Phoenix Ancient Town

Phoenix Town is located in the western part of Central China's Hunan Province, south of the Tujia and Miao prefectures. Phoenix Town's history can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206BC). During ancient times it was called "Wu Gan," before being changed to its present Feng Huang name in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The Miao ethnic minority is predominantly settled here and a visit to a Miao village is a must in any visit to Phoenix Town. The Miao women have a natural beauty that renders the use of cosmetics quite unnecessary. They love to dress in traditional blue garments set off with a white scarf. They also love their silver jewelry, especially during festivals.

 

 

'Fenghuang' is Chinese for 'Phoenix', the mythical bird of good omen and longevity that is consumed by fire to be re-born again from the flames. Phoenix Ancient Town is so called as legend has it that two of these fabulous birds flew over it and found the town so beautiful that they hovered there, reluctant to leave.

 

 

The town is situated on the western boundary of Hunan Province in an area of outstanding natural beauty where mountains, water and blue skies prevail. Upon arrival visitor will be impressed by its air of mystery, elegance and primitive simplicity. This is a world that is dominated by the colour green. The mountain slopes are covered with green foliage, the fields are green and even the Tuo Jiang River reflects the greenery. The bridges over the water and unique houses built on stilts display a harmony that is so often portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings. This is particularly true when mist pervades the scene in the early morning or after rain. It soon becomes apparent that the claim to being one of the two most beautiful towns in the whole of China is more than justified; the other town is Chang Ting in Fujian Province.

 

 

Standing by water side, the ancient town is like a shy girl who attracts the people with her natural beauty and quiet temperament. Blessed with picturesque natural sceneries and unsophisticated customs, the Phoenix Ancient Town is a pure land with long history and distinctive features. With profound and mystical scenes, Phoenix Ancient Town evokes people's longing for a more remote and simpler time. Walking on the tranquil stone lanes, it seems that time stops and listen to the most subtle whispers about this charming place. Drifting on the delicate boat in the limpid river, the ferry man will guide you to the most traditional part, and experience its magic.

 

 

Upon entering the town, visitors will be impressed by its air of mystery, elegance, and primitive simplicity, just like a phoenix. The bridges over the water and unique houses built on stilts display a harmony that is so often portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings. This is particularly true when mist pervades the scene in the early morning or after rain.

 

 

Although very beautiful, Phoenix Town does not rely entirely upon natural beauty to attract the visitor, for this ancient town with a history spanning 1,300 years has a number of remarkable old gardens as well as distinctive residential buildings, elegant bridges, and mysterious towers and pagodas.
 
Phoenix Town is a special town that offers visitors from both home and abroad a view of a China quite different from anything experienced in the more widely known modern cities and large surrounding areas. The opportunity to travel in such a picturesque region will surely be remembered by any visitor as an experience of a lifetime.

Stilted House
The design of stilted houses is amazing. Every house is connected by corridors on three sides and has wooden balustrades (stairs and railing, usually leading to a balcony, bridge, or terrace) protruding over the river, offering great views. On sunny days, many housewives wash and club their clothes under the stilted houses. It is a real sight to see them splashing water, stirring ripples on the river.

 

 

Former Residence of Shen Congwen
Shen Congwen (1902-1988) was one of the most famous writers in Chinese history as well as a historian and archaeologist. He contributed greatly to the development of modern Chinese literature and was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. In 1991, his former residence was listed as a cultural relic, and has been carefully restored. Venerated by the local residents, the one-time home and the tomb of this famous and versatile writer have become tourist attractions.

 

 

Market of Miao Minority
Someone said that if you haven’t been to the market of Miao Minority, you cannot say that you have been to the Phoenix Ancient Town. In the market, there are abundant agricultural products and numerous items with distinct features. Moreover, girls of the Miao Minority wearing traditional clothing are quite pretty, and it is also scenery of the market.

 

 

Admission fee: 148RMB/person
 
Opening hours: All day
 
Transportation
1. Take exclusive tourism bus from Changsha to Phoenix Ancient Town.
2. Take train from Changsha to Jishou, and then take an exclusive bus from Jishou to Phoenix Ancient Town.