# Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城)

Western Hunan (Xiangxi), Hunan Province · Central China, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/fenghuang-ancient-town
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Fenghuang Ancient Town itself has no entrance fee. Admission to the Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Scenic Area is ¥59. By Air Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, then travel by rail to Jishou, and onward to Fenghuang. Alternatively, fly into Tongren Fenghuang Airport in Guizhou, about 30 km from Fenghuang (fewer flights available), then take a taxi to Fenghuang for about ¥100. You can also fly into Zhijiang Airport and travel from there. By Train Take a train to Jishou or Huaihua, then transfer to a high-speed train to Fenghuang. By Road Jishou → Fenghuang: Exit Jishou Railway Station, where air-conditioned tourist coaches to Fenghuang usually wait at the square between stations, ¥20 per person. Jishou South Bus Station (吉首汽车南站) operates from 6:30 to 17:30, with a bus to Fenghuang every 15–20 minutes, ¥20 per person; a private charter costs ¥100. Huaihua → Fenghuang: From Huaihua Railway Station, take a taxi (¥8) to Huaihua West Bus Station, then board a coach to Fenghuang, ¥40 per person. Tongren → Fenghuang: Get off the train at Yuping, travel to Tongren city centre, then transfer to a bus to Fenghuang, ¥25 per person.
- **Time needed:** 1–2 days
- **Good for:** History & Culture, Old Towns & Villages, Photography, Ethnic Culture, Nature

## About Fenghuang Ancient Town

Many people regard Fenghuang Ancient Town as one of China's most beautiful small towns. Its mountains are gentle yet graceful, its rivers shallow yet crystal clear, and its pavilions and towers nestle among peaks and flowing water. Delicate and charming, it resembles a subtle, lingering landscape painting.
Fenghuang Ancient Town comprises six scenic areas: the Ancient Town Scenic Area, Nanhua Mountain Scenic Area, Shawan Scenic Area, Qiliang Cave Scenic Area, Huangsiqiao Ancient Town, and the Southern Great Wall. The Ancient Town Scenic Area holds most of Fenghuang's historic buildings and is the core area of the town, well worth savouring at leisure.
In former times, the town was known for the 'Eight Views of Fenghuang': Verdant Peaks of Nanhua, Woodcutters' Songs on Orchid Path, Morning Bell at the Mountain Temple, Welcoming the Sunrise at East Ridge, Fishing Lights at Dragon Pool, Waves at the Temple Pavilion, Moon over the Stream Bridge, and Majestic Peaks. The first three are at Nanhua Mountain, and the last five are in the Shawan Scenic Area. Keen travellers may wish to see them all.

## Tips from the guidebook

- From Changsha, take the expressway to Fenghuang Ancient Town; the journey takes just over 5 hours.
- Getting Around Town
- 1. Fenghuang Ancient Town is very small, so you rarely need transport. Green taxis start at ¥5, and after 10 p.m. the starting fare is ¥6.5. Eco electric shuttle carts cost ¥1 per person.
- 2. To reach the Southern Great Wall, Shanjiang, Banji, Huangsiqiao Ancient Town, Duluo Village, Shujiatang, Tingziguan and other places from Fenghuang, a group can charter a car from the square in front of the long-distance bus station. Depending on distance, each car costs ¥50–150.
- Fenghuang's local specialities include xueba duck (血耙鸭), bracken fern shoots, twice-cooked pork, sour fish hotpot, guanguan mushrooms (罐罐菌), doufuzha (豆腐渣, tofu dregs), and pickled vegetable soup. Portions are generous, and the flavours are excellent for the price. Go down to Hongqiao (Rainbow Bridge), turn right and walk for 5 minutes to find Heizai Restaurant, where the sour fish soup is well worth trying.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1970. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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