Xiangxi Nanny-Level Guide to Explore Stunning Attractions

🗺️ 2-Day Xiangxi Tour | Classic Combo of Phoenix Ancient Town and Furong Town・Suitable for All Groups Introduction Explore Xiangxi in 2 days! Take your parents to see the stilted buildings along the Tuojiang River in Phoenix Ancient Town, accompany friends to shoot fantasy-style photos under the waterfall in Furong Town, and bring children to learn tie-dyeing in the Miao Village. Stories hide in the mountains and waters, and charm shines in the local life—your whole family can immerse in the soul of Xiangxi~ 🗓️ Itinerary Overview Day 1: Phoenix Ancient Town → Tuojiang River Boating → Shen Congwen Former Residence → Hongqiao Night View Day 2: Furong Town → Youyang Palace → Mengdong River Rafting (optional) → Return Daily Detailed Plan 🏮 Day 1: Dreaming on Tuojiang River · Ancient Town Night Charm 📍 Phoenix Ancient Town (Free entry, core attraction combo ticket 148 RMB/person) Highlights: "China’s Most Beautiful Small Town," stilted buildings built along the mountains on both sides of the Tuojiang River, winding stone-paved streets, elders appreciating the border town scenery described by Shen Congwen, children chasing Miao girls in the alleys 🕙 Opening Hours: All day, recommended to visit the ancient town in the morning (less crowded) and enjoy the night view at dusk 💰 Discounts: Free combo ticket for seniors over 65 and children under 1.2 meters 📸 Photo Spots: Tuojiang Jumping Rocks (capture people walking on stone slabs with stilted buildings in the background), North Gate City Tower (panoramic view of the ancient town) 💡 Tips: The stone roads are uneven, wear non-slip shoes for elders and children; don’t trust roadside “free photo” offers (high charges later) 🍖 Recommended Dining: “Junzi Restaurant” inside the ancient town, must-try blood duck (mildly spicy), Miao-style sour fish, and non-spicy corn cake suitable for kids, about 50 RMB per person 📍 Tuojiang River Boating (60 RMB/person) Highlights: Drift on a wooden boat along the Tuojiang River, see stilted buildings and the reflection of Wanming Pagoda in the water, listen to the boatman’s mountain songs, elders enjoy the scenery at the bow, children play with water 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended after 16:00 (avoid strong sun) 📸 Photo Spot: Boat bow (capture people with stilted buildings in the frame, boatman pole as foreground) 💡 Tips: Keep your phone safe (don’t drop it in the water); tipping the boatman (5-10 RMB) can get you more stories 📍 Hongqiao Night View (Free) Highlights: Iconic building of the ancient town, illuminated at night, the reflection of Hongqiao and Tuojiang River complement each other, lively night market with Miao silver and batik souvenirs 🕙 Recommended viewing time: 20:00-21:00 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Stilted building homestay by Tuojiang River, river view from the window, balcony for tea, price 300-500 RMB/night (choose one with elevator for elders) 🌊 Day 2: Waterfall Ancient Town · Xiangxi Secret Realm 📍 Furong Town (Entrance fee 100 RMB/person) Highlights: "Millennium ancient town hanging on a waterfall," a large waterfall runs through the town, the Tusi Prince’s Mansion ruins hold Tujia stories, elders watch the roaring waterfall, children chase rainbows under the waterfall 🕙 Opening Hours: 7:30-22:00, recommended to arrive by 9:00 (avoid tour groups) 💰 Discounts: Same as Phoenix Ancient Town 📸 Photo Spot: Waterfall viewing platform (capture people with waterfall and stilted buildings in the frame, ethnic costumes look great) 💡 Tips: Many steps in the ancient town, elders can take the gentle riverside boardwalk 📍 Youyang Palace (Included in Furong Town ticket) Highlights: Tujia ethnic sacrificial site, exquisite wood and stone carvings, hand-waving dance performances (11:00/15:00), elders enjoy folk customs, children learn hand-waving dance moves 🕙 Performance Times: 11:00, 15:00 💡 Tips: Arrive 10 minutes early to get front-row seats for a clear view 📍 Mengdong River Rafting (Optional, 180 RMB/person) Highlights: "World’s Number One Rafting," alternating rapids and calm lakes in the canyon, water fights and monkey watching, suitable for young people and older children 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-15:00, recommended to go early (avoid afternoon sun) 💡 Tips: Not recommended for elders and children under 5; wear quick-dry clothes and bring a change of clothes (you will definitely get soaked) 🍖 Recommended Dining: “Bangye Restaurant” in Furong Town, must-try Tujia smoked meat stir-fried with bracken and Artemisia cakes, about 40 RMB per person ✨ Xiangxi Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: Private car between Phoenix Ancient Town and Furong Town about 200 RMB (1.5 hours); walk inside Phoenix Ancient Town; Furong Town is small, walk plus sightseeing bus (20 RMB/person). 2️⃣ Clothing: Spring (Mar-May) wear light jacket + long sleeves (rainy in mountains); Summer (Jun-Aug) wear short sleeves + long pants (mosquito protection), bring sun protection clothes; Autumn (Sep-Nov) wear sweatshirt + jacket; Winter (Dec-Feb) wear down jacket (wet and cold). 3️⃣ Taboos: Don’t touch children’s heads in Miao villages; don’t take photos of Miao elders without permission; don’t throw trash outside the raft (fine 50-200 RMB). 4️⃣ Accommodation: Choose riverside in Phoenix (beautiful night view), near waterfall in Furong Town (window view); for elders, prioritize first floor or elevator rooms, price 200-600 RMB/night. 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Phoenix Ginger Candy (20 RMB/bag, strong ginger flavor, warms and aids digestion) ② Miao Batik Scarves (50 RMB/each, handmade, patterns include phoenix and Miao village) ③ Tujia Brocade Small Wallet (30 RMB/each, bright colors, practical and distinctive) ④ Xiangxi Dried Kiwi (25 RMB/jin, sweet and sour with no additives, loved by elders and kids) Closing Interaction The stilted buildings in Xiangxi hold gentleness, and the waterfall rushes with grandeur. If you come here, would you most want to take your parents to listen to boat songs by the Tuojiang River, or accompany friends to wait for the sunset under the waterfall in Furong Town?