Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, this mysterious land in the northwest of Hunan Province, is like a shining pearl, exuding a unique and charming glow. It not only boasts magnificent natural scenery but also contains a profound ethnic cultural heritage. Here are the must – visit tourist attractions in Xiangxi Prefecture recommended for you.
Fenghuang Ancient City
Fenghuang Ancient City, this small town full of poetry and romance, is one of the most representative attractions in Xiangxi Prefecture. It is nestled against mountains and beside water, with the Tuo River flowing through the city. The ancient stilted buildings are built along the water, and the wooden structures exude a simple and ancient atmosphere after years of baptism.
Walking on the stone – paved streets of the ancient city, it seems as if you have traveled through time and entered the world described by Shen Congwen. On both sides of the street, there are various characteristic shops. From exquisite Miao silver jewelry to simple and unsophisticated Tujia brocade, the dazzling array of handicrafts is a feast for the eyes.
The Hongqiao Bridge is a landmark building in the ancient city. The bridge body is like a rainbow spanning the Tuo River. Standing on the bridge, you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Tuo River. In the early morning, a thin mist shrouds the river surface, and the stilted buildings loom in the mist, like a fairyland. At night, when the lights come on, the two sides of the Tuo River are ablaze with lights, and the lights are reflected on the river surface, like a dream, adding a special charm to the ancient city.
Taking a boat ride along the Tuo River, listening to the boatman tell the stories of the ancient city, and feeling the gentle river breeze is extremely pleasant. Along the way, you can admire the Wanming Pagoda. This antique – style pagoda stands by the river, witnessing the rise and fall of the ancient city.
Furong Town
Furong Town, formerly known as Wangcun, is famous for being located on a waterfall. Its unique geographical location has created a distinctive landscape. The waterfall cascades down from the cliff of the ancient town with great momentum, splashing water. It sets off each other with the bluestone roads and Tujia stilted buildings in the ancient town, forming a beautiful picture.
Many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties are well – preserved in the ancient town. With green tiles and wooden walls, and carved beams and painted rafters, they still retain their full charm despite the passage of time. The five – li long stone – paved street winds and twists, stretching from the high place of the ancient town to the riverside. Walking in it, you can feel the weight of history.
Liu Xiaoqing’s Rice Tofu Shop is a major feature of Furong Town. It became famous because the movie “Hibiscus Town” was filmed here. When you come here, you must taste a bowl of authentic rice tofu. The soft and glutinous taste with spicy soup is unforgettable.
Dehang Grand Canyon
Dehang means “beautiful canyon” in the Miao language. Here, the mountains are clear, the waters are beautiful, the canyons are deep, and there are waterfalls and springs. The scenery is so beautiful that it is a treasure bestowed by nature on Xiangxi.
Tianwen Terrace is one of the famous scenic spots in Dehang Grand Canyon. Standing on the terrace, surrounded by mountains and clouds, it seems as if you are in a fairyland. Looking into the distance, you can see the winding streams and scattered Miao villages in the canyon, and the scenery is magnificent.
The Liusha Waterfall is a wonder of Dehang Grand Canyon. The waterfall cascades down from a 216 – meter – high cliff, flowing gently like a light veil. Under the sunlight, colorful rainbows are formed, which is magnificent. When the breeze blows, the water flow of the waterfall will float with the wind, as light as flowing sand, hence the name.
The Dehang Miao Village is located in the canyon. It is a place full of rich Miao ethnic customs. Here, you can enjoy the traditional Miao song and dance performances. The enthusiastic Miao boys and girls will welcome guests from afar with cheerful dances and melodious songs. Taste Miao characteristic cuisine, such as sour soup fish and blood – glutinous rice duck, and experience the unique Miao food culture. You can also visit the traditional Miao architecture and learn about the history and folk customs of the Miao ethnic group.
Aizhai Wonder Tourist Area
The Aizhai Wonder Tourist Area integrates various landscapes such as canyons, cliffs, waterfalls, and bridges, demonstrating the perfect combination of the unique natural scenery of Xiangxi and modern architecture.
The Aizhai Bridge is the steel – truss beam suspension bridge with the largest canyon span in the world. It is like a giant dragon spanning the Dehang Grand Canyon, majestic and spectacular. Standing on the viewing platform, looking up at the bridge, the huge bridge body and the steepness of the canyon complement each other, making people marvel at human wisdom and courage.
The Aizhai Winding Mountain Road is a road full of legendary colors. It was built during the Anti – Japanese War. With a total length of about 6 kilometers, it has a vertical height difference of 440 meters. There are 13 sharp – angled hairpin bends, forming 26 almost parallel and overlapping road surfaces. The danger of its terrain and the difficulty of its construction are a miracle in the history of road construction. Walking along the road, you can not only enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way but also feel that magnificent history.
Xiangxi Prefecture, this mysterious and beautiful land, each scenic spot carries a unique historical culture and natural charm. Whether you are intoxicated by the romantic charm of the ancient city or amazed by the grandeur of the canyon waterfalls, you can leave unforgettable memories on this land.
