Let your soul get purified in Fenghuang

Lesley, China

Fenghuang, a famous city of historical and cultural significance, a small, picturesque, surrounded by mountains and with a unique culture town. It is located in the south-west of Hunan Province, and it is near my hometown.

I had long dreamed of visiting this town. In the summer of 2003, I returned to my hometown with my husband and sons to visit my parents, and my dream came true at last.

When we got off the coach and stepped onto the ground of Fenghuang in the morning, it seemed that as though we went back to an ancient dynasty.

The Tuojiang River is flowing quietly through the small town. It is green and clear, just like a jade belt. It is Fenghuang’s main river. In the early morning, the local boatmen jump into their boats, light their cigarettes and sit down to wait for travellers.

It is an enjoyable thing to sit in a wooden boat and see the green mountains and wooden houses on stilts on both sides of the river passing by. Looking at the children on summer vacation swimming and playing in the river, listening to their happy and Tuojiang River and houses on stilts naughty laughter in such a quiet, upstate place, you will forget all of your troubles.

Fenghuang is like a girl in the day, pure and petite. But at night, it is like a wench, mystical and charming. The hanging lanterns light up one by one. They make the lanes seemed endless. Rambling through the lanes of the town, you can step into a Lane

pub to have a bowl of rice wine or stand before a hand crafts shop to enjoy the embroidery or jade objects. Perhaps you can find a favourite object there.

Maybe you will wonder if there is a good hotel in such a small town. Don’t worry. The houses on stilts on the both sides of the Tuojiang River are the best places for you to stay. Sleeping on a wooden bed, listening to the river flowing quietly by, you can have sweet dreams there. But I must Nanfang Ancient Wall tell you that your sweet dreams may be interrupted by a child’s cry coming from an open window on the opposite side of the river. A lovely night, yes?

I think everyone will love Fenghuang and learn something there. Shen Congwen’s birthplace will give a special experience. Nanfang Ancient Wall will tell you about a period of history of brave Fenghuang people…

Come on! Don’t hesitate! Fenghuang is waiting for you.