Exploring Fenghuang Ancient Town: A Timeless Gem of Hunan

Fenghuang Ancient Town is just a little over an hour away from Zhangjiajie by train or two and a half hours by car, and it's about four hours from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This town dates back to 1704 and is one of the most beautiful spigots in the country. If you like taking pictures, exploring architecture, learning about new cultures, or simply want to step back in time, it's a great spot to consider for your itinerary.

Admire Fenghuang Ancient Town at night

There are many things to see, from the peaceful Tuojiang River to the unique historic buildings. We recommend that visitors spend the night in Fenghuang Ancient Town, where you can appreciate the lit-up buildings after dark and possibly combine their trip with a stop in Furong Ancient Town.

Essential Information for Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town

The Nanhua Bridge in Fenghuang Ancient Town

There are several ways to get between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town. One of the easiest ways to get there is to take the train at Zhangjiajie West Station to the ancient town. The other is by driving or having us arrange transportation for you. We're happy to work with your timetable and needs to make sure that you have plenty of time to fully appreciate the town.

Admission to Fenghuang Ancient Town is free, but you will have to pay for certain attractions in the town. We recommend that visitors purchase a combination ticket for 128 RMB to access top attractions like many of the former residences and historical buildings, the East Gate Tower, and the Fenhuang Ancient Museum. This ticket will also allow you to explore the Tuojiang River by boat. The town's top attractions are open between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town 5 DAYS Explore This Tour

Fenghuang Ancient Town: History and Importance

This town, which dates back over 400 years, is full of historical and cultural significance and is a popular destination for Chinese people during national holidays. If you plan on traveling between May and October, booking your tickets in advance is smart.

You'll find twenty ancient streets, multiple historical residences with incredible architecture from the Qing and Ming dynasties, and many cultural activities related to the Hunan Province's two ethnic minority groups, the Miao and Tujia.

Festivals in Fenghuang Ancient Town

A celebration in Fenghuang Ancient Town

This town is home to many of Hunan Province's best festivals that will really give you a taste of what the culture is like and come away with a unique and memorable experience. We can help you coordinate your stay around the festival of choice and explain its significance to you.

April 8th is the Ancestral Worshiping Day, a Miao festival that has the town packed with dances, performances, and celebrations. June 6th is another important day for the Miao people. The local Song Festival is where you can hear traditional folk music and love songs throughout the streets. Fenghuang Ancient Town hosts the Dragon Boat Festival in May, which lasts several days and features delicious local food and boat races.

These festivals can get busier with the crowds, but they're all well worth seeing, as you'll experience a whole new side of local Chinese culture.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Exploration of Hunan: Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang & Changsha 7 DAYS Explore This Tour

Top 5 Things to Do at Fenghuang Ancient Town

If you want to get a good overview of Fenghuang Ancient Town, make sure to include these five attractions and activities on your list.

See Cultural Sites

Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town

This town is full of fantastic architecture and important historical sites, spanning 300 different sites. The Huang Si Qiao Castle is a relic from the Tang Dynasty, and the Xiangxi Border Wall, dating to the Ming Dynasty, is one of the most impressive walls in southern China.

Other excellent places to visit are the Longevity Palace, which is close to the East Gate and features twenty pavilions and halls; the East Gate Tower; and the Wanming Pagoda, which has seven levels and stunning architecture throughout.

Dress in Traditional Ethnic Costumes and Take Photos

Our clients try Miao costume at Fenghuang Ancient Town

The Maio and Tujia are ethnic minorities who live in Fenghuang Ancient Town, and you can immerse yourself in their culture while visiting. Festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival and the Miao Village of Tehang give you the opportunity to try local food, see unique performances, and pick up excellent souvenirs that truly support the community.

Another excellent activity is dressing in ethnic costumes and taking pictures. There are plenty of shops throughout the town where you can rent traditional outfits. Shop owners offer authentic makeup and photography services, and you can take beautiful photos that perfectly capture your time in Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Combine a Boat Trip and a Stroll Around the Town

Take a boat on the river in Fenghuang Ancient Town

The town is particularly stunning at night when all the buildings are lit up, but you can get fantastic photographs any time of day or evening. The two best ways to see the town are on foot or by taking a boat trip. Walk around the charming streets and alleys of the town, eat some local food, and immerse yourself in the culture. There are also plenty of cafes near the water where you can relax and really soak it all in.

We also recommend that you take a boat trip along the Tuojiang River, which will allow you to see the stilted houses and a whole new view of Fenghuang Ancient Town from the water. At night, you'll see the town glowing with beautiful red lanterns. While you're wandering through, don't miss the Stepping Stone bridge across the water. It's an excellent place to take photographs and test your skills by jumping from stone to stone.

Visit the Fenghuang Ancient City Museum

The Phoenix statue in Fenghuang Ancient Town

If you want to get an excellent impression of Fenghuang Ancient Town, visit the local museum, which is the former residence of Chen Baozhen. You'll find relics and art from the family, plus valuable material from the Qing Dynasty. We recommend visitors spend about an hour in the museum to take it all in truly.

See the Phoenix Hong Bridge

The Hong Bridge in Fenghuang Ancient Town

The Phoenix Hong Bridge is one of the highlights of Fenghuang Ancient Town, and it's an excellent spot to get photographs of the Tuojiang River and the town. Visit this bridge at night, and you'll be amazed by the beautiful views. Plus, you'll find calligraphy and art on the bridge, making it a must-see destination in this town.

Insider Tips for Visiting

A performance on the river at night

Fenghuang Ancient Town has an excellent climate, ranging from 40 degrees in January to 90 degrees in July. The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring are ideal for walking around. However, temperatures can change dramatically from day to night, so bringing plenty of layers and comfortable shoes for walking is a good idea.

We recommend spending at least a day in the town. While you're welcome to take photos of the scenery or any official performance, please respect the locals' privacy and avoid taking pictures of local people without their consent.

Step Back in Time at Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town is a wonderful place to truly experience the culture and history of Hunan Province. China Odyssey Tours can help you plan a memorable trip. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started.