Xiangxi Tujia & Miao Autonomous Prefecture Travel

Xiangxi, Hunan — a key node on China's western tourism golden route, blending the essence of Tujia and Miao cultures. Home to famous attractions like Phoenix Ancient Town, Furong Town, Dehang Miao Village, and Liye Ancient City, it is a must-visit destination for experiencing ethnic minority customs and natural wonders.

2
World Cultural Heritage Tentative List Sites
5
National Red Tourism Classic Scenic Spots
7
National 4A-level and above Tourist Attractions
2.48M+
Permanent Population (including Tujia, Miao and other ethnic groups)

Xiangxi Prefecture Counties & Districts

Xiangxi Tujia & Miao Autonomous Prefecture 4-Day Ethnic Culture Journey

Ancient city exploration, Miao village discovery, waterfall wonders, cultural roots tracing

Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Phoenix Ancient Town, Furong Town, Dehang Miao Village, Liye Ancient City, Aizhai Bridge
Suitable For
Culture lovers, photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, families
Budget per Person
¥800 - ¥1500
01
Phoenix Ancient Town Discovery
Tuojiang River cruise, ancient city exploration
Highlights

Morning: Stroll along the stone streets of Phoenix Ancient Town; Afternoon: Cruise on Tuojiang River, visit Shen Congwen's Former Residence; Evening: Enjoy the night scenery and experience bar culture.

Attractions
Phoenix Ancient Town
A national historical and cultural city, connected by countless stilted buildings along the Tuojiang River. Praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "the most beautiful small town in China".
Shen Congwen's Former Residence
Birthplace of the renowned writer Shen Congwen, a typical Xiangxi residential building displaying his life and manuscripts.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Tuojiang stilt house B&B
  • Characteristic inns inside ancient town
  • County star hotels
Food Recommendations
  • Phoenix blood duck with sticky rice
  • Sour fish soup
  • Miao-style sour radish
  • She rice
Tips
  • Walking only inside the old town, wear comfortable shoes
  • Tuojiang boat ride has upper and lower sections at different prices
  • Visit Hongqiao Night Market for handicrafts
02
Miao Village Experience
Dehang Miao Village, Aizhai wonder
Highlights

Morning: Visit Dehang Miao Village, watch Miao song and dance performances; Afternoon: Explore Aizhai Bridge, experience high-altitude canyon views; Evening: Return to Jishou city.

Attractions
Dehang Miao Village
A typical Miao settlement preserving rich Miao cultural traditions, known as the "beautiful valley village".
Aizhai Bridge
The world's longest-span steel truss suspension bridge across a canyon, with a deck height of 355 meters above the valley floor. An iconic engineering marvel of Xiangxi.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Fenghuang to Jishou: about 1.5 hours by car
  • Jishou to Dehang: tourist shuttle available
  • Aizhai Bridge scenic area has sightseeing elevator
Tickets
  • Dehang Miao Village: ¥80/person
  • Aizhai Bridge Scenic Area: ¥115/person (incl. elevator)
Experience Tips
  • Participate in Miao welcome door-blocking ceremony
  • Watch the live performance "Dehang Mirage"
  • Observation deck offers panoramic canyon views
03
Tusi Culture Exploration
Furong Town, Mengdong River
Highlights

Morning: Visit Furong Town, experience Tusi culture; Afternoon: Mengdong River rafting; Evening: Stay in Furong Town and enjoy waterfall night view.

Attractions
Furong Town
Known as the "millennium town hanging on a waterfall", once the capital of Tusi kings, with well-preserved Tusi city ruins.
Mengdong River Rafting
Known as "China's number one rafting", the river stretches 47 km with a drop of 108 meters, featuring thrilling rapids and stunning scenery.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Jishou to Furong Town: about 2 hours by car
  • Shuttle bus between rafting start and end points
  • Sightseeing carts available inside the ancient town
Food Recommendations
  • Furong rice tofu
  • Xiangxi cured pork
  • Hezha (mixed vegetable stew)
  • Fried bee pupae
Tips
  • Bring spare clothes for rafting
  • Use sunscreen in summer; dress warmly in winter
  • The night light show at the ancient town is a must-see
04
Qin Bamboo Slip Culture
Liye Ancient City, Departure
Highlights

Morning: Visit Liye Ancient City and explore the Qin Slips Museum; Afternoon: Wulong Mountain scenery; Evening: End the trip and return.

Attractions
Liye Ancient City
"China's only Qin Dynasty ancient city", where 37,000 Qin bamboo slips were unearthed in 2002, filling gaps in Qin historical records.
Liye Qin Slips Museum
A specialized museum displaying the Qin bamboo slips unearthed at Liye, systematically showcasing Qin dynasty politics, economy, and culture.
Practical Info
Return Advice
  • Liye to Longshan county town: 1.5 hours by car
  • Longshan to Zhangjiajie West Station: about 1.5 hours by high-speed rail
  • Plan your return transport in advance
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Liye navel oranges
  • Xiangxi kiwifruit
  • Miao silver jewelry
  • Tujia brocade
Trip Summary
  • Experience the misty charm of Phoenix Ancient Town
  • Immerse in Miao and Tujia folk culture
  • Marvel at the engineering wonder of Aizhai Bridge
  • Uncover the mysteries of Qin dynasty history

Must-Try Foods in Xiangxi

Phoenix Blood Duck with Sticky Rice

A classic Xiangxi dish combining duck blood and glutinous rice into blood cakes, stir-fried with duck meat. Fragrant, chewy, and a traditional Miao delicacy.

Xiangxi Cured Pork

Made from local pork, smoked over cypress branches until red and glossy. Rich in aroma, it is an essential Tujia New Year dish.

Furong Rice Tofu

Made from rice with a secret sauce, smooth and refreshing. Made famous by the movie "Furong Town".

Mugwort Glutinous Rice Cake

Made with wild mugwort and glutinous rice, filled with sweet or savory fillings. Fragrant, soft, and a traditional springtime food in Xiangxi.

Xiangxi Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • April-May: Spring blossoms, pleasant Miao village scenery
  • September-October: Clear autumn weather, ideal for outdoor activities
  • Avoid June-July rainy season as mountain roads can be slippery
Must-Do Experiences
  • Tuojiang River boat ride in Phoenix Ancient Town
  • Miao welcome ceremony and dance performance at Dehang
  • Thrilling Mengdong River rafting
  • High-altitude walk on Aizhai Bridge
  • Taste authentic Xiangxi cured pork
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥300-500
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200/night
  • Meals: ¥40-80/day
  • Transport: ¥80-150
  • Total: ¥800-1500
FAQ
  • Which ancient towns are must-visits? → Phoenix, Furong, Liye, Qianzhou
  • Difference between Miao and Tujia? → Distinct languages, costumes, and customs; both are major ethnic groups in Xiangxi
  • Is Mengdong rafting suitable for elderly/children? → Calmer sections are fine; thrilling rapids recommended for ages 12+
  • Is public transport convenient? → Tourist shuttles connect main spots; self-driving or private car offers more flexibility