Many people associate Xiangxi with stories of bandits, but once you step into this land, you’ll be captivated by its breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted locals. As you explore the ethnic culture of the Miao and Tujia people and immerse yourself in the charm of thousand-year-old towns, you’re sure to fall in love with Xiangxi.
Day 1: Fenghuang Ancient Town – Tuojiang River Boat Ride – Dongtian Bonfire Party
Stop 1: Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town features nine scenic spots, perfect for a self-guided tour with a hand-drawn map. Visit the former residences of historical figures, walk along the red stone-paved streets, and admire the century-old stilted houses lining both sides of the Tuojiang River. For a panoramic view of the town, hike up to Nanhuashan Mid-Mountain.
Stop 2: Tuojiang River Boat Ride
Board a traditional wooden boat and glide along Tuojiang River, taking in the historic riverside architecture and the peaceful ambiance of the ancient town.
Stop 3: Evening Bonfire Party or “Border Town” Live Performance
At 8:00 PM, enjoy a bonfire party or the large-scale outdoor performance “Border Town,” which brings to life the scenes and stories from Shen Congwen’s famous novel. This immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of Xiangxi’s rich culture.
Stop 4: Nighttime Stroll & Bar Street
The show ends around 9:30–10:00 PM, making it the perfect time to stroll along the riverbank, where the night scenery is at its most stunning and the town is at its liveliest.
- North Gate Tower: Home to the busiest and most energetic bars.
- South Street to Huilong Pavilion: Features indie folk music bars and handicraft shops. If you love handmade trinkets, this is the place to explore.
Day 2: Dehang Miao Village – Qianzhou Ancient Town
Stop 1: Explore Dehang Miao Village
For a deeper understanding of Miao culture, a visit to a traditional Miao village is a must. A 1.5-hour drive takes you to Dehang Miao Village, a place rich in heritage and home to five generations of Miao drum kings.
Before entering the village, visitors must pass the “Blocking Gate Wine” ritual – a traditional Miao welcome. You must first sing a mountain song and then drink a bowl of homemade glutinous rice wine before being allowed to enter. The Miao drum dance is a cultural highlight, representing the essence of Dehang’s traditions.
Stop 2: Visit Qianzhou Ancient Town
After exploring the village, return to Jishou City to visit Qianzhou Ancient Town, often referred to as the “twin city” alongside Fenghuang Ancient Town. As an old saying goes, “Qianzhou has the city, Fenghuang has the soldiers.”
Qianzhou Ancient Town features grand and magnificent architecture, offering a glimpse into the rich folk culture of Xiangxi. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into a living, three-dimensional painting of traditional Xiangxi life.
Day 3: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park – Tianmen Fox Fairy Grand Theater
Stop 1: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
Start your day by traveling to Zhangjiajie – either a 2-hour train ride or a 2.5 to 3-hour bus ride. Both stations are right in front of the Tianmen Mountain Cableway Station.
Tianmen Mountain is the highest peak in Zhangjiajie and home to the world’s longest cableway. During the ride, the cable car makes a stop, allowing visitors to transfer to scenic shuttle buses heading to Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate Cave) Viewpoint. However, reaching the legendary Tianmen Cave requires climbing 999 steep steps – a challenge that rewards you with a breathtaking view.
The mountain features a 60-meter-long glass skywalk, a glass observation deck extending into the air, and a wooden suspension bridge spanning a deep gorge. Walking along these thrilling paths, suspended above towering cliffs, is both an adrenaline rush and an awe-inspiring experience.
Stop 2: Tianmen Fox Fairy Grand Theater
After marveling at Tianmen Mountain’s grandeur, head to the Tianmen Fox Fairy Grand Theater, located at the foot of the mountain. This open-air performance is set against a scenic backdrop of misty mountains and features a village-like setting built along the slopes.
The performance area consists of over ten traditional Tujia wooden houses with black-tiled, intricately carved windows, wooden balconies, and clusters of hanging corn and red chili peppers, forming a picturesque Xiangxi village. All wooden structures are crafted with special materials, allowing them to change colors under dynamic lighting effects at night, creating a magical visual feast.
In the distance, terraced fields, wooden bridges, and waterwheels blend seamlessly with the stage, making this an unforgettable cultural experience.
