Fenghuang Ancient Town, nestled in Hunan’s Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, is a 400-year-old border town made famous by Shen Congwen’s classic novel Border Town.
The Town
The Tuo River winds through the town, flanked by stilted wooden houses (diaojiaolou). In the morning mist, ancient gates and covered bridges reflect in the water, creating a scene unchanged for centuries.
Highlights
- Boat ride on the Tuo River — the best way to experience the old town
- Shen Congwen’s Former Residence — a pilgrimage site for literature lovers
- Ancient City Wall — well-preserved Ming dynasty fortifications
- Rainbow Bridge — Fenghuang’s iconic covered bridge spanning the river
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer is hot and rainy; winter is cold but crowd-free.