Phoenix Ancient Town (Fenghuang)

Fenghuang Ancient Town or literally translated into Phoenix Ancient Town is a national-level famous town for its history and culture. It was built in the reign of Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty. This small town boasts the Pearl of West Hunan Province. On the southwest side of Fenghuan ancient town, there is a mountain looked like a flying phoenix. So this ancient town was called Fenghuang Ancient Town.

As a famous ancient town for its history and culture in China, The attraction of Fenghuang Ancient Town is organically comprised of the natural landscape and the humanistic environment. Located in the west side of Hunan province, Fenghuang Ancient Town is a hidden gem for a long time. Thanks to human’s ignorance and its obscurity, it is well preserved and the original appearance and environment are both well protected. The original and ecological environment of culture and nature is the most attractive aspect to draw the attention and preference of so many people.

Stretching diagonally from the northwest to southeast of the 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.

The Miao ethnic minority is predominantly settled here and a visit to a Miao village is a must when going to the town. 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.

There are many old houses of famous people in the town. Yang-Family Ancestral Memorial is one of the most famous. Yang-family ancestral memorial was built in 1836. The building is made of wood and shown in the style of Siheyuan. The memorial is comprised of two stories with the total area of 770 square meters. The buildings include the gate, opera stage, corridors, main hall and subsidiary rooms this memorial is located near to the ancient town wall in north side of the town. It is strongly showing the local tradition and carving art of architecture. Currently it is the cultural site under the county-level protection.

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