Fenghuang
The River Town Time Forgot · 鳳凰
Fenghuang — 'Phoenix' — is the best-preserved river town in China: stilt houses lean over the Tuojiang River, stone jumping-stones cross it, and the Miao and Tujia minority quarters keep their night markets and silver workshops. It was the home of writer Shen Congwen, whose prose made it famous.
Don't miss
- The Tuojiang riverfront and stilt houses
- Night lanes, lanterns and the Hongqiao bridge
- Miao villages in the surrounding hills
Best time to visit: April–June and September–October
Visas: Australian passport holders currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — an arrangement scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, so confirm the rules for your travel dates.