The FULLEST guide to Fenghuang Ancient Town: Top things to do, Eat, Tips & MORE

Where is Fenghuang Ancient Town (Fenghuang means “Phoenix”)? What to do in Fenghuang Ancient Town? Refer to the FULLEST guide to Fenghuang Ancient Town: Top things to do, Eat, Tips & MORE in this article to find out the answers.

Fenghuang Ancient Town possesses majestic mountains, bringing a different impression from the rows of old wooden houses located in deep alleys, full of ancient character. This place is one of the hottest check-in locations on social networks, in recent years.

Going to Fenghuang Ancient Town on your own, you will feel like you have gone back in time thousands of years ago, enjoying the beautiful space like a fairyland and meeting friendly locals. Here are the experiences of traveling to Fenghuang Ancient Town on your own that you should know before packing your backpack and traveling.

Where is Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Fenghuang Ancient Town (Fenghuang Guzhen) is located in Phoenix County, West Hunan Province, China. With an age of more than 1,300 years, this place is not only an architectural heritage but also the homeland of many ethnic minorities such as Miao, Tho Gia, Han … The name Phuong Hoang Ancient Town originates from a mountain in the southwest of the town, which has the shape of a phoenix spreading its wings to fly to the sky, associated with the sacred legend of the local people.

Although it has an area of ​​only about 10km², this ancient town brings a timeless beauty, blending the charming mountains and rivers with ancient architecture. The hundred-year-old wooden houses with yin-yang tiled roofs, moss-covered stone roads, and the Tuojiang River flowing slowly through create a beautiful ink painting.

Coming here, you will feel like you have entered a world completely different from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. The peaceful atmosphere, the slow pace of life, the stone bridge across the river, the wooden boats drifting slowly, and the red lanterns at night – all create a fascinating nostalgic experience that everyone should try once in their life.

When is the best time to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town?

One-Day Trip to the Ancient Town of Phoenix from Zhangjiajie

It is not an exaggeration to say that Fenghuang Ancient Town is beautiful all year round, each season has its own charm. When should you go? It depends entirely on the experience you want.

Spring (March – May): The ancient town enters its most brilliant time when peach and plum blossoms bloom along the Tuojiang River. The weather is pleasant, not too cold, very suitable for walking around the old town and exploring the local culture.

Summer (June – August): Golden sunshine, clear blue sky, lush trees, but this is also the peak tourist season, with a lot of visitors. If you like the bustling atmosphere and want to experience rowing on the Tuojiang River, this is the ideal choice.

Autumn (September – November): This is the most beautiful season of the year, when the whole town seems to be immersed in a picturesque landscape painting with falling yellow leaves, cool and pleasant weather. Hongqiao Bridge, Bach Long Lake, and ancient alleys become more romantic than ever.

Winter (December – February): The ancient town is covered with a quiet, mysterious beauty when fog covers the moss-covered tiled roofs. If you are lucky, you can see snow falling, turning this place into a real paradise. Big plus: Service and food prices in this season are also cheaper than in the peak season.

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Note:

• Peak season falls around May – November, especially during major holidays in China. If you do not like crowds, avoid this time.
• If you want to check-in with the most beautiful scenery, autumn is the perfect choice.
• Winter is cold but suitable for those who love quietness, more reasonable prices, but you need to bring warm clothes.

How to get to Fenghuang Ancient Town from Vietnam

Traveling from Vietnam to Fenghuang Ancient Town can take from 10 to more than 24 hours, depending on the means of transport you choose. Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam, so the journey usually includes a plane, train or bus combined with a bus transfer.

By Plane

There are currently no direct flights from Vietnam to Fenghuang Ancient Town, but you can fly to Zhangjiajie or Guiyang, then continue by bus or train.

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The most popular option: Fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Zhangjiajie (usually have to transit in Guangzhou, Shanghai or Chengdu). From Zhangjiajie Airport, you take a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town, which takes about 3.5 – 4 hours with a ticket price of about 80 yuan/person (~270,000 VND).

If you cannot find a flight to Zhangjiajie, you can fly to Guiyang, then take a high-speed train or bus to continue your journey.

By Train

Shanghai to Beijing train

If you depart from Northern Vietnam, the train is a reasonable choice but requires many transfers. This journey lasts nearly 24 hours, so it is not very suitable if you are traveling with the elderly or children.

Instructions on How to Buy Train Tickets to Fenghuang Ancient Town on Your Own:

• Step 1: Buy a train ticket from Hanoi (Gia Lam Station) to Nanning (China), which takes about 6 hours.
• Step 2: From Nanning, you continue to buy a train ticket to Zhangjiajie (Jitshu Station), this journey lasts about 15 hours. Ticket prices range from 215 – 315 yuan/person (~715,000 – 1,050,000 VND), depending on the choice of soft or hard bed.
• Step 3: When arriving in Zhangjiajie, it may be dark, you can stay overnight and the next morning take a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town (80 yuan/person, about 3.5 hours).

Train is a more cost-effective option than plane, and also offers an interesting experience when traveling through regions of China. However, you need to plan carefully to avoid missing the train or having to wait a long time.

By Bus

Bus is the cheapest option to get to Fenghuang Ancient Town but it takes a lot of time and is tiring, especially if you are not used to long-distance trips.

• Step 1: From Hanoi, take a high-quality bus to Huu Nghi border gate (about 200,000 VND/person).
• Step 2: After completing immigration procedures, take the tram (12,000 VND/person) to the Chinese border gate, present your passport and Chinese visa.
• Step 3: Take a bus from the Chinese border gate to Nanning train station, then continue your journey by train or bus to Zhangjiajie, then take a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

This type is suitable if you want to optimize costs, but in return, it will be quite tiring and not too comfortable.

Which means of transport should you choose?

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• If you prioritize speed and convenience, choose plane + bus.
• If you want to experience, save costs but still have space to rest, take the train.
• If your budget is limited, the bus is the most economical option, but you need to prepare yourself for a long and tiring trip.

What to do in Fenghuang Ancient Town? Suggestions Not to Miss!

When it comes to Chinese tourist destinations that bear the mark of time, Fenghuang Ancient Town is always a name that fascinates tourists. This place is known as the “Venice of China” with ancient houses located along the poetic banks of the Tuojiang River, hidden in the magical fog. Below are some detailed suggestions for tourist activities in Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Take Photos in Ancient Chinese Costumes

Phoenix Ancient City, Xiangxi Travel Photography

In addition to visiting famous landmarks, try wearing traditional Miao costumes, take photos on ancient stone bridges or sip a cup of tea in small shops along the river. If you have time, you can also visit calligraphy shops, where artisans can write you a lucky couplet.

Check-in Fenghuang Ancient Town

Private Day Tour to Fenghuang Ancient Town from Tongren

The stone-paved streets of Fenghuang Ancient Town have existed for more than a millennium, and were once an important trading center during the feudal period. Today, rows of ancient wooden houses, tea shops, calligraphy shops, and traditional eateries create a nostalgic yet vibrant atmosphere.

Walking through the old town, you will encounter artisans performing traditional musical instruments, Miao ethnic girls wearing colorful costumes taking photos with tourists, and souvenir shops selling hand-painted fans, ink paintings, and handmade lanterns.

Boating on the Tuojiang River

You cannot mention Fenghuang Ancient Town without mentioning the Tuojiang River – the gentle river flowing through the town, embracing the ancient wooden roofs. Standing on the riverbank, you will see images of stone bridges, wooden boats drifting leisurely, and local people washing clothes on the banks, creating a scene that looks like it came out of a ink painting.

One of the must-try experiences is rowing a boat on the Tuojiang River. As the boat drifts gently on the water, you will have the opportunity to see the ancient houses hanging close to the riverbank, admire the simple life of the local people and enjoy a strangely peaceful feeling.

Hongqiao Bridge – Symbol of Fenghuang Ancient Town

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Hongqiao Bridge is not only a bridge across the river, but also an architectural masterpiece bearing the mark of the Ming – Qing Dynasty. The covered bridge is built entirely of wood and stone, with an attic above used as a teahouse, a place to sightsee and relax. In the evening, when the red lanterns are lit, Hongqiao Bridge becomes one of the legendary check-in corners, taking visitors into a poetic space.

Fenghuang Ancient Town is also famous for many bridges with their own names and stories:​

• Wu qiao Bridge (Fog Bridge): Is the boundary dividing the ancient town into two parts: one side is ancient with a history of more than 1,300 years, the other side is modern with rows of luxurious villas. ​
• Yunqiao (Bridge of cCoud): On foggy days, the bridge appears magical, with the silhouette of boats gliding on the water, creating a feeling like a fairyland. ​

Fenghuang Ancient Town Museum

The Fenghuang Ancient Town Museum is one of the nine main attractions of Fenghuang Ancient Town, located right in the center of the old town. This is the hundreds-of-years-old house of Tran Bao Cham’s family, preserved intact over time. The museum displays historical and cultural artifacts, helping visitors understand more about the formation and development of the ancient town.

Stilt house (Diaojiao House) – Masterpiece of Qing Dynasty Architecture

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The wooden houses, built in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, is one of the typical ancient houses of Fenghuang Ancient Town. The entire building is mainly made of wood and stone, bearing the ancient architectural style of China. Today, the building still retains its pristine beauty and artistic and historical value, making visitors admire.

Special Festivals in Fenghuang Ancient Town, China

Fenghuang Ancient Town is not only famous for its poetic landscape but also attracts visitors with its unique traditional festivals, deeply reflecting the culture of local ethnic minorities. Here are some special festivals that you should not miss when visiting:

Dragon Boat Racing Festival

Held in June every year, the Dragon Boat Racing Festival is a traditional activity that attracts the participation of Miao people from Fenghuang Ancient Town and neighboring villages. The special feature of the race is that the rowers have to stand while rowing, completing a race of about 400 meters in 2 minutes. After the race, there are also activities such as swimming and catching ducks on the river, adding to the appeal of the festival.

Tiaohua Festival

The Tiaohua Festival, also known as Tiaohua or Tiao Hua Po, is one of the important traditional festivals of the Miao people, first held in the 15th year of the Qianlong Dynasty (1750). The festival usually takes place in May of the solar calendar every year in Fenghuang Ancient Town. During the festival, people participate in many traditional activities such as the sky worship ceremony, bamboo dance, buffalo fighting, horse racing, wrestling, archery and parade

Sister’rice Festival

The Sister’rice Festival is one of the traditional festivals of the Miao people, usually held on the 15th day of the third lunar month every year. This is an opportunity for Miao boys and girls to meet, learn about each other and express their feelings. During the festival, the girls will invite the boys to eat “sister rice” and dance together to the sound of the drums, creating an opportunity for them to get to know each other and get married.

Lantern Festival

On the occasion of the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month), Fenghuang Ancient Town becomes sparkling with thousands of lanterns lit up throughout the ancient streets. Local people and tourists participate in activities such as lantern processions, lion dances and art performances, creating a bustling and cozy festival atmosphere.
​
(*) In addition, Fenghuang Ancient Town also attracts tourists with other unique festivals such as the Blessing Festival, Tea Festival, Food Festival, etc. Each festival brings a unique experience, helping visitors explore local culture and preserve unforgettable memories.

Other Attractions Near Fenghuang Ancient Town

During your visit to Fenghuang Ancient Town, you can combine some other attractive tourist destinations, which preserve the beauty of Chinese culture, history and nature. What are you waiting for?

72 Strange Buildings (Zhangjiajie 72 Qilou)

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Known as the Potala Palace of the Miao people – 72 Qilou is a towering, massive and magnificent building located at the intersection of Wulingshan Avenue and Shadi Avenue. The architectural space of 72 Qilou is based on the principles and designs of the traditional Tujia and Miao houses – Diaojue Lou.

From afar, these buildings look like Tujia houses displaying an illusory beauty, floating in the air. 72 Qilou not only has a colorful landscape, but also offers an exciting experience with great dining, entertainment, shopping, events and bars. Here, you can participate in unique activities such as drinking wine to “relieve stress” or enjoy creative and beautiful art shows.

Zhangjiajie National Park

If you have ever admired Chinese ink paintings, imagine that Zhangjiajie National Park is the “real-life version” of those works. This nature reserve owns more than 3,000 pillars and cliffs with an average height of 800m, appearing and disappearing in the thick fog.
With a unique terrain of 40 caves, canyons and primeval forests, Zhangjiajie National Park is home to many species of flora and fauna in temperate climates. The deep valley here also contributes to creating a “transcendent” and unique scene.

A must-see in the north of this national park is Hallelujah Mountain – the Southern Pillar of Heaven with surrounding mountains towering and standing straight in the sky like pillars. This wonderful natural landscape inspired director James Cameron to choose it as the setting for the world-famous blockbuster Avatar.

Tianmen Mountain

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Tianmen, also known as “Heaven’s Gate”, is one of the most special mountains that you must visit if you have the opportunity to come to Truong Gia Gioi. The road up the mountain is 11km long, with “heart-stopping” curves that challenge the courage of any veteran backpacker.

However, all fatigue seems to disappear when you see the magnificent scenery at the top of the mountain 1,100m above sea level. This is voted as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. When reaching the foot of the mountain, you need to climb 999 stone steps to officially enter the “gate of heaven”. Visitors can also go to the thousand-year-old Tianmen temple to burn incense, pray for peace and admire the temple.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Private Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Day Tour

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, a superior glass bridge standing firmly in the air up to 260m above the ground. Connecting two dangerous cliffs in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, this bridge offers an indescribable challenging and thrilling experience.

How much does it cost to travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town?

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The cost of traveling to Fenghuang Ancient Town will depend on many factors such as the time of travel, means of transport, type of accommodation and your personal needs. However, below is a table of reference costs so you can plan your trip:

Category	Cost (VND)
Flight tickets (Hanoi – Zhangjiajie)	5,600,000 - 8,800,000/person/way
Flight tickets (Ho Chi Minh City – Zhangjiajie)	6,600,000 - 11,000,000/person/way
China tourist visa (1 entry)	1,320,000/person
China tourist visa (2 entry)	1,980,000/person
Getting around Phoenix Ancient Town (Bus)	44,000 - 66,000/turn
Getting around Phoenix Ancient Town (Taxi)	220.000/km
Budget hotel	2,200,000 - 4,400,000/night
Mid-range hotel	6,600,000 - 11,000,000/night
Luxury hotel	13,200,000 VND/night or more
Tickets to visit Phoenix Ancient Town	3,270,000/person
Tianmen Mountain National Park Admission Ticket	5,740,000/person
Entrance ticket to Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge	1,600,000/person
Cheap meal	440,000 - 660,000/person
Meals at the restaurant	1,100,000 - 2,200,000/person
Souvenir shopping	1,100,000 - 2,200,000/person
Traditional costume rental	1,100,000 - 2,200,000/set
Total cost for 4 days 3 nights (estimated)	15,400,000 - 26,400,000/person

Attractive Food Map in Fenghuang Ancient Town – China

​Fenghuang Ancient Town not only fascinates visitors with its ancient beauty but also with its rich cuisine, imbued with local identity. You can write down a list of some of the following special dishes and remember to spend a few days to try them all!

Spicy Fish Hotpot

Spicy fish hotpot is a famous dish in Fenghuang Ancient Town, made from fresh fish caught directly from the Tuojiang River. The rich hotpot broth, combining the spicy taste and characteristic aroma, creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoying spicy fish hotpot with white rice in the chilly air of the ancient town is a unique culinary experience. ​

Stinky Tofu

Stinky tofu, a popular street food, stands out for its distinctive aroma and rich flavor. In Fenghuang Ancient Town, the tofu is soaked for about two weeks before being fried, creating a crispy outer layer and a soft, smooth inside. When eaten with fresh chili, coriander and green papaya, the dish becomes even more attractive. ​

Shrimp Cake

Crispy shrimp cake, you can eat it forever without getting bored! Shrimp cakes here are very diverse, but the most attractive dish for tourists is fried shrimp cake. Like spicy fish hotpot, shrimp cake also uses fresh shrimp from the Tuojiang River. Fresh shrimp is mixed with eggs and flour and then fried until golden brown. When cooked, they sprinkle a layer of onions and chili for added flavor. What could be more poetic than eating shrimp cake while watching the Tuojiang River?

Bamboo Tube Milk Tea

Milk tea is prepared and brewed directly in bamboo tubes, bringing the natural and delicious flavor typical of bamboo. When enjoying, you will feel the freshness and uniqueness of tea combined with the sweet taste of milk. This is a unique traditional drink, captivating visitors and creating memorable memories during your trip to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Braised Duck with Blood and Sticky Rice

Duck braised with blood and sticky rice is a specialty dish in Fenghuang Ancient Town. The way to prepare this dish is extremely complicated. People soak the sticky rice in water and put it in a bowl. Then mix the rice with blood, steam it and cut it into pieces before frying in hot oil.

While frying, the kitchen will stew the duck. When the duck is tender, they stuff sticky rice mixed with blood into the duck, add a little seasoning and continue to stew until the duck turns light yellow and is ready to eat. With the level of sophistication in the preparation process, you definitely have to try this dish!

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Fenghuang Ancient Town

When should you travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Fenghuang Ancient Town is beautiful all year round, but spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are the most ideal times. In spring, the town is full of flowers and cool air, while autumn brings a romantic scene with falling yellow leaves and pleasant weather. If you want to save money, you can go in winter (December – February), when service prices are often cheaper and there are fewer tourists.

How many days do you need to fully explore Fenghuang Ancient Town?

The ideal time to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town is 4 days and 3 nights. With this itinerary, you can explore all the highlights such as Hongqiao Bridge, Dajiang River, Fenghuang Ancient Town, as well as combine a visit to Tianmen Mountain and Tianyun Glass Bridge. If you have more time, you can spend 5-6 days to enjoy the slow pace of life and explore more about the local culture.

Are there direct flights from Vietnam to Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Fenghuang Ancient Town. Visitors often fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Zhangjiajie or Guiyang, then travel by bus or train to Fenghuang Ancient Town. If you do not want to fly, you can choose to take the train from Hanoi to Nanning (China), then continue to Zhangjiajie and take a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

How much does it cost to travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Depending on the means of transport, type of accommodation and level of spending, the cost of traveling to Fenghuang Ancient Town ranges from 15,400,000 – 26,400,000 VND/person for a 4-day, 3-night trip. To save money, you can book flights early, choose budget hotels, take trains instead of direct flights, and eat at local restaurants.

Do you need a visa to travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Yes. To enter China, you need a Chinese tourist visa. Currently, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa is about 1,320,000 VND/person, a double-entry visa is about 1,980,000 VND/person. You can apply at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or the Chinese Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

What are the convenient means of transportation in Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Fenghuang Ancient Town is not too large, so you can walk to explore. If you need to travel further, you can take the bus (44,000 – 66,000 VND/trip) or taxi (220,000 VND/km). However, because the town is mainly small roads, many personal vehicles are limited.

What to eat in Fenghuang Ancient Town?

Fenghuang Ancient Town has many special dishes, such as spicy fish hotpot in Xiangxi, stinky tofu, Dajiang River shrimp cakes, ginger candy, pickled radish… You can enjoy these dishes at sidewalk eateries or riverside restaurants for the most complete experience.

Should you exchange money before going?

Yes. In Fenghuang Ancient Town, most transactions use Chinese Yuan (CNY), so you should exchange money in advance in Vietnam to get a better exchange rate. In addition, payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay is also very popular, but you need a Chinese bank account to use it.

Do you need to know Chinese when traveling to Fenghuang Ancient Town?

It is not required, but knowing a little basic Chinese will help a lot because local people rarely use English. If you do not know Chinese, you can use Google Translate or translation apps like Baidu Translate to support communication.

Important notes when traveling to Fenghuang Ancient Town

• Prepare clothes suitable for the weather, especially if traveling in winter.
• Always bring your original passport and visa when traveling between cities.
• Do not exchange money at the airport because the exchange rate is often lower than at banks or money exchange shops in Vietnam.
• Save the emergency phone number of the Vietnamese embassy in China in case you need assistance.
• Pay attention to the price when buying goods, avoid being overcharged.

With millions of tourists every year, it seems that the attraction of Fenghuang Ancient Town has not shown any signs of decreasing.

Do you also have experience traveling to Fenghuang Ancient Town that you would like to share?

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