The Ancient Phoenix Town – A 1,300-Year-Old Gem in China

The Ancient Phoenix Town, nestled in the Phuong Hoang district of Hubei province, China, is a living testament to over a millennium of history and culture. Built along the banks of the Yangtze River more than 1,000 years ago, it stands as one of the most captivating cultural and historical relics in the land of the Great Wall.

In stark contrast to the relentless development of Hubei province, this small town seems to have remained in a slumber for 1,300 years. The astute judgment of ancient settlers in choosing this land for settlement has left an indelible legacy for today. The ancient houses nestled against the mountains and overlooking the Yangtze River paint a picturesque landscape, making the Ancient Phoenix Town a destination coveted by all.

Established in 686 during the Tang Dynasty, the Ancient Phoenix Town became a hub of culture, politics, and military activity in the Ming-Qing era (1368-1644), with the majority of its residents being soldiers brought to the town to quell uprisings by the Miao people. The southern city wall, constructed during the Ming dynasty (1573-1620), stands to this day as a historical testament to this period. However, the quintessential architecture of the Ancient Phoenix Town, characterized by its Hui and Miao ethnic influences, was developed and perfected during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911): Its intricate tiled roofs, meandering alleyways, and towering wooden houses on 5-7 meter stilts, overlooking the crystal-clear Yangtze River, form a timeless vista.

Along the Yangtze River, spanning a mere 5 kilometers, lies an array of bridges – wooden, stone, but perhaps most notably, the graceful Hongqiao Bridge, with its unique canopy design inspired by the phoenix. Standing on one side of the bridge and gazing across, one can glimpse the Ancient Phoenix Town in the distance, with its inviting alleyways, moss-covered houses sporting traditional tiled roofs, and imposing roof sculptures exuding grandeur. Stepping into this 1,300-year-old town, visitors may feel as though they've stepped into a fairy tale.

The gentle flow of the Yangtze River through the town is shallow, with its bed adorned with algae and moss, lending the water a verdant hue. Viewed from above, the Yangtze resembles a strip of azure silk winding through the ancient streets, its banks connected by charming, delicate wooden bridges.

Exploring the ancient city, one can easily witness the daily life of the locals here. Alongside the unique customs of the Miao people, the flowing waters of the Yangtze River have turned the ancient town into a fascinating tourist attraction, drawing in numerous visitors.

According to history, initially, the Phoenix was just a small ancient city located on one side of the riverbank. Over time, people began to inhabit both sides of the river, making the riverbank a distinctive feature of the Phoenix Ancient Town. Here, you can witness the bustling life of the people on both sides of the river. Although the locals here have private bathrooms, washing machines, and dryers in their homes, they still maintain the habit of washing clothes, bathing, preparing food, and washing fruits and vegetables before cooking. And it seems that bathing in the river every morning or evening has become a familiar ritual for the locals here.

Along the green stone-paved path, shops selling traditional local products line the streets: From Han wine cellars to Miao silver jewelry and charming Tho Gia lanterns... the sellers and buyers bustle around.

As night falls, the scenery of Phoenix Ancient Town becomes even more enchanting, like a multi-colored painting, like a fiery Phoenix bathing in the poetic and serene waters of the Yangtze River. The river winding through the old quarter reflects the lanterns and the entire river section glows brightly with lights. Hongqiao, the most beautiful ancient bridge, is splendidly adorned. Candle lanterns are sold along the river. Dreamy floating candle flowers...

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - By: TTVN