Phoenix Ancient Town Travel Guide

Brief Introduction
Phoenix Town, surrounded by mountains and rivers, is situated in the western part of Central China´s Hunan Province, south of the Tujia and Miao prefectures.

Phoenix Ancient Town has a very famous architecture style to symbol its special identity--House on stilt. With upturned eaves and corners, the stilted houses are connected by corridors on three sides. Riding a small boat drifting along the Tuojiang River, you will see those unique buildings along the riverside, where local Miao people live. The design of these dwellings is amazing.

Phoenix Town´s history can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206BC). During ancient times it was called "Wu Gan," before being changed to its present Feng Huang name in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

According to New Zealand writer Rewi Alley, this ancient small town is one of the two most picturesque small towns in China, with colorful and hospitable people.

Features
There is a beautiful legend about the name of the town. Once two phoenixes flew over the town and found it town so beautiful that they hovered above it, reluctant to leave. So hence the Phoenix Ancient Town.

Imagine wandering the narrow streets of this "Ancient City of History and Culture," dancing and singing with local Miao and Tujia people, listening to an old man telling ancient fairy tales, and wondering how this small city nourished so many famous writers and artists.