
Fenghuang is a village surrounded by mountains, located in Hunan Province, south central China. The architecture is traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty. All of the houses along the water are built on stilts, adding to the charm and mystery.
The Tuojiang River flows through the well-preserved, ancient part of the village. The locals row long, wooden boats on the water. Some are traveling to and from different parts of the village for work or shopping; others boats are available to rent, like a gondola in Venice. Waterfalls abound. There are round rock pillars across parts of the river on which people walk from one bank to the other.
The area is home to Miao and Tujia minorities. Their clothing, food, culture, music and traditions are distinct, making a journey to Fenghuang seem like entering another country.
Visiting Fenghuang gives travelers an idea what it was like in all of China before modernization. Better get to China soon! Modernization is a sign of growth and strength and something to which the Chinese government and people aspire. The Fenghuangs of China will not stay this way forever.