Fenghuang

Once a frontier town, Fenghuang (凤凰; Fènghuáng) marked the boundary between the Han civilisations of the central plains and the Miao (苗), Tujia (土家) and Dong (侗) minorities of the southwest mountains. Protective walls went up in the Ming dynasty, but despite the implications Fenghuang prospered as a centre of trade and cultural exchange. Its diverse residents built a breathtaking riverside settlement of winding alleys, temples and rickety stilt houses, which these days attract tourists by the bucketload. Do try to stay overnight – the town is bursting with accommodation options, and the sight of an illuminated Fenghuang at night is quite awesome.

Explore Fenghuang

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Hong Bridge
In the style of the Dong minority’s Wind and Rain bridges, this attractive structure vaults the waters of the Tuo River and is illuminated at night. Like…
S
Stepping Stones
Stones laid out for crossing the river. Not a great idea to cross them after too many glasses of the local strong stuff.
Y
Yang Family Ancestral Hall
Built in 1836, this building's exterior (by the door) still has some faded slogans from the Cultural Revolution. There are two lovely black-and-white…
F
Fenghuang City Wall
Restored fragments of the city wall lie along the south bank of the Tuo River. Carvings of fish and mythical beasts adorn the eaves of the North Gate…
C
Chongde Hall
The town’s wealthiest resident, Pei Shoulu, has his personal collection of antiques on display in his former residence on Shijia Long. The collection of…
W
Wanshou Temple
Built in 1755, this assembly hall north of Wanming Pagoda served as the Jiangxi guildhall for almost 200 years. It now has dance performances every half…
S
Southern Great Wall
The Ming dynasty defensive wall, 13km west of town, once stretched to Guizhou province. It's been largely rebuilt, though it does provide nice views of…
N
Nánhuá Shān
Rising above the old town's eastern flank is this small hill, which affords views over town. A few modern buildings grace the park. Admission is not…
H
Huangsi Bridge Old Town
A Tang dynasty military outpost, this village is well preserved and of interest to architecture buffs. Located 25km west of town, you'll need to take a…

H
Hong Bridge
In the style of the Dong minority’s Wind and Rain bridges, this attractive structure vaults the waters of the Tuo River and is illuminated at night. Like…
S
Stepping Stones
Stones laid out for crossing the river. Not a great idea to cross them after too many glasses of the local strong stuff.
Y
Yang Family Ancestral Hall
Built in 1836, this building's exterior (by the door) still has some faded slogans from the Cultural Revolution. There are two lovely black-and-white…
F
Fenghuang City Wall
Restored fragments of the city wall lie along the south bank of the Tuo River. Carvings of fish and mythical beasts adorn the eaves of the North Gate…
C
Chongde Hall
The town’s wealthiest resident, Pei Shoulu, has his personal collection of antiques on display in his former residence on Shijia Long. The collection of…
W
Wanshou Temple
Built in 1755, this assembly hall north of Wanming Pagoda served as the Jiangxi guildhall for almost 200 years. It now has dance performances every half…
S
Southern Great Wall
The Ming dynasty defensive wall, 13km west of town, once stretched to Guizhou province. It's been largely rebuilt, though it does provide nice views of…
N
Nánhuá Shān
Rising above the old town's eastern flank is this small hill, which affords views over town. A few modern buildings grace the park. Admission is not…
H
Huangsi Bridge Old Town
A Tang dynasty military outpost, this village is well preserved and of interest to architecture buffs. Located 25km west of town, you'll need to take a…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Fenghuang.

See
Hong Bridge
In the style of the Dong minority’s Wind and Rain bridges, this attractive structure vaults the waters of the Tuo River and is illuminated at night. Like…
See
Stepping Stones
Stones laid out for crossing the river. Not a great idea to cross them after too many glasses of the local strong stuff.
See
Yang Family Ancestral Hall
Built in 1836, this building's exterior (by the door) still has some faded slogans from the Cultural Revolution. There are two lovely black-and-white…
See
Fenghuang City Wall
Restored fragments of the city wall lie along the south bank of the Tuo River. Carvings of fish and mythical beasts adorn the eaves of the North Gate…
See
Chongde Hall
The town’s wealthiest resident, Pei Shoulu, has his personal collection of antiques on display in his former residence on Shijia Long. The collection of…
See
Wanshou Temple
Built in 1755, this assembly hall north of Wanming Pagoda served as the Jiangxi guildhall for almost 200 years. It now has dance performances every half…
See
Southern Great Wall
The Ming dynasty defensive wall, 13km west of town, once stretched to Guizhou province. It's been largely rebuilt, though it does provide nice views of…
See
Nánhuá Shān
Rising above the old town's eastern flank is this small hill, which affords views over town. A few modern buildings grace the park. Admission is not…
See
Huangsi Bridge Old Town
A Tang dynasty military outpost, this village is well preserved and of interest to architecture buffs. Located 25km west of town, you'll need to take a…

Guidebooks

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