[2025 Fenghuang Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiong Xiling Former Residence (Updated Apr)

| A Romantic Encounter with a Thousand Years of Poetry. Mr. Shen Congwen once wrote, "I have walked across bridges in many places, seen clouds countless times, and drunk many kinds of wine, but I have only loved one person who was at the best age." The Fenghuang Ancient Town in his writings is just as beautiful and worth your visit. Pre-trip Preparation * Documents: ID card, other documents that may be used (such as a student ID, senior citizen card, etc., for purchasing discount tickets). * Clothing: The average temperature in spring and autumn is 15 - 25℃, so you can bring long-sleeved jackets and thin sweaters; the temperature is higher in summer, 25 - 35℃, so prepare light and breathable clothing and protect yourself from the sun; the temperature is lower in winter, 0 - 10℃, so you need to prepare thick cotton clothes, scarves, gloves and other warm clothes. * Daily necessities: Skin care products, cosmetics, toiletries, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas or raincoats, etc. * Medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, band-aids and other commonly used medicines to prevent physical discomfort. * Electronic devices: Mobile phones, cameras, chargers, mobile power supplies, etc. to record beautiful moments. Best Time to Travel * April - June: The temperature is suitable, around 20℃, the precipitation is moderate, the ancient city is full of green, and the flowers are like brocade, suitable for strolling and enjoying the natural scenery. * September - November: The autumn is crisp, the average temperature is 18℃, the weather is sunny, there is little rain and it is dry, you can enjoy a comfortable travel experience and appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the ancient city in autumn. Transportation Guide * External Transportation: * Airplane: You can arrive at Tongren Fenghuang Airport in Guizhou Province, which is about 30 kilometers away from Fenghuang Ancient Town. There is a special bus from the airport to Fenghuang Ancient Town, the journey takes about 1 hour and the ticket price is about CNY 25; you can also take a taxi, the cost is about CNY 100 - 150. * Train: You can first go to Jishou Station or Huaihua Station, and then transfer to a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town. The journey from Jishou to Fenghuang takes about 1.5 hours and the ticket price is about CNY 25; the journey from Huaihua to Fenghuang takes about 2.5 hours and the ticket price is about CNY 40. * High-speed train: You can arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town Station. After leaving the station, you can take High-speed Railway Special Line Bus No. 1 to "Qifeng Square", the journey takes about 25 minutes and the ticket price is CNY 7/person; you can also choose to take a taxi, the cost is about CNY 27. * Internal Transportation: * Bus: The lines cover the main scenic spots and urban areas, the ticket price is CNY 1 - 2, you can check the specific lines and stations before traveling. * Taxi: The starting price is CNY 6 - 8, which is more convenient for traveling around the ancient city, but some areas in the ancient city are restricted. * Sightseeing bus: There are sightseeing buses in the ancient city, which can easily reach various attractions. The ticket price varies according to the line. Attraction Check-in * Shen Congwen's Former Residence: Learn about Mr. Shen Congwen's life and feel the growth environment of the literary master, the ticket price is CNY 40. * Xiong Xiling's Former Residence: Visit the former residence of Xiong Xiling, the premier of the Republic of China, and appreciate the life of historical celebrities, the ticket price is CNY 30. * Ancient City Wall: Stroll along the ancient city wall, overlook the entire ancient city, and feel the historical charm, free. * Hong Bridge: A landmark building where you can enjoy the scenery of the Tuojiang River. There are many special shops around, free. * Tuojiang Jumping Rock: Experience a unique way to cross the river, which is a good place for taking pictures, free. * Boating on the Tuojiang River: Take a boat trip on the Tuojiang River and enjoy the scenery of the stilted buildings on both sides. The ticket price is CNY 85 during the day and CNY 150 at night. Food Guide * Blood Duck: A famous dish in Fenghuang, duck meat is cooked with blood curd, the taste is spicy and the taste is soft and glutinous, recommended shop Junzi Restaurant, the average price is CNY 70 per person. * Sour Soup Fish: The sour soup is used as the base of the pot, the fish is fresh and tender, the soup is rich, sour and spicy, and appetizing, the average price is CNY 60 per person. * Rice Tofu: The taste is smooth and refreshing, with chili, chopped green onion and other seasonings, the taste is very delicious, it can be seen everywhere on the snack street, CNY 5 - 10/portion. * Ginger Candy: A traditional snack in Fenghuang, sweet and spicy, with a fragrant aroma, can be used as a souvenir, recommended shop Zhang's Ginger Candy, CNY 20 - 30/kg. * Miao Cake: Crispy and delicious, with a variety of flavors to choose from, CNY 10/piece. Accommodation Recommendation * Fenghuang Su Lilianhua Resort Hotel: A luxury hotel with a score of 4.9, featuring forest lights, Tuojiang River night view, and internet-famous stone bridge, the price is CNY 800 - 2000/night. * Fenghuang Tangshe Jianshan Hotel (Fenghuang Ancient Town Branch): Full of design, enjoy the infinity pool with mountain views in the ancient city, the price is CNY 600 - 1500/night. * Fenghuang Yuejian Yayuan River View Boutique Inn: Cost-effective, the inn owner is enthusiastic, the location is convenient, and there is a viewing balcony, the price is CNY 300 - 800/night. Itinerary Planning * One-day tour: Shen Congwen's Former Residence - Xiong Xiling's Former Residence - Ancient City Wall - Hong Bridge - Tuojiang Jumping Rock - Boating on the Tuojiang River. * Two-day tour: Day 1, Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural Park - Shen Congwen's Former Residence - Ancient City Wall - Bar Street; Day 2, Xiong Xiling's Former Residence - Hong Bridge - Tuojiang Jumping Rock - Boating on the Tuojiang River - Night View of Fenghuang Ancient Town. * Three-day tour: Day 1, arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town, check in to the hotel, stroll around the ancient city and enjoy the night view; Day 2, Shen Congwen's Former Residence - Xiong Xiling's Former Residence - Yang's Ancestral Hall - Dongmen Tower - Boating on the Tuojiang River; Day 3, Nanhua Mountain Shenfeng Cultural Park - Qiliang Cave - Return trip. Precautions * There are many stone roads in the ancient city, so try to choose comfortable shoes when traveling. * Pay attention to identifying the quality and price when purchasing local products and souvenirs, and you can bargain appropriately. * Pay attention to safety when boating on the Tuojiang River and follow the boatman's instructions. * Respect local customs and religious beliefs.

A Super Detailed Travel Guide to Fenghuang Ancient Town✨ Pre-trip Preparations - Documents: ID card, student ID (bring it with you if you have one, some scenic spots offer discounts). - Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing according to the season. Flowy dresses are perfect for taking photos in the ancient town. Also, bring a light jacket in case of temperature differences between day and night. - Other: Power bank, sun protection (umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses), and stomach medicine (you might need it when tasting local delicacies). Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - High-speed Rail: You can arrive at Huaihua South Railway Station first, and then transfer to a bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hrs. - Airplane: Fly to Tongren Fenghuang Airport. There is a direct airport bus to Fenghuang Ancient Town, which is very convenient. - Internal Transportation: Walking is the best way to explore the ancient town, allowing you to slowly appreciate the scenery. There are also sightseeing buses available if you don't want to walk. Must-see Attractions - Former Residence of Shen Congwen: Step into the birthplace of this literary giant and experience the origins of the western Hunan world depicted in his works🎈. - Former Residence of Xiong Xiling: Learn about the life of Xiong Xiling, the "First Premier of the Republic of China." The ancient architecture tells stories of the past. - Ancient City Wall: Stroll along the city wall, touch the ancient bricks, and imagine the town's former glory. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful at dusk🌆. - Tuojiang River Cruise: A must-try experience! Sit on a boat, watch the stilt houses reflected on the river, and feel the gentle breeze. It's incredibly relaxing. - Hong Bridge: From the bridge, you can overlook the entire Tuojiang River scenery. The views are different during the day and night, perfect for taking photos📸. Food Recommendations - Blood Cake Duck: A signature dish of Fenghuang. Duck blood and glutinous rice are made into blood cakes and cooked with duck meat. It has a unique aroma and rich taste. - Sour Soup Fish: Fresh fish is stewed in a sour and spicy soup. The soup is rich, and the fish is tender. It's both appetizing and goes well with rice🍲. - Xiangxi Bacon: Cured and smoked bacon, fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry. It's delicious whether stir-fried or eaten directly. - Rice Tofu: Smooth rice tofu paired with spicy seasonings. One bite is full of Xiangxi flavor. - Glutinous Rice Balls in Sugar Syrup: Sweet and soft, with syrup overflowing with every bite. Super satisfying😋. Accommodation Recommendations - By the Tuojiang River: Enjoy stunning river views. Open the window to see the Tuojiang River scenery, and fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river at night. However, the price is relatively higher. - Inside the Ancient Town: Convenient for visiting various attractions. There are many characteristic inns to choose from, offering a rich selection and allowing you to experience the strong atmosphere of the ancient town. - Around the Ancient Town: Relatively affordable. If you have a limited budget, you can consider staying here. It's not far from the ancient town, and transportation is still convenient. Travel Route Planning - Day 1: Arrive at Fenghuang Ancient Town in the morning → check in → stroll through the streets of the ancient town and taste snacks → visit the former residences of Shen Congwen and Xiong Xiling in the afternoon → enjoy the night view of the ancient town in the evening, take a walk along the Tuojiang River, and experience the town's nightlife. - Day 2: Get up early to see the morning mist on the Tuojiang River → take a Tuojiang River cruise → visit the ancient city wall and Hong Bridge → enjoy local specialties for lunch → visit the nearby Qiliang Cave (optional) in the afternoon → return. Things to Note - There are many shops selling silver jewelry in the ancient town. Pay attention to authenticity and price when purchasing. - Pay attention to safety and follow the boatman's instructions when taking a Tuojiang River cruise. - Keep your personal belongings safe when traveling in the ancient town at night.

Fenghuang Ancient City is home to numerous former residences of prominent figures, the most well-known of which are the former residences of Shen Congwen and Xiong Xiling. These residences are not only witnesses to history but also important carriers of cultural heritage, attracting countless tourists to explore the footsteps of these famous figures and experience the cultural heritage of the ancient city. The former residence of Shen Congwen is located in a small alley on Zhongying Street. It is a Ming and Qing Dynasty building with a western Hunan style, consisting of 10 rooms. The residence is a single-story building with firebricks, divided into front and back sections, with a courtyard paved with square red bricks in the middle and 11 rooms on both sides. The gable walls are decorated with ao heads, and the carved doors and windows are small, exquisite, and antique. Here, visitors can see Shen Congwen's manuscripts, photos, and the items he used, experiencing the creative process and life of this literary giant. Shen Congwen's former residence is not only one of the landmark attractions of Fenghuang Ancient City but also a pilgrimage site for literature lovers. The former residence of Xiong Xiling is hidden in a small alley in the ancient city. It is a building with Miao ethnic style. The residence is a courtyard-style southern ancient wooden and tiled structure, relatively small but exquisite. Through objects and pictures, visitors can learn about Xiong Xiling's brilliant life. He became a Xiucai at the age of 15, a Juren at 16, a Jinshi at 19, a Hanlin at 21, and was elected Premier of the Beiyang government at 43. Xiong Xiling served as an official for decades, promoting education, developing industries, and pursuing reform, with remarkable achievements. This residence witnessed Xiong Xiling's childhood and was the starting point of his legendary life. These former residences of prominent figures not only showcase their life stories and achievements but also carry the profound historical and cultural heritage of Fenghuang Ancient City. When visiting these residences, tourists are not only learning about the stories of these famous figures but also experiencing the unique charm and historical changes of the ancient city.

#favouriteitinerary Xiong Xiling's Former Residence is the home of the famous politician from the Republic of China era, Xiong Xiling. This historical site offers a glimpse into his life and achievements, showcasing his contributions to politics and society. Personal Opinion: In my opinion, Xiong Xiling's Former Residence is a significant cultural and historical landmark. The exhibits provide a comprehensive look at his life and legacy, making it a valuable destination for those interested in the history of the Republic of China and its influential figures.