Fenghuang       Hunan Province


Fenghuang means phoenix in Chinese. The mythical bird of good omen and longevity is
consumed by fire to be re-born again from the flames. The Fenghuang Old Town is so
called as legend has it that two of these fabulous birds flew over the town and found it so
beautiful that they hovered there, reluctant to leave.

The Fenghuang Old Town is located on the western boundary of Hunan Province in an
area of natural beauty where there are mountains, water and blue skies. You will be
impressed by its air of mystery, elegance and primitive simplicity. This is a world that is
dominated by green. The bridge over the water and unique houses built stilts and display
a harmony that is often portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings. This is particularly true
when mist pervades the scene in the early morning or after rain.

The town is a wonderful example of what villages were like prior to the onset of modernization. Here dozens of alleys paved with
flagstones run between the houses, each showing wear and tear caused by the fleet of generations of local people who have used them
when going about their daily business.

The Miao ethnic minority is predominantly settled here and a visit to a Miao village is a must when going to this place. The town was
home to the famous writer Shen Congwen who contributed greatly to the development of modern Chinese literature. Venerated by the
local residents, the one time home and the tomb of this famous writer have become tourist attractions.The Fenghuang Old Town offers
visitors both from home and aboard a quite different view of China.