Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town, aka Phoenix Ancient Town and Feng Huang Gu Cheng in Chinese, is situated on the western boundary of Hunan Province in an area of outstanding natural beauty where mountains, water and blue skies prevail. 'Fenghuang' is Chinese for 'Phoenix', the mythical bird of good omen and longevity that is consumed by fire to be re-born again from the flames. Fenghuang Ancient Town is so called as legend has it that two of these fabulous birds flew over it and found the Fenghuang Town so beautiful that they hovered there, reluctant to leave.

Upon arrival visitor will be impressed by its air of mystery, elegance and primitive simplicity. The scenic spots inside the Fenghuang Old Town remain attracting the whole year, but the best time to visit is July to September, when the weather is rather pleasant. This is a world that is dominated by the colour green. The mountain slopes are covered with green foliage, the fields are green and even the Tuo Jiang River reflects the greenery. The bridges over the water and unique houses built on stilts display a harmony that is so often portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings. This is particularly true when mist pervades the scene in the early morning or after rain. It soon becomes apparent that the claim to being one of the two most beautiful towns in the whole of China is more than justified; the other town is Chang Ting in Fujian Province.

Phoenix Town, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
Fenghuang Ancient Town, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
Local people wash clothes at the bank of Tuojiang River
Locals wash clothes beside Tuojiang River
Fenghuang Ancient Town is a wonderful example of what villages were like prior to the onset of modernization. Here dozens of alleys paved with flagstones run between the houses, each showing wear caused by the feet of generations of local people who have used them when going about their daily business. For the visitor, these alleys are the way to see the typical high gabled wooden houses built on stilts along the banks of the Tuo Jiang River at close quarters.
 

Tourist Map of Fenghuang Ancient Town
Tourist Map of Fenghuang Ancient Town

 See more Fenghuang Maps 
 

Tuo Jiang River

Stretching diagonally from the northwest to southeast of the Fenghuang Ancient Town, Tuo Jiang River is a life force of the local people. Here in its waters women wash their clothes and the men fish with their nets, while on the bank food is prepared in much the same way as it has for centuries. The river also provides a means for boatmen to support their families by ferrying visitors up and down stream for sightseeing.
Phoenix Ancient Town
Rippling Tuojiang River
Tian Family Ancestral Temple
Tian Family Ancestral Temple

Miao Village

The Miao ethnic minority is predominantly settled here and a visit to a Miao village is a must when going to Fenghuang. The Miao women have a natural beauty that renders the use of cosmetics quite unnecessary. They love to dress in traditional blue garments set off with a white scarf. They love also their silver jewellery especially during festivals. Visitors will find a large array of hand made items of silver ornaments for sale in the local shops. Home made tie-dyes, printed and batik cloths are other local specialities that make wonderful souvenirs. The Miao are friendly and hospitable and like nothing more than to interact with visitors with a variety of traditional entertainments and activities. Food here also is different from that found elsewhere in China. Pickled red peppers are a particular local delicacy and their appetizing smell wafts from the many small family run restaurants.
 

Buildings in Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town does not rely entirely upon natural beauty to attract the visitor for this ancient town with a history spanning 1,300 years has a number of remarkable old gardens as well as distinctive residential buildings, elegant bridges and mysterious towers and pagodas. These architectural delights date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911). Those of special interest are the Wengchen Pavilion, Huang Si Qiao Castle, Tian Wang Temple, Da Cheng Hall, Chao Yang Palace, and the tomb of Shen Congwen and the residence of Xiong Xiling. Here too there are the North Gate and South Great Wall both excellent examples of municipal fortification.

Fenghuang Ancient TownIn many ways, life has not changed here for centuries and this is typified by the tough, hard working yet simple-hearted people. The town offers the visitor from both home and abroad a view of a quite different China from anything experienced in the modern cities and large conurbations that are more widely known. We are sure that the opportunity to travel in such a picturesque region will be remembered as an experience of a lifetime.
 

Famous People from the Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town was home to the versatile writer Shen Congwen (1902-1988) who contributed greatly to the development of modern Chinese literature. Venerated by the local residents, the one time home and the tomb of this famous writer have become tourist attractions.

There are two other notable people from the town worthy of mention. The first is Xiong Xiling the famous philanthropist who was the first premier of the Republic of China (1921-1949) following the fall of the Manchu. The other famous citizen is Huang Yongyu, an outstanding contemporary painter in the traditional Chinese style. His frescoes illustrating Buddhist stories in the Zhunti Nunnery are a major tourist attraction.
 

How to get to Fenghuang Ancient Town

From Changsha

 By Train: 2.5-4.5h; CNY 182.5-201.5
Take a bullet train from Changsha South Railway Station to Fenghuanggucheng Railway Station, taking CNY 175.5-194.5 and 2-3.5h. Then, transfer to Fenghuang High-Speed Rail Special Bus Line to Fenghuang Ancient Town directly, taking about one hour and CNY 7.

 By Long-distance Bus & Bus: 8h; CNY 147

Dep. - Arr. Schedule Ticket Price Duration
West Bus Station - Fenghuang Bus Terminal 09:30 CNY 145 7.5h
Changzhutan Bus Station - Fenghuang Bus Terminal 08:40 CNY 145

From Fenghuang Bus Terminal, take Fenghuang Bus No. 1A or 3 and get off at Bank of China, then walk eastward for a few minutes to the ancient town.

See also: How to Travel between Changsha and Fenghuang
 

From Zhangjiajie

Take a high speed train from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to Fenghuanggucheng Railway Station, taking one hour and CNY 75-93. Then transfer to Fenghuang High-Speed Rail Special Bus Line to Fenghuang Ancient Town directly, taking about one hour and CNY 7.

See also: How to Travel between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang
 

From Tongren

Take a direct bus from Tongren North Bus Station to Fenghuang Ancient Town,  taking CNY 25 with a duration of one hour. The bus departs at 08:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:30.
 

From Huaihua

Take a direct bus at Huaihua West Bus Station to Fenghuang Ancient Town, taking about 1.5h and CNY 40.

See also: How to Travel between Fenghuang and Guilin
 

Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

 
Entrance Fee

Visitors don't need to pay for admission for the ancient town, but they need to buy a ticket if they want to visit the scenic spots inside.

Combo ticket:
CNY 128 (including Former Residence of Shen Congwen, Former Residence of Xiong Xiling, Yang Family Memorial Temple, East Gate Tower, daytime sightseeing boat ride on Tuojiang River, Longevity Palace, Chongde Hall, Fenghuang Ancient City Museum, and Hongqiao Art Museum)
CNY 208 for the eight attractions and nighttime sightseeing boat.
 Note: The combo ticket is valid for two days. A visitor can enter the above-mentioned spots once within the validity of the ticket.

Opening Hours 24 hours


 Fenghuang Ancient Town Community       Fenghuang Ancient Town Photo Album

Further Reading
Top 9 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

Top 10 Ancient Cities in China

- Last updated on Mar. 07, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Fenghuang Ancient Town
Asked by Lim from SINGAPORE | Jan. 22, 2024 23:47Reply
From Wulingyuan how to go Fenghuang?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Jan. 23, 2024 19:52
00Reply


It seems there is no direct bus service available. It is better to go to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station first and then take a high speed train to Fenghuang.
Asked by Jessica from ITALY | Jan. 22, 2024 02:53Reply
luggage storage
Hi! Is there the possibility to leave our luggages somewhere in the old city? (we will visit the city just for few hours).
Thank you.
Answers (4)
Answered by Luna | Jan. 22, 2024 18:33
00Reply


Yes, there is one luggage storage place valid at Nanhuali Tourist Service Center, which is only 300m away from the Old Town.
Answered by Nicole | Feb. 04, 2024 07:46
00Reply


Hi Luna, thanks for sharing! I'm visiting Fenghuang in March and was on the lookout for a luggage storage space as well. I'm unable to find any information on the Nanhuali Tourist Service Center online. Is there any chance that you're referring to the Fenghuang Tourism Bureau instead? Thanks in advance!
Answered by Vel | Feb. 04, 2024 17:58
00Reply


Hi Jessica,
Have you visited the FengHuang Ancient village? Did you manage to find the luggage storage place as mentioned by Luna? My family is visiting the place in March. Would appreciate your reply.
Thank you.
Answered by Luna | Feb. 04, 2024 22:34
00Reply


Hi Nicole,

The service center is located about 60 meters east of China Construction Bank Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture Phoenix Branch, Nanhua Road, Fenghuang County. Don't worry, it is just easy to find.
Asked by arty from AUSTRALIA | Sep. 29, 2020 20:09Reply
what is the easiest way from Wulong to Fenghuang?
I'd like to travel from Wulong to Fuenghung. What is the best way? bus or train? and how can I do that?
Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Adalyn | Sep. 29, 2020 20:23
00Reply


You are suggested to take normal speed train from Wulong Railway Station to Huaihua Railway Station first. Then walk west around 850 meters to find the West Coach Station. There are several coaches that can take you to Fenghuang.
Asked by divan from CZECH | Jan. 22, 2020 07:57Reply
Hi, we are planning to spend 3 days in Zhangjiajie.
Is it worth to stay one more day in order to do a day trip to Furongzhen - in the morning there and in the evening back to Zhangjiajie? Or is it better to spend mentioned additional day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park? How much time would we spend in bus Zhangjiajie - Furongzhen? Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Antonio from FINLAND | Feb. 01, 2020 18:51
00Reply


Yes, it is worth to stay one more day to tour around Furong Town. One day is enough for the round trip. You can spend two days in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Generally speaking, the bus takes around 1.5 hours on the way.
Asked by How Lee Fong from MALAYSIA | Jan. 16, 2020 08:18Reply
What is the distance from Phoenix city to Zangjiejie airport ?
How long it will take (duration time)
Answers (1)
Answered by Lucille from FINLAND | Jan. 16, 2020 22:05
00Reply


The distance is around 220 kilometers.
About the transportation, you need to take a coach to Zhangjiajie Central Coach Coach. The duration is around 3.5 hours on the way. After arriving, take a taxi to the airport. It takes around 15 mins on the way.
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