In the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life, do you sometimes yearn for a spontaneous trip to a place where your soul can truly relax?
Due to the fast pace of life, even weekend breaks only allow for brief, whirlwind visits to nearby destinations. Let’s embark on a journey to an ancient and mysterious corner of Hunan Province – Fenghuang Ancient Town, a place you can visit countless times without ever growing weary of its allure.
Embarking on the Journey: A Dreamlike Adventure from Guangzhou to Fenghuang
Guangzhou South Railway Station, a modern transportation hub, sees countless travelers begin their journeys every day, each in pursuit of their own poetry and distant horizons.
For you, a single high-speed train ticket to Western Hunan is all it takes to effortlessly commence this enchanting journey.
As the train slowly pulls out of the station, the scenery outside the window begins to change. Skyscrapers gradually give way to endless mountain ranges, green fields, and winding rivers. The unfolding landscape, like a series of painted scrolls, seems to herald the tranquility and beauty that awaits.
First Impressions of Fenghuang: The Pearl of Western Hunan
Upon arriving in Fenghuang Ancient Town, the first sight that greets you is the ancient and stately Tujia stilted houses. They are nestled along the banks of the Tuojiang River, scattered in a picturesque and orderly manner, as if narrating a thousand-year-old story.
As you step into the ancient town, the bluestone-paved roads stretch out beneath your feet, each step seemingly echoing the resonance of history. The air is filled with the faint aroma of tea and the enticing scent of cooked food, inviting you to slow your pace and immerse yourself in this rare moment of tranquility.
Exploring the Ancient Town: Must-See Corners
Wang Village Waterfall
As the iconic landmark of Fenghuang Ancient Town, Wang Village Waterfall cascades down like a silver chain hanging above the ancient town. The thunderous sound of water and its magnificent presence create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Standing beneath the waterfall, feeling the gentle touch of water droplets on your cheeks, the refreshing sensation penetrates deep into your heart. It is undoubtedly the perfect spot for taking photos and checking in.
Five-Mile Stone Slab Street
Stroll along the five-mile-long stone slab street, lined on both sides with various small shops and handicraft stalls. You can find plenty of unique Tujia souvenirs, such as hand-woven backpacks, exquisite silver jewelry, and the mouthwatering Tujia bacon and rice tofu. Each bite is an ultimate temptation for your taste buds.
Tusi Governor’s Palace
Visit the ancient Tusi Governor’s Palace and immerse yourself in the historical ambiance. These buildings not only showcase the intricacy of Tujia architecture but also serve as a window into understanding Tujia culture and history. As you wander through the palace halls, you can almost hear the grandeur and authority of the ancient Tusi governors.
A Feast for the Taste Buds: Must-Try Culinary Delights
When in Fenghuang Ancient Town, not indulging in a few authentic Tujia dishes would be a true missed opportunity. Here are some must-try recommendations:
Rice Tofu
Silky smooth and delicate, paired with a special chili sauce, it is a refreshing and appetizing delicacy perfect for relieving fatigue and beating the heat.
Blood Tofu Duck
Duck blood is mixed with glutinous rice to make blood tofu, then cooked together with duck meat. The result is a fragrant and savory dish that is a traditional specialty of the Tujia people.
Miao Sour Fish
Prepared using a unique local pickling method, the fish meat has a sweet and sour flavor, offering a distinctive taste experience.
Overnight Stay in the Ancient Town: A Thousand-Year Nostalgia
As night falls, the ancient town takes on a different charm. In the flickering lantern light, the silhouettes of the stilted houses become even more enchanting. You can choose to stay in a riverside inn, falling asleep to the gentle sound of the flowing Tuojiang River. Perhaps in your dreams, you’ll even converse with the ancient inhabitants from a thousand years ago.
When you awake in the morning and push open the window, you’ll be greeted by a vista of lush mountains and clear waters. The freshness and tranquility are enough to make you forget the troubles of the mundane world.
