Next, board a cruise on the You River, where you’ll glide past cliffside Tujia dwellings and lush green riverbanks, witnessing the seamless blend of the town’s architecture with its natural surroundings. After the cruise, savour a hearty Tujia-style lunch, featuring local specialities like braised pork and sour fish, to experience authentic Hunan flavours. Post-lunch, a 1.5-hour drive leads to Fenghuang Ancient Town, hailed as China’s "Most Beautiful Small Town" for its poetic riverside setting and rich cultural heritage. Your guide will accompany you to explore Shen Congwen’s former residence—the former home of the renowned Chinese writer, showcasing his life and works amid traditional wooden architecture.

Visit the Yang Family Ancestral Hall, a well-preserved example of Miao ethnic architecture with intricate carvings and historical relics, then stroll across the historic Hongqiao—a centuries-old stone bridge that serves as a landmark and offers stunning views of the Tuojiang River. Throughout the tour, your guide will share stories behind each landmark and answer any questions you may have at any time. Embark on a distinct cruise along the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang, different from the You River cruise in its focus on well-preserved stilted house clusters and vibrant local life along the riverbanks. As night falls, the town lights up with warm lanterns that cast glittering reflections on the water, creating a magical, fairy-tale ambiance unique to Fenghuang. At the end of the tour, your guide and driver will safely transport you back to your Zhangjiajie hotel, wrapping up an unforgettable journey filled with cultural discoveries and natural beauty.