Day 2: Get up early to see the morning mist on the Tuojiang River → take a Tuojiang River cruise → visit the ancient city wall and Hong Bridge → enjoy local specialties for lunch → visit the nearby Qiliang Cave (optional) in the afternoon → return. Things to Note - There are many shops selling silver jewelry in the ancient town. Pay attention to authenticity and price when purchasing. - Pay attention to safety and follow the boatman's instructions when taking a Tuojiang River cruise. - Keep your personal belongings safe when traveling in the ancient town at night.