Nestled in the northwestern corner of Hunan Province, Xiangxi Prefecture is a land blessed with pristine natural wonders and vibrant cultural landscapes. Here, where the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups flourish, you can immerse yourself in their distinct linguistic melodies and customs, dress in the traditional attire of the Miao people, admire the age-old beauty of stilted building groups, and dance to the rhythmic tunes of Miao and Tujia music.
Xiangxi
Beyond that, you can step into the Red Stone Forest and marvel at the enigmatic wonders of karst topography, where each rock formation tells a tale of time and nature. As you wander through the ancient streets of Qianzhou Ancient City, you'll sense the whispers of history, echoing through the centuries. Ascend the cliff path of Aizhai Village and admire the awe-inspiring spectacle of soaring Bridge and treacherous Highway, where modern engineering meets the raw power of nature. In Dehang Miao Village, the vibrant beats of the Miao's Drum Dance will give you a warm embrace of authentic culture and unadulterated folk spirit. Or, stand atop the dam of Changtangang Reservoir, a monument to the ingenuity of ancient peoples, and inhale the crisp air, letting your soul bask in the serenity and comfort of this remote paradise.
Xiangxi Prefecture is not just a tourist destination; it is a soulful sanctuary that begs for exploration. Come, join us in this journey through its picturesque landscapes and immerse yourself in the genuine heart of Miao and Tujia cultures. Let the beauty of its mountains and rivers, and the sincerity of its people, touch your soul and leave you longing for more.
Red Stone Forest
Red Stone Forest
Red Stone Forest is located in Guzhang County, approximately 22 kilometers from Furong Town. Belonging to the karst landscape, this kind of Forest is mostly found in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China, where the majority is gray in color. The "red-skinned" Stone Forest in Guzhang, however, is a rare sight. The Red Stone Forest is vibrant in color and gracefully shaped. The most precious feature is that it has maintained a pristine beauty, untouched by human before its discovery. The forest is adorned with canyons, streams, clear springs, lush green lawns resembling woven carpets, and ancient wisteria flowers, all of which complement the beautiful Forest, creating an exquisite and elegant overall landscape, just like a natural botanical garden. All the stones here are covered with a layer of fine patterns, resembling coral reefs.
Red Stone Forest
Even more amazing is that the color of the Red Stone Forest changes with the weather. On sunny days, it appears a deep purple-red, but after a shower, it transforms into a rich brownish red, showing you a special painting. As the sun shines again after rain, countless stone peaks magically transform from brownish red to purple-red at the edges, changing constantly in an instant, leaving you in awe.
Travel Information
Location: Hongshilin Town, Guzhang County, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture
Open hours: 8:00am--17:00pm
Recommended visiting hours: 2 Hours
Admission: RMB 120
Qianzhou Ancient City
Qianzhou Ancient City
When it comes to Xiangxi, many people only know about Fenghuang Ancient Town, unaware of Qianzhou Ancient City. Qianzhou Ancient City is located on the banks of the Wanrong River, south of Jishou City in Xiangxi. Many years ago, it was the political, economic, military, and cultural center of Xiangxi, witnessing the fascinating history of the region. Qianzhou Ancient City was once part of the Barbarian lands, where indigenous peoples thrived during the Xia and Shang dynasties. With convenient water transportation, it became an important merchant port in Xiangxi, enjoying prosperity for a time.
Qianzhou Ancient City
The most famous attraction in Qianzhou Ancient City is the Moon City, standing majestically by the Wanrong River. Not only is it visually stunning, but its unique design with three gates also makes it a rare masterpiece in the history of ancient Chinese city architecture. The Moon City has a central main tower, flanked by two smaller towers on either side, forming a "品" shape. Today, as you walk along the cobblestone paths within the city, you'll find a mix of new and old structures. Some are residential houses, others bookstores, coexisting harmoniously with cultural temples and old buildings. As you traverse the city and emerge at the other end, you'll see the original city gate tower overlooking the Wanrong River beyond. The intricate streets and alleys within the ancient city seem like winding rivers, leading you to unknown horizons. Come to Qianzhou Ancient City, listen to the ancient and captivating historical tales, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of Xiangxi.
Moon City: semi circular enclosure between outer and inner city gates
Travel Information
Location: Renmin South Road, Jishou City, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture
Open hours: 8:00am--21:00pm (last entry at 20:30pm )
Recommended visiting hours: 2-3 Hours
Admission:
Free for entrance ticket
RMB 39 for boat cruise
Aizhai Village
Aizhai Village, with towering mountains, deep valleys, steep cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, enjoys magnificent yet exquisite scenery such as the Aizhai Bridge and Aizhai Highway, creating a comprehensive cultural tourism destination that offers both sightseeing experiences and scientific learning.
Aizhai Bridge
Within Aizhai Village stands a colossal bridge spanning the Dehang Grand Canyon, commonly known as the "Aizhai Bridge", the first suspension bridge in Asia. As the sun sets and the evening glow bathes the bridge, it is draped in a golden hue, resembling a heavenly path that ignites endless imagination. Beyond the bridge, there is a winding cliff path constructed on the Grand Canyon. Standing some four to five hundred meters above the valley floor and spanning 1.6 kilometers, it offers the best vantage point to take in the breathtaking views of the valley and the Aizhai Bridge.
Aizhai Highway
As you traverse the cliff path, the surrounding mountains, the villages below, and the distant fields gradually shrink in your vision, unfolding into a magnificent painting beneath the vast sky. At the bottom lies the Aizhai Village. The road that winds up the mountainside of Aizhai is known as "China's Most Dangerous Highway." Constructed in the 1930s, it served as the only passage to Chongqing and Sichuan during the Anti-Japanese War. This six-kilometer-long mountain road was built on steep cliffs with a vertical height difference of nearly 500 meters, featuring 13 sharp turns and 26 nearly parallel sections. At the end of the path, you can admire the treacherous Aizhai Highway and marvel at the masterpiece of human wisdom - the Aizhai Bridge. Together, they form a remarkable valley spectacle where humanity and nature coexist.
In Aizhai Village, whether it's the natural scenery or the cultural wonders, they all embody the changes and permanence of time. With every step you take on this land, you can feel the vitality of the mountains and the pulse of life, as if you have merged into the embrace of nature.
Travel Information
Location: Jishou City, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture
Open hours: 8:30am--17:30pm
Recommended visiting hours: 1 Day
Admission:
RMB 78 for cliff path
RMB 115 for Aizhai Bridge
Dehang Miao Village & Dehang Fantasy Realm
Dehang Miao Village
"Dehang" is a Miao language term that means "beautiful canyon". After generations of migrations, the Miao people have nurtured their unique traditional culture deep within the mountains. The architecture, costumes, songs, and dances here all retain a strong Miao flavor. The ancient stilted building groups and exquisite Miao silver ornaments are vivid embodiments of the historical and cultural heritage of Dehang Miao Village. Surrounded by lush mountains and gurgling streams, the natural scenery of Dehang is like a captivating painting that lures you to linger. The misty morning, the afternoon sun, and the evening glow all add a layer of mystery and romance to Dehang Miao Village.
Dehang Miao Village
In Dehang Miao Village, you can witness the fascinating Miao's Drum Dance, a distinctive performance that embodies their love for life and gratitude for nature. Walking through the ancient alleys filled with historical charm, you'll find traditional Miao houses and shops on both sides, showcasing the unique handicrafts and delicacies of the Miao people. As night falls, Dehang Miao Village hosts lively bonfire parties, where you can gather around the fire, singing and dancing with the local Miao people, immersing yourself in the strong ethnic atmosphere. As the landmark attraction of Dehang, Dehang Grand Canyon captivates numerous visitors with its precipitous terrain and breathtaking natural beauty. Walking along the trail, you can admire the spectacular valley scenery and feel the amazing charm of nature.
Dehang Fantasy Realm
The most distinctive attraction is the performance at Dehang Fantasy Realm. Taking the basalt cliffs as its sky curtain and the traditional Miao village buildings as its stage, it breaks the boundaries of the traditional stage through a small theater, changing the scenery as you walk. Set against the historical backdrop of the Anti-Japanese War in Xiangxi, it showcases the vivid daily life of the Miao people. Here, you are both an audience and a participant. You can choose to enjoy authentic local delicacies in the pub, feeling the courage and tragedy of people in the wartime, or wander through the dwellings, experiencing a joyful banquet that transcends time and space. Under the poetic narration and the immersive storytelling, you become a part of it, feeling a heart-touching awe brought by the dreamlike experience.
Dehang Miao Village, a sparkling gem in the Xiangxi region, attracts countless tourists with its unique Miao culture and natural scenery. Begin your journey to Dehang Miao Village, explore the hidden Miao history and culture amidst the mountains and rivers.
Travel Information
Location: Huayuan County, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture
Open hours:
9:00am--17:30pm (Dehang Canyon scenic spot)
Performance begins from 19:50pm (Dehang Fantasy Realm)
Recommended visiting hours: 1 Day
Admission:
RMB 208 for Dehang Fantasy Realm
RMB 80 for Dehang Grand Canyon
Changtangang Reservoir
Changtangang Reservoir
The Changtangang Reservoir, located upstream of the Tuojiang River, was built in 1988 and took ten years to complete. It is a medium-sized water conservancy project primarily designed for flood control, with additional benefits in power generation, irrigation, water supply, and tourism. Sitting just 10 kilometers away from Fenghuang County, it serves as the leading reservoir in the Tuojiang River Basin. Standing atop the Changtangang Reservoir Dam, the vast water surface stretches before your eyes, its color as green as jade, complementing the surrounding verdant mountains and lush trees. The rolling hills, cloaked in deep green and enveloped in wispy clouds, are accompanied by the occasional fishing songs, creating a sense as if you are immersed in a landscape painting. Here, you can see the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, as well as admire the wisdom of ancient people's diligent efforts. A leisurely stroll along the reservoir's edge, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the melodies of birds and water, offers you a rare feeling of tranquility and comfort.
arched stone bridge
Not far from the reservoir, there stands an arched stone bridge. This bridge, along with the river beneath it, the rolling hills, and the rural cottages, forms a beautiful pastoral landscape. Many tourists enjoy posing for photos on this bridge, dressed in traditional green attire and holding an oil-paper umbrella. Due to the temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, a thin mist often forms on the river surface, adding an ethereal touch to the already serene scenery. It's as if you've entered a fairyland, where your soul is relaxed and purified. Whether you're a lover of natural beauty or a seeker of history and culture, Changtangang Reservoir promises to deliver a memorable travel experience.
Travel Information
Location: Fenghuang County, Hunan Province
Open hours: with access all day
Recommended visiting hours: 1-2 Hours
Admission: Free of Charge
How to Get to these Attractions
>>>Redstone Forest -- Furong Ancient Town
22km, 42 Minutes' car ride
>>>Furong Ancient Town -- Qianzhou Ancient City
86km, 1.5 Hours' car ride
>>>Qianzhou Ancient City -- Aizhai Village, Dehang Miao Village
22km, 34 Minutes' car ride
>>>Qianzhou Ancient City -- Fenghuang Ancient Town
46km, 52 Minutes' car ride
>>>Fenghuang Ancient Town -- Changtangang Reservoir
12km, 25 Minutes' car ride
>>>Fenghuang Ancient Town Railway Station -- Fenghuang Ancient Town
10km, 20 Minutes' car ride
We have also prepared a Travel Map for you so that you can better get to these attractions~
