A Guide to Fenghuang Ancient Town | A Romantic Encounter with a Thousand Years of Poetry

| A Romantic Encounter with a Thousand Years of Poetry. Mr. Shen Congwen once wrote, "I have walked across bridges in many places, seen clouds countless times, and drunk many kinds of wine, but I have only loved one person who was at the best age." The Fenghuang Ancient Town in his writings is just as beautiful and worth your visit. Pre-trip Preparation * Documents: ID card, other documents that may be used (such as a student ID, senior citizen card, etc., for purchasing discount tickets). * Clothing: The average temperature in spring and autumn is 15 - 25℃, so you can bring long-sleeved jackets and thin sweaters; the temperature is higher in summer, 25 - 35℃, so prepare light and breathable clothing and protect yourself from the sun; the temperature is lower in winter, 0 - 10℃, so you need to prepare thick cotton clothes, scarves, gloves and other warm clothes. * Daily necessities: Skin care products, cosmetics, toiletries, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas or raincoats, etc. * Medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, band-aids and other commonly used medicines to prevent physical discomfort. * Electronic devices: Mobile phones, cameras, chargers, mobile power supplies, etc. to record beautiful moments. Best Time to Travel * April - June: The temperature is suitable, around 20℃, the precipitation is moderate, the ancient city is full of green, and the flowers are like brocade, suitable for strolling and enjoying the natural scenery. * September - November: The autumn is crisp, the average temperature is 18℃, the weather is sunny, there is little rain and it is dry, you can enjoy a comfortable travel experience and appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the ancient city in autumn. Transportation Guide * External Transportation: * Airplane: You can arrive at Tongren Fenghuang Airport in Guizhou Province, which is about 30 kilometers away from Fenghuang Ancient Town. There is a special bus from the airport to Fenghuang Ancient Town, the journey takes about 1 hour and the ticket price is about CNY 25; you can also take a taxi, the cost is about CNY 100 - 150. * Train: You can first go to Jishou Station or Huaihua Station, and then transfer to a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town. The journey from Jishou to Fenghuang takes about 1.5 hours and the ticket price is about CNY 25; the journey from Huaihua to Fenghuang takes about 2.5 hours and the ticket price is about CNY 40. * High-speed train: You can arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town Station. After leaving the station, you can take High-speed Railway Special Line Bus No. 1 to "Qifeng Square", the journey takes about 25 minutes and the ticket price is CNY 7/person; you can also choose to take a taxi, the cost is about CNY 27. * Internal Transportation: * Bus: The lines cover the main scenic spots and urban areas, the ticket price is CNY 1 - 2, you can check the specific lines and stations before traveling. * Taxi: The starting price is CNY 6 - 8, which is more convenient for traveling around the ancient city, but some areas in the ancient city are restricted. * Sightseeing bus: There are sightseeing buses in the ancient city, which can easily reach various attractions. The ticket price varies according to the line. Attraction Check-in * Shen Congwen's Former Residence: Learn about Mr. Shen Congwen's life and feel the growth environment of the literary master, the ticket price is CNY 40. * Xiong Xiling's Former Residence: Visit the former residence of Xiong Xiling, the premier of the Republic of China, and appreciate the life of historical celebrities, the ticket price is CNY 30. * Ancient City Wall: Stroll along the ancient city wall, overlook the entire ancient city, and feel the historical charm, free. * Hong Bridge: A landmark building where you can enjoy the scenery of the Tuojiang River. There are many special shops around, free. * Tuojiang Jumping Rock: Experience a unique way to cross the river, which is a good place for taking pictures, free. * Boating on the Tuojiang River: Take a boat trip on the Tuojiang River and enjoy the scenery of the stilted buildings on both sides. The ticket price is CNY 85 during the day and CNY 150 at night. Food Guide * Blood Duck: A famous dish in Fenghuang, duck meat is cooked with blood curd, the taste is spicy and the taste is soft and glutinous, recommended shop Junzi Restaurant, the average price is CNY 70 per person. * Sour Soup Fish: The sour soup is used as the base of the pot, the fish is fresh and tender, the soup is rich, sour and spicy, and appetizing, the average price is CNY 60 per person. * Rice Tofu: The taste is smooth and refreshing, with chili, chopped green onion and other seasonings, the taste is very delicious, it can be seen everywhere on the snack street, CNY 5 - 10/portion. * Ginger Candy: A traditional snack in Fenghuang, sweet and spicy, with a fragrant aroma, can be used as a souvenir, recommended shop Zhang's Ginger Candy, CNY 20 - 30/kg. * Miao Cake: Crispy and delicious, with a variety of flavors to choose from, CNY 10/piece. Accommodation Recommendation * Fenghuang Su Lilianhua Resort Hotel: A luxury hotel with a score of 4.9, featuring forest lights, Tuojiang River night view, and internet-famous stone bridge, the price is CNY 800 - 2000/night. * Fenghuang Tangshe Jianshan Hotel (Fenghuang Ancient Town Branch): Full of design, enjoy the infinity pool with mountain views in the ancient city, the price is CNY 600 - 1500/night. * Fenghuang Yuejian Yayuan River View Boutique Inn: Cost-effective, the inn owner is enthusiastic, the location is convenient, and there is a viewing balcony, the price is CNY 300 - 800/night. Itinerary Planning * One-day tour: Shen Congwen's Former Residence - Xiong Xiling's Former Residence - Ancient City Wall - Hong Bridge - Tuojiang Jumping Rock - Boating on the Tuojiang River. * Two-day tour: Day 1, Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural Park - Shen Congwen's Former Residence - Ancient City Wall - Bar Street; Day 2, Xiong Xiling's Former Residence - Hong Bridge - Tuojiang Jumping Rock - Boating on the Tuojiang River - Night View of Fenghuang Ancient Town. * Three-day tour: Day 1, arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town, check in to the hotel, stroll around the ancient city and enjoy the night view; Day 2, Shen Congwen's Former Residence - Xiong Xiling's Former Residence - Yang's Ancestral Hall - Dongmen Tower - Boating on the Tuojiang River; Day 3, Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural Park - Qiliang Cave - Return trip. Precautions * There are many stone roads in the ancient city, so try to choose comfortable shoes when traveling. * Pay attention to identifying the quality and price when purchasing local products and souvenirs, and you can bargain appropriately. * Pay attention to safety when boating on the Tuojiang River and follow the boatman's instructions. * Respect local customs and religious beliefs.