Xiangxi Attractions

Characterized by spectacular landscapes, charming natural scenery and diverse ethnic customs, Xiangxi is an impressive region to visit. Fenghuang Ancient Town, known as one of "the most beautiful towns in China", is a place renowned for its natural beauty, long history, colorful ethnic culture and charming night scene. Furong Town is the door of Mengdong River waterway tour and the south gate of Mengdong River scenic spot. Furong Town is originally named Wangcun. The famous movie Furong Town acted by Liu Xianqing and Jiang Wen, the famous actress and actor in China is shot here. The Aizhai Bridge(矮寨大桥) is a suspension bridge on the G65 Baotou–Maoming Expressway near Jishou City, Hunan. The bridge was built as part of an expressway from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to Changsha. The bridge is famous for the spectacular view it offers those crossing it. As of 2013, it is the thirteenth-highest bridge in the world and the world's nineteenth-longest suspension bridge. In September 2012, the Aizhai Bridge was the site of an international BASE jumping festival that included more than 40 jumpers from 13 countries. Qianzhou Ancient Town is located in Jishou City in central China’s Hunan Province. Its history can be traced back 4,200 years ago when the original inhabitants lived here. Since the Qin dynasty (221BC-206BC), it has become an important port connecting the inland areas and Miao ethnic minorities. If you are interested in the architecture culture of Tujia and Miao, Fenghuang Ancient Town is your best choice. It is difficult to list all attractions in Xiangxi one by one. If you want to know detailed information about attractions in Xiangxi, you can see the introduction of attractions in the following. Of course, you can contact us for more detailed information. Therefore, come here, we can always find the right attractions for you according to your requirements. In fact, when you choose to go to Hunan, what you meet will be a dreamy trip.

Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (湘西土家族苗族自治州) is located in the northwest of Hunan Province, deep in the Wuling Mountains. It is one of China's most distinctive ethnic cultural tourism destinations, combining ancient towns, mountain landscapes, ethnic traditions, geological wonders and revolutionary heritage.

Known as a land of “mysterious Xiangxi,” the region preserves rich Tujia and Miao cultural traditions, including Tujia brocade, Miao silver ornaments and traditional folk songs. It is home to two national 5A tourist attractions: Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城) and Aizhai·Shibadong·Dehang Grand Canyon Scenic Area (矮寨·十八洞·德夯大峡谷景区). Xiangxi also contains the World Cultural Heritage Site of Laosicheng (老司城), one of the most important remains of the ancient Tusi system.

By the end of 2024, Xiangxi had 41 A-level tourist attractions, including 2 national 5A attractions, 14 national 4A attractions and 25 national 3A attractions. The region is especially suitable for travelers interested in ancient towns, ethnic culture, hiking, photography and immersive cultural experiences.

Top Xiangxi Tourist Attractions Ranking

Xiangxi Main Tourist Attractions List (Chinese-English Reference)

Detailed Xiangxi Tourism Highlights

Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城)

Fenghuang Ancient Town is the most famous tourism symbol of Xiangxi and one of China's best-preserved ancient towns. Built along the Tuojiang River (沱江), it features traditional wooden stilt houses, stone streets, ancient bridges and historic residences. The town is closely associated with writer Shen Congwen (沈从文) and his famous novel Border Town (《边城》).

During the daytime, visitors can explore ancient streets, museums and traditional shops, while nighttime offers a completely different atmosphere with illuminated riverside buildings reflected on the water. A boat ride on the Tuojiang River and a walk through the ancient alleys are essential experiences.

Aizhai·Shibadong·Dehang Grand Canyon Scenic Area (矮寨·十八洞·德夯大峡谷景区)

This 5A scenic area combines three major Xiangxi tourism themes: engineering achievements, ethnic culture and natural landscapes. Aizhai Bridge (矮寨大桥) is one of the world's famous suspension bridges and an impressive example of modern engineering. Dehang Grand Canyon (德夯大峡谷) features dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and mountain scenery, while Shibadong Village (十八洞村) is known as the birthplace of the “Targeted Poverty Alleviation” concept.

The area provides visitors with a comprehensive Xiangxi experience combining Miao culture, mountain scenery and contemporary rural development.

Furong Town (芙蓉镇)

Furong Town is often called the “town hanging above a waterfall.” The ancient settlement sits beside a massive waterfall, creating one of the most unique town landscapes in Hunan. Originally an important Tujia trading settlement, it preserves traditional architecture, stone streets and ethnic customs.

The town is especially beautiful in the evening when lights illuminate the waterfall and wooden buildings, making it one of the best night tourism destinations in Xiangxi.

Laosicheng (老司城)

Laosicheng is an important historical site representing the ancient Tusi system, which governed ethnic minority regions for centuries. As a World Cultural Heritage Site, it provides valuable insight into the political, cultural and architectural traditions of southwestern China's ethnic regions.

Red Stone Forest (红石林)

Red Stone Forest in Guzhang County is a rare geological landscape formed from red carbonate rocks dating back to the Cambrian period. The rocks change appearance under different weather and lighting conditions, creating a landscape unlike ordinary stone forests. It is one of Xiangxi's most distinctive natural attractions.

Liye Ancient Town (里耶古城)

Liye Ancient Town became internationally known after the discovery of tens of thousands of Qin Dynasty bamboo slips. These archaeological discoveries provided important information about administration, society and daily life during the Qin period. The ancient town combines historical research value with traditional riverside scenery.