Phoenix Ancient Town Guide: Encounter the Thousand-Year Ink Painting by the Tuo River

Stroll along the cobblestone streets, take a boat ride on the Tuo River, and immerse yourself in this thousand-year-old town, praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "China's most beautiful small town." It feels like a flowing ink painting, waiting for your arrival. Phoenix Ancient Town, located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is a thousand-year-old town surrounded by green mountains and the Tuo River. It was once the hometown of literary giant Shen Congwen, who introduced the beauty of this land to the world through his work "Border Town." 🚶♀️ Two-Day Highlights Tour · Day 1: First Encounter with the Ancient Town's Charm Arrive in the morning and check into a stilted riverside guesthouse, where you can enjoy picturesque river views right from your window🏞️. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets of the ancient town, exploring old streets and unique shops. Don't forget to visit Shen Congwen's Former Residence and soak in the literary atmosphere in its lush courtyard. At night, Phoenix truly comes alive. The lights along the Tuo River gradually illuminate, turning the ancient town into a dreamy wonderland. Be sure to walk across the stepping stones and watch the shimmering reflections of the lights on the water. Alternatively, find a riverside bar, listen to folk music, and enjoy the evening breeze. · Day 2: Boating on the Tuo River and Cultural Exploration Phoenix is especially tranquil in the early morning, with mist lingering over the town, making it a perfect time for photography📸. In the morning, experience a boat ride on the Tuo River. Glide through the Rainbow Bridge on a traditional wooden boat, watch the stilted houses slowly recede, and listen to the boatman sing Xiangxi folk songs—it's truly enchanting. In the afternoon, climb the Rainbow Bridge Wind and Rain Tower for a panoramic view of the ancient town, or visit the Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural Scenic Area to learn about the myths and legends of Phoenix. 🍜 Food Recommendations · Blood Duck: Phoenix's signature dish, made with duck blood and glutinous rice cakes paired with spicy duck meat—perfect with rice. · Miao Sour Soup Fish: A tangy and spicy soup base paired with tender fish, a signature Miao flavor. · Xiangxi Rice Noodles: Enjoy a bowl at an old noodle shop, topped with pickled beans and fried peanuts. It's spicy and satisfying, costing around ten yuan. · Ginger Candy: Sweet but not overly so, with warming properties. It's a great souvenir. 💡 Travel Tips · Transportation: Take a high-speed train to Huaihua South Station, then transfer to a bus to Phoenix Ancient Town (about 1.5 hours). The town is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes. · Tickets: The ancient town itself is free to enter, but indoor attractions like Shen Congwen's Former Residence require tickets. Consider purchasing a combo ticket. · Accommodation: Riverside guesthouses with river views are highly recommended but can be pricey. Book in advance during peak seasons. · Best Season: Autumn offers pleasant weather, making it the ideal time to visit. · Shopping Tips: When buying silver jewelry, batik, or other souvenirs, remember to bargain. Some small stalls may only accept cash. We hope this guide helps you experience a poetic journey in Phoenix Ancient Town✨.