🚗 Transportation: Take the high-speed train to the station, then use the Ancient Town Shuttle Bus (taxis are hard to find, and there is no Didi service) for 7 CNY (approximately $1 USD) per person. Get off at Line 1 [Fenghuang Nanhuali] (凤凰南华里), where you can have a meal before heading into the town (restaurant recommendations below). Inside the ancient town, restaurants tend to be expensive with mediocre food.

✅ Sightseeing Route: Essential Phoenix Ancient Town Tour Fenghuang Nanhuali (凤凰南华里) → Fenghuang Cultural Plaza (凤凰文化广场) → Tuojiang Jumping Rock (沱江跳岩) → Tianjia Ancestral Hall (田家祠堂) → Dongguan Gate (东关门) → Wanshou Palace (万寿宫) → Wannian Pagoda (万名塔) → Wind Bridge (风桥) → Zhunti Temple (准提庵) → Hong Bridge (虹桥) → Fenghuang Ancient Town Shengheng Gate (凤凰古城升恒门) → Shen Congwen Former Residence (沈从文故居) → Xiong Xiling Former Residence (熊希龄故居)

This route covers the middle and lower reaches of the Tuojiang River in Phoenix and nearby attractions, featuring famous residences, historical sites, and natural scenery. It’s a streamlined tour without backtracking! The entire route takes about 6-7 hours and can be split over two days.

🍛 Food Recommendations: 1️⃣ Main Meals at Fenghuang Nanhuali (凤凰南华里):

1. Old Taste Restaurant (老味道): Average 66 CNY (approximately $9 USD) per person. An authentic Hunan restaurant with delicious and affordable dishes. Portions are generous, and the stone pot fish hotpot is particularly tasty. Comfortable environment.
2. Three Meals Four Seasons Snack House (三餐四季小食院): Average 58 CNY (approximately $8 USD) per person. A cozy snack house serving a mix of Western food and desserts. The spicy beef pot is a must-try.
3. Qianxiang Kaili Sour Soup Fish (黔香凯里酸汤鱼): Average 50 CNY (approximately $7 USD) per person. Opt for the group purchase package for better value. The sour soup fish is plentiful and appetizing, with a very fresh taste.

2️⃣ Phoenix Snacks:

1. Cui Cui Miao Pancake (翠翠苗饼): Average 12 CNY (approximately $2 USD) per person. Crispy and fragrant, a must-try with a unique flavor.
2. Huang Shifu BBQ (黄师傅烧烤): Average 65 CNY (approximately $9 USD) per person. A famous BBQ spot known for its tasty and affordable shrimp and fresh grilled meat. Friendly staff.
3. Rice Tofu (米豆腐): Average 3 CNY (approximately $0.5 USD) per person. Street vendors sell this snack with delicious chili sauce.
4. Full Shrimp Cake (满食虾饼): Average 9 CNY (approximately $1.3 USD) per person. Freshly pressed shrimp cakes, best eaten hot.

📷 Photography: Many visitors enjoy renting clothes for photoshoots. Phoenix Ancient Town has many photo studios, so I won't recommend specific ones. Prices and quality vary, so check their sample photos and compare.

❌ Avoid These:

1. Book Accommodation in Advance: Contact the owner for pickup. The ancient town's stone roads are difficult to navigate with luggage.
2. Avoid Buying Handcrafted Ice Cream or Drinks: These are expensive and often not tasty.
3. Skip Meals Inside the Ancient Town: They are overpriced and not particularly good.
4. Beware of Silver Jewelry from Street Vendors: It’s not real silver, but the designs are pretty if you like them.

Estimated Costs for the Trip:

• Accommodation: $200 for 3 nights
• Food: $60 for 3 days
• Transportation: $20
• Attraction Tickets: $50

Total Estimated Cost: $330 USD Note: Costs can vary based on meal and accommodation choices and travel timing.