Hanging Houses of Huilong Tower in Fenghuang Ancient Town, Xiangxi

The Most Representative Ancient Building Cluster in Fenghuang

Nestled along the winding Tuojiang River (Tuojiang) in Fenghuang Ancient Town, Huilongge Stilt House Cluster (Huilong Ge) is the most iconic and well-preserved traditional architectural complex of Western Hunan. As the core landscape and cultural symbol of Fenghuang Ancient Town, the stilt houses stand closely along the riverbank, stretching for thousands of meters. Unlike the magnificent natural landscapes of mountains and rivers, Huilongge carries centuries-old folk heritage and ancient architectural aesthetics. It is the best place to appreciate the original style of Fenghuang old town and experience the unique customs of Xiangxi.

Unique Architecture: Ancient Stilt Houses Built Along Mountains and Rivers

The biggest feature of Huilongge Stilt House Cluster lies in its ingenious architectural layout and unique wooden structure. Built clinging to the steep river slope and facing the clear Tuojiang River, the entire cluster adopts the classic Xiangxi stilt house style. The wooden houses are supported by tall wooden stilts that stand firmly above the river surface and riverbanks, perfectly adapting to the uneven terrain. Layered and staggered buildings rise from the waterfront, forming a three-dimensional and orderly ancient architectural landscape.

Wooden Structure & Riverside Poetry

All buildings in Huilongge are mainly made of local cedar and pine wood, featuring antique black tiles, grey brick walls and carved wooden windows. Exquisitely carved railings, delicate window grilles and ancient wooden corridors fully display the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Xiangxi architecture. Standing on the wooden balcony of the stilt houses, visitors can overlook the rippling Tuojiang River, watch drifting bamboo rafts and enjoy the panoramic view of the ancient town. The integration of ancient buildings, clear river water and green mountains creates a peaceful and poetic ancient Jiangnan-style picture.

Origin of the Name & Local Folk Culture

Huilongge gets its auspicious name from traditional geomantic culture. The winding river and the continuous row of buildings are believed to look like a circling dragon guarding the ancient town, hence the name “Huilongge” (Returning Dragon Pavilion). For hundreds of years, local Miao and Tujia residents have lived and prospered here. The stilt houses are not only residential buildings, but also carriers of Xiangxi folk customs. Old streets, ancient docks, folk handicraft shops and traditional folk customs here completely retain the original life style of ancient border towns.

Four-Season Scenery: Timeless Ancient Town Charm All Year Round

Huilongge Stilt House Cluster presents gentle and varied scenery with the changing seasons. In spring, mist lingers over the Tuojiang River, ancient wooden houses are shrouded in thin fog, soft and ethereal like a ink painting. In summer, green leaves shade the riverbanks, the flowing river brings cool breeze, and the ancient buildings are full of vigorous vitality. In autumn, the sky is clear and bright, with gentle sunlight falling on wooden railings and tile roofs, warm and peaceful. In winter, light frost and occasional mist wrap the ancient buildings, presenting a quiet and profound ancient town temperament far away from worldly noise.

Travel Experience: Walk Through Centuries of Ancient Town Style

Stroll along the riverside plank road of Huilongge, wander among the clustered ancient stilt houses, and feel the vicissitudes of time hidden in every wooden beam and tile. You can lean on the riverfront balcony to watch the river water flowing slowly, listen to the simple folk ballads of Xiangxi, and experience the slow-paced ancient town life. Huilongge Stilt House Cluster gathers the most authentic architecture, customs and scenery of Fenghuang. It is an essential stop to explore the charm of Xiangxi ancient towns and feel the profound traditional Chinese folk culture.