Things to do in Xiangxi Prefecture

Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is a border town renowned for its literary significance. A national 5A-level tourist attraction, it was praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "China's most beautiful small town." The Tuojiang River flows gently through the town, with stilted houses standing along its banks and winding ancient cobblestone alleys. This is the spiritual home of Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town," harboring unique Xiangxi charm. In the morning, a thin mist blankets the river; at night, lights reflect on the water. The landscape and culture blend seamlessly, half poetic, half down-to-earth; every step reveals the gentle warmth of time. #TravelRecommendationOfficer #HealingScenery #FenghuangAncientTown #XiangxiTourism

Chadong, a picturesque ancient town at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces, gained worldwide fame thanks to Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town." Nestled against mountains and beside a river, with the Qingshui River flowing through it, the town boasts charming cobblestone streets, rustic stilted houses, and a white pagoda, preserving the authentic Xiangxi (western Hunan) style. Here, one can "step into three provinces," with places like Lala Ferry and Cuicui Island whispering tales of tranquility and deep affection, making it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and seek out the beauty of literature and nature.

The hotel boasts a prime location within the Seventy-Two Wonders Towers, offering views of the towers' interior from your room. After exploring, it's just a few minutes' walk back to the hotel. The attractions offer numerous evening activities with a pleasant atmosphere. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, and the front desk staff are friendly and welcoming. Dining and shopping are conveniently located around the hotel, making for a great stay.

Bamianshan, Longshan, Xiangxi: Hidden in northwestern Hunan, this "Southern Sky Grassland" blends romance and wildness amidst the clouds. If you've ever dreamed of reaching out to embrace drifting clouds and looking up to see a glimpse of stars, then Bamianshan, Longshan, Xiangxi, is a secret haven tailor-made for this fantasy. It boasts the impressive title of "China's Largest Table Mountain"—surrounded by razor-sharp cliffs. Standing on the edge and gazing down, clouds swirl in the valley, making it seem as if you're stepping on clouds. Turn around, and the summit reveals a completely different world: Thousands of acres of meadows, seemingly meticulously ironed, stretch from your eyes to the horizon, quietly transporting the vastness of the northern grasslands into the folds of the southern mountains. The four seasons here never disappoint. In spring, wildflowers blanket the mountain meadows like a colorful blanket. Dandelions, drenched in morning dew, lift tiny white umbrellas in the breeze, filling the air with a delicate floral fragrance. Summer is the most pleasurable, with a cool mountain breeze brushing against the grass tips. Even amidst the scorching heat below, the peak maintains a comfortable 20°C. Lying on the grass, watching the clouds roll by, can soothe even a restless heart. In autumn, the meadows are tinged with a gentle pale yellow, while wild strawberries and kiwis hide in the bushes. Picking one is a delightfully sweet and sour experience, plucked from the heart. Winter is even more captivating. After a snowfall, the meadows are blanketed in silver, rime drapes the branches, and the entire Bamashan Mountain transforms into a fairytale world of ice and snow. Walking through the snow, your feet crackle, and even your breath is shrouded in white mist. Bamashan offers surprises at every moment of the day. Be sure to rise early in the morning and find a slope with a wide view. First, the sky begins to turn pale, then the orange-red sunrise slowly emerges from the sea of ​​clouds, tinting the clouds in golden red and orange-pink. The once gray meadow is instantly illuminated, and in that moment, it seems as if the entire world is ablaze. Nightfall is when Bamashan reaches its most romantic moment: free from the city's light pollution, the stars, like overturned diamonds, fill the night sky, and the Milky Way is so clear that a faint band of light can be seen. Stay in a starry sky tent on the mountaintop, unzip and gaze at the stars. Listen to the rustling of the wind across the meadow and the occasional barking of a herdsman's dog in the distance. This kind of tranquility and freedom, far from the hustle and bustle, is something you'll never find in the city. This place isn't just a place to enjoy the scenery; it's a paradise for fun. For a wild experience, rent a horse—the perspective from horseback is truly unique. As the meadow slowly recedes beneath you, the wind caresses your face, and you feel as if you've left all your worries behind. (But be aware that horseback riding is quite expensive, so be sure to ask for the price in advance.) In the evening, be sure to try the local roasted whole lamb: the rack is roasted to a golden brown, the fat dripping onto the charcoal with a sizzling aroma that wafts far into the distance. Tear off a piece of meat, the skin crispy on the outside, the meat tender on the inside. Paired with a glass of local rice wine, it's a truly divine experience. If the scenic area is hosting a tent music festival, the atmosphere becomes even more lively. A stage is set up in the center of the meadow, lights illuminate the night sky, and people from all corners of the world sing and dance to the music. Even strangers can join in the revelry, and the unbridled joy is something you'll remember for a long time.

Shibadong Village has charming scenery and pristine natural landscape that is refreshing. It is a popular check-in spot for internet celebrities and is very interesting. It is an ideal place for leisure and vacation, with a very high cost-effectiveness. It is a summer resort and fun!

The Hongqiao Bridge, also known as the "Wind and Rain Tower", lies across the Tuojiang River. It is the central landmark of Fenghuang Ancient Town, integrating scenic spots and tourist shopping. On the walls at both ends of the bridge are engraved couplets written by Huang Yongyu and his brother Huang Yongqian. The bridge has two floors. The first floor is a pedestrian passage, where tourists can travel back and forth between the two sides of the Tuojiang River. The second floor overlooks Fenghuang and is also one of the best viewing spots in the ancient city.

The height reaches 216 meters. If you have no idea, I tell you that this is the highest waterfall in China. You must go there during the flood season. If it is important, just say it once. The momentum is definitely different when you see it. Some people describe it as nine dragons turning over the waves, swallowing clouds and spewing mist, and the sound is like thunder, which is absolutely accurate.

The Wanming Pagoda is not far from the Wanshou Palace. It stands on the north bank of the Tuojiang River. It is a large hexagonal brick pagoda, and students often use it as a material for sketching. The Wanming Pagoda is most attractive when it is lit up at night. The tower's shadow is reflected in the center of the river. The two towers on the shore in the water are very spectacular and suitable for taking photos.

Liye Town, which belongs to Longshan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is located at the southernmost tip of Longshan County, adjacent to Neixi Township in the north and connected to Qingshuiping Town, Baojing County across the river in the south. Liye Town is the core of the national scenic spot "Liye-Wulongshan Scenic Area". The main historical sites and attractions include Liye Ancient City Archaeological Site Park, Liye Qin Bamboo Slips Museum, Daban Western Han Ancient City Site and Ancient Tombs, Weijiazhai Eastern Han Ancient City Site, Qingshuiping Eastern Han Ancient Tombs, Liye Ming and Qing Historical Block, Jiashi Ming and Qing Ancient Street, Basha Ancient Village, Bamianshan Scenic Area, etc.

Huilongge Diaojiaolou is located in the southeast of Fenghuang Ancient City, Hunan Province. It is adjacent to the ancient official road and hangs over the Tuojiang River. It is about 240 meters long and consists of houses from the Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China. It is still inhabited. It is a two-story wooden structure with a spacious upper floor and complex craftsmanship. The lower floor occupies an irregular area and the hanging part is finely carved. It is ventilated and moisture-proof, and can withstand cold and heat. It embodies the architectural skills of the Miao people. It is a landmark building in the ancient city and has great artistic and cultural value.