Phoenix Ancient View Homestay

At night, the town comes alive with lighting, bars, cafes, illuminated bridges, and plenty of photographers offering their services. Fenghuang Ancient City (Phoenix Ancient Town) is over 300 years old, with distinctive stilted wooden buildings along the Tuojiang River. Ming and Qing architecture sits alongside Miao and Tujia cultural influences. It’s a lively place, though it’s too commercialised.

On 27 March, I visited as part of a travel agency tour. The place was super beautiful both during the day and at night. There were lots of local and foreign visitors, and the shops mainly sold local food and souvenirs. Some bars had people singing Chinese and dialect songs. I’m glad I got to see this exhilarating place.

If you’re visiting Zhangjiajie, travel back in time to Phoenix ancient water town. The sights are lovely and beautiful, especially at dusk, when the lights gradually come on and glitter across the waterway.

The City was spectacular when I visited on September 15 and 16 with my sister Miriam and brother in law Sergio. I stayed at Xizha River View home stay, which was very clean and comfortable, but the hotel itself wasn’t what made the visit perfect. My sister and brother in law stayed at Wang Jiang Reclusive Boutique Inn, and the owners, @WangJiangmountain, were the perfect hosts. Their tips on restaurants, events, times, and historic locations helped us see additional historic places in the City. You can find their hotel on Booking under the name Wang Jiang Reclusive Boutique Inn, though they’re always busy, so good luck finding availability. He is 100% amazing. The hotel can help you buy tickets for the boat at night and the museums in the morning.