Things to do in Xiangxi Prefecture

Nice ambient, a bit touristy but less than furong town. Probably one overnight is enough to stay here.

Nice town, but 100 RMB is a hefty price just to take a photo of the waterfall. Otherwise similar to most ancient towns. Might look more amazing if it rained the days before for a stronger waterfall.

Chadong, a picturesque ancient town at the junction of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces, gained worldwide fame thanks to Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town." Nestled against mountains and beside a river, with the Qingshui River flowing through it, the town boasts charming cobblestone streets, rustic stilted houses, and a white pagoda, preserving the authentic Xiangxi (western Hunan) style. Here, one can "step into three provinces," with places like Lala Ferry and Cuicui Island whispering tales of tranquility and deep affection, making it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and seek out the beauty of literature and nature.

The hotel boasts a prime location within the Seventy-Two Wonders Towers, offering views of the towers' interior from your room. After exploring, it's just a few minutes' walk back to the hotel. The attractions offer numerous evening activities with a pleasant atmosphere. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, and the front desk staff are friendly and welcoming. Dining and shopping are conveniently located around the hotel, making for a great stay.

The Aizhai Bridge scenic area, Dehang Miao Village, and the Grand Canyon are included in a package ticket. The Aizhai Bridge is definitely worth a visit; it's a world wonder. The high-altitude swing and bungee jumping activities inside the bridge are relatively expensive. After visiting the Aizhai Bridge, drive to Dehang Miao Village at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Liusha Waterfall within the canyon. The Aizhai Highway is also known as one of China's top ten must-drive highways. A leisurely 20-minute drive will take you to the bottom of the canyon, where there are many farmhouses and restaurants. After lunch, continue a few kilometers to Dehang Miao Village. During the National Day holiday, parking inside the Miao Village is limited; vehicles can be parked in the outdoor parking lot, and a free shuttle bus is available. The scenery of Dehang Miao Village isn't particularly stunning, but it does have the Liusha Waterfall. It's about 4 kilometers from the village entrance. If you don't want to walk, you can take an electric cart for 18 yuan per person. After getting off the cart, walk about 700 meters along the stream to the waterfall. The most distinctive feature of Dehang Miao Village is its drum performance, which is held twice a day, around 7 PM and 3 PM. After visiting the scenic area, you can return to Jishou city or Fenghuang Ancient Town without taking a long route (Aizhai Mountain Road). Just follow the valley floor out of the canyon; it's all flat with no uphill sections. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Jishou city and about 1.5 hours to get to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

At first, the area from the entrance to the fork in the road seemed average. But once you reached the Jade Belt Waterfall, you'd understand why it's a 5A-level scenic spot; it's a pity I didn't climb to the top. The valley to the left is quiet, but the black stone slabs are slippery after rain. The valley to the right has a wide stream where you can catch crabs.

It was raining the whole time, so I first went to Dehang Grand Canyon and then strolled around Dehang Miao Village. There weren't many people that day, and the walk at the foot of the mountain was very peaceful, which I liked. Along the way, there were gentle trails and steep steps, streams, and a jade-belt waterfall. The misty rain of early autumn had a unique charm. The only pity was that the fog was so thick when I climbed to Tianwen Terrace that I couldn't see the view of the layered peaks at the summit. But even so, when I was on Tianwen Terrace, surrounded by fog, I felt like I was in a heavenly palace—I guess I was a god for a moment! 🤣🤣🤣

Как добирались: сначала доехали за 15¥ до Furongzhen Scenic Area. Там спустя минут 15 нашлась машина в didi до красных камней - 55¥.На выходе из парка такси в округе нет и didi не нашел спустя 20 мин, но мы и так хотели на автобусе (стоят у выхода) - 15¥ с чел (нал или wc), отправились в 14:45. В кассе сказали, что точного расписания автобусов нет.В целом место показалось немного заброшенным, людей мало(были в субботу), да и на территории есть прямо скажем брошеные места.Гулять хорошо, камни имеют интересную форму, много сосен и работники высаживают цветы. Основные зоны мы посмотрели за пару часов, но можно дольше гулять. Еды особо нет, но воду и перекусы купить можно.По итогу, из всех посещенных нами природных достопримечательностей в округе, эта более труднодоступная и менее впечатляющая.

Dehang, meaning "beautiful canyon" in the Miao language, is nestled amidst mountains. Stilted houses stand along the stream, and winding cobblestone paths meander through the village. Its tranquil atmosphere, free from commercialization, preserves the original charm of a Miao village. At the village gate, guests are welcomed with a welcoming drink. The Miao drum dance at the Drum King Square is magnificent, its silver ornaments jingling, and the songs echoing through the valley. A leisurely stroll through the canyon allows you to enjoy the babbling brook and distant views of the Aizhai Bridge and the Liusha Waterfall. Away from the hustle and bustle, you can experience Miao embroidery and folk performances up close, where nature and culture blend seamlessly. Compared to bustling ancient towns, it offers a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for calmly immersing yourself in the unique ethnic customs of western Hunan.

🌟 First Trip to the Phoenix Maglev | Unlock China's Most Beautiful Maglev Line for 28 Yuan! Includes a Complete Guide to All Four Stations 🌟 📍 Location: Phoenix Ancient Town, Hunan 💰 Cost: 28 Yuan one-way (Great Value!) ⏰ Recommended Duration: Half a Day to One Day --- 🚄 Why Choose Phoenix Maglev? This 9-kilometer line, China's first dedicated "maglev + cultural tourism" line, connects the high-speed rail station with the heart of the ancient city. Not only does it quickly reach the ancient city, but you can also visit the Science and Technology Museum, the observation deck, and the immersive theater along the way – a perfect combination of transportation and fun! --- 📸 Four-Station Guide 1️⃣ [Ancient Town Station] 🏙️ - Seamless transfers from the high-speed rail station. The station design is incredibly cool, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings! - Perfect for snapping your "first-time Phoenix" photo 📸 2️⃣ [Welcome Station] 🔬 - Maglev Research and Science Museum: Uncover the secrets of the maglev train's "close-to-the-ground" flight, with fun interactive experiments! - Phoenix History and Culture Museum: Experience the charm of Xiangxi culture with Miao silver jewelry and Tujia batik. 3️⃣ [Range Station] 🌄 (Must-see!) - "Phoenix Eye" Observation Deck: A suspended structure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuojiang River and the ancient city. - Maglev Technology Experience Hall: VR travel and driving simulators, a must-do for tech enthusiasts! - A 5-minute walk to the ancient city center, with art installations like the "Magnetic Levitation Moon" along the way. 4️⃣ [Waiting Station] 🎭 - "Phoenix Waiting" Immersive Theater: A holographic projection interprets the story of "Border Town" with stunning 5D effects! - Nearby Miao delicacies and specialty handmade shops offer a satisfying stroll and dining experience. ---