Phoenix Ancient Town

Introduction to Phoenix Ancient Town

Phoenix Ancient Town is located in the famous Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hunan Province. Phoenix Ancient Town is also known as Fenghuang Ancient Town is unique due to its distinct Miao culture and well preserved Ming and Qing architectures. The history of Phoenix Ancient Town dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period, however what can be seen of the present Phoenix Ancient Town was actually built during the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. Fenghuang Ancient Town was enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2008. 

Phoenix Ancient Town has been well preserved over the years and many of the original architecture such as the wooden houses on stilts and the cobbled alley ways. You will also find that the Tuo Jiang River which runs through the ancient town is one of the best places to see the locals and their daily routines which is basically centered around the river. Whilst the men are ferrying up and down the river and catching fish, the women of the village can be seen washing clothes along the banks and preparing food. 

The residents of the village are mostly of the Miao Ethnic Minority. The Miao minority are famous for their costumes in particularly the female costumes which include an elaborate headdress decorated with silverware. Apart from costumes you will also find that the Miao Minority group are also famous for their textiles, embroidery, tie dye and tapestries. While touring Phoenix Ancient Town visiting the Miao Market is also an enlightening experience, you can see traditional agricultural products and the daily lives of the Miao people. 

Phoenix Ancient Town is also famous as the Former Residence of Shen Congwen is located in the town. Shen Congwen was one of the greatest writers of China’s modern literature famous for his use of traditional Chinese writing techniques. His former residence is located at No.10 Zhongying Street and from the entrance you can see that it is a traditional Chinese courtyard built during the Qing Dynasty

Location

Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, Hunan Province

Main Sights

Former Residence of Shen Congwen, Miao Market, Miao Ethnic Minority

Travel Information

Admission: 148 Yuan (including 10 Attractions: Former Residence of Shen Congwen, Former Residence of Xiong Xi Ling, Yang Family Memorial Temple, East Gate Tower, Boat ride on Tuo Jiang River, Longevity Palace, Chongde Hall, Fenghuang Ancient City Museum, Hong Bridge Art Museum, Shenfeng Scenic Area)

Transportation 

1. There are direct buses to Phoenix Ancient Town from Tongren Fenghuang Airport. Buses are available from 7:30AM - 4:30PM and fares cost 22 Yuan per person.

Travel Tips 

1. Try to avoid visiting Phoenix Ancient Town during summer holidays where the crowds and number of visitors will be substantially higher than usual.

2. The best time to visit Phoenix Ancient Town is from April to October when the weather is warmer. From November to March the weather is rather cold.