Phoenix Ancient Town

Synopsis

Fenghuang Ancient Town is located in Xiangxi, Hunan Province. It was first built during the Tang Dynasty and named after the phoenix-shaped mountain to its southwest. The Tuo River flows through the town, with stilted houses lining both banks stretching about 240 meters, making it the largest such cluster in China. Shen Congwen’s novel Border Town brought Fenghuang nationwide fame, and the Duocui Tower designed by Huang Yongyu is a landmark building. As a national 4A-level scenic area, its brilliant night lights reflected on the Tuo River have earned it the reputation of China’s most beautiful small town.

Overview

Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, is one of China's most famous historical and cultural cities. The ancient town was initially built during the Tang Dynasty and derives its name from a mountain to its southwest that resembles a phoenix spreading its wings. The Tuo River flows from east to west through the town, with rows of stilted houses built along its banks, tiered and staggered, forming the most iconic landscape of Fenghuang Ancient Town. The writer Shen Congwen's novel Border Town uses Fenghuang as its backdrop, depicting this western Hunan town as picturesque and bringing Fenghuang fame throughout the country.

In 2001, Fenghuang Ancient Town was designated as a National Historical and Cultural City and is a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction. New Zealand writer Rewi Alley once praised Fenghuang as the most beautiful small town in China. The charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town lies in its well-preserved layout of an ancient city and the architectural styles of ethnic minorities—flagstone streets, ancient city walls, stilted houses, and covered bridges—all combine to form a picture that transcends time.

Core Attractions

The Tuo River is the soul of Fenghuang Ancient Town. The river water is clear and emerald green, flowing gently through the town. The stilted houses on both banks are Fenghuang's most unique architecture—these wooden structures are half-built on stone foundations by the riverbank, with the other half supported by wooden pillars overhanging the water. The ground floors of these stilted houses were once used as livestock pens or storage spaces, while the upper floors were living quarters. Today, most of these stilted houses have been converted into inns, bars, and shops. At night, with lights ablaze and reflections shimmering in the river, the scenery is dreamlike.

Shen Congwen's Former Residence is located on Zhongying Street within the ancient town and is a typical southern-style courtyard house. Shen Congwen was born here in 1902 and spent his childhood years here. His representative work, Border Town, is set in Chadong (a small town near Fenghuang) and tells the simple yet moving story between Cuicui and the old ferryman. It is hailed as one of the purest novels in modern Chinese literary history. Shen Congwen's writing has endowed Fenghuang Ancient Town with a unique literary quality—every visitor to Fenghuang unconsciously views the town through Shen Congwen's eyes.

Architectural Features

The architecture of Fenghuang Ancient Town blends Han and Miao styles. The Miao people are skilled in silver ornament making, and exquisite Miao silver shops are随处可见 throughout the ancient town. Miao embroidery and batik are also characteristic handicrafts of Fenghuang, known for their bright colors and intricate patterns. The annual Miao "Ganqiu Festival" on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month is Fenghuang's liveliest traditional festival, where Miao people dress in splendid attire adorned with silver ornaments, singing and dancing.

Practical Information

References

1. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/凤凰古城
2. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/凤凰古城
3. Fenghuang Tourism Official Website: https://www.fenghuang.gov.cn
4. Shen Congwen's Border Town: https://baike.baidu.com/item/边城