Text by Xie Tingting

  

  

According to the encyclopedia, the phoenix is a mythological creature. It is a symbol of the sun, an ancient myth. In China, the phoenix is a small city in western Hunan province, Fenghuang in Chinese. For tourists, it is a Chinese dream, a wonderland of ancient mysteries.

This ancient small town, according to New Zealand writer Rewi Alley, is one of the two most picturesque small towns in China. Its people are colourful and hospitable. 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�

Fenghuang is located in the western part of Hunan province, south of Tujia and Miao prefectures. The ancient city is surrounded by mountains and rivers, including Naer Mountain, Jiutai Mountain, Tuojiang River, Wanrong River, Longtang River, over a hundred small rivers and streams. Most of its residents belong to ethnic minorities, the Tujia and Miao people. Since the Xia Dynasty, Fenghuang has played an important role in history. Even now, visitors can feel its ancient spirit.

Southern Great Wall In the year of 2000, archaeologists discovered more than 200 kilometers of ancient walls, similar to the world-famous Great Wall in Beijing. Research revealed that this wall was part of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.

Huangsiqiao Bridge Huangsiqiao is the best-kept fortress in China. From its top you can see endless fertile lands shining in the setting sun. Thousands of years ago it was the most important fort in the west, and its history is full of wars. Standing on the ramparts, staring at the emplacements, you can hear in your mind the sounds of ancient fights, you can see the warriors fighting on the battlefield…you are transported back to those mysterious years.

Tuojiang River People call it the “mother river�of Fenghuang. It has flowed for thousands of years and has been nourishing people for millennia. Take a small boat and float along the river, listen to the boatmen blowing whistles, see the old ramparts passing by--what an experience! The water is so crystal clear you can even see the grass floating in the river.

Yangjia Memorial Temple Yangjia Memorial Temple was built in 1836 (Daoguang 16th, Qing Dynasty). It is in the shape of a quadrangle, with a total area of 770 square meters. The temple is formed by the gate, the stage, the porch, the hall and wing rooms. All the windows and doors feature unique carvings. It is considered a great piece of architecture.

Former Residence of Shen Congwen Shen Congwen was one of the most famous writers in Chinese history. He was also a historian and archaeologist. He contributed greatly to the development of modern Chinese literature. His major works are “Border Town�and “Xiangxi.�His books have been translated into English, Japanese, Korean and many other languages, and have been published in more than ten countries. This talented writer was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. In 1991, the former residence of Shen Congwen was listed as a cultural relic, and has been carefully restored.

Former Residence of Xiong Xiling Xiong Xiling was a great philanthropist, and the first premier of the Republic of China (1921-1949). His former residence has a total area of 800 square meters. It is traditional architecture with Miao feature.

Stilted House Riding a small boat drifting along the Tuojiang River, you will see unique buildings along the riverside: stilted houses, where local Miao people live. The design of these dwellings is amazing. Each house is connected by corridors on three sides, and every house has wooden balustrades protruding over the river, offering great views. On sunny days, many housewives wash and club their clothes under the stilted houses. It is a real sight to see them splashing water, stirring ripples on the river.

Snacks & Local Crafts Fenghuang has many local snacks, notably sugarcoated ginger, highly recommended by many people. A snack store near Shen Congwen's Former Residence sells nice sugarcoated ginger.

Thanks to the customs of ethnic people in Fenghuang, tourists can find various crafts such as batik printed clothes, paintings, silver, jewelry, ox bone ornaments which are unique and beautiful. (Text by Xie Tingting Polisher:Gary Checker: Xie Tingting Photo Source:www.china-zjj.net)