Xiangxi Fenghuang: Deep

Author: Zhuo Lan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: A green mountain embraces the ancient city, a bend of the Tujiang River winds around it, a red stone-paved street, a row of quaint (upside-down wooden houses), a weathered ancient city wall, an old castle steeped in history, a unique (), a magnificent ancient stone bridge, and a group of world-renowned people—phoenixes.
The beauty of the phoenix lies in its painted scenery: the Tujiang River, the (upside-down wooden houses), the ( carvings) with flying eaves and upturned gables.
The beauty of the phoenix lies in its poetic figures: the lively Miao girls, the old women wrapped in long cloth, and the smiling elders.
The beauty of the phoenix lies in its legends: the Miao king of Western Hunan, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of China, bandits, sorcerers, and women who fell into holes.
This enchanting little city is like a green legend.
Western Hunan refers to the western part of Hunan Province, the home of the Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. It is a land of lush mountains and clear waters, blessed with natural beauty, outstanding talent, and a rich history and culture. Scenic spots and historical relics are intertwined with natural landscapes. The Xizhou Copper Pillar, the Ancestor Temple, the ruins of the Han Dynasty's (), the Huangsiqiao Castle, the Shangbao Paleolithic Site, and the Baihewan Chu Tombs are all () of ancient culture in Western Hunan.
The Water Gallery of Mending River, the naturally carved "No. 2 Gate" of Shimen, the roadside marvel of Daizhaipo, the magical Dehao Village, and the fire rock cave where boats navigate the river have formed a comprehensive tourism network in Western Hunan.
The county seat of Fenghuang resembles most small towns in China—old and dirty, chaotic and noisy. Only in the night, the dilapidated buildings fade into the background as filth disappears and the bustling crowds fall asleep, and Fenghuang becomes the quiet and lovely place described in legends.
Stepping into Fenghuang City, one feels the charm of the phoenix. The mountains and waters intertwine, and the city is full of vitality. After a light rain, the air is exceptionally fresh, with mist swirling over the distant mountains. The lush green forests appear and disappear in the mist. The fields are green, the mountains are green, and even the water of the Tujiang River is green.