Fenghuang is a county in western Hunan, southern China, whose name is written with the same characters as the mythological bird. For a visitor, the practical focus is the Old Town, a compact historic quarter of lanes, walls and riverfront that most people come to see on foot.
The Old Town sits along the river, with the Northern Wall on one side and lanes running between the wall and the water. This guide covers where to base yourself for a visit — the areas that make sense for different kinds of traveller — and what standard of accommodation you can expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Fenghuang
1. Old Town, along Bei Bian Jie
Bei Bian Jie runs between the Northern Wall and the river, and this is where inns are found. Staying here puts you inside the historic quarter itself, among the lanes and the waterfront, rather than in the newer city around it.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be on foot within the Old Town from the moment they arrive. The accommodation is in the form of inns rather than large hotels. Expect lanes and riverside paths rather than wide roads, so plan on walking once you are settled.
2. Old Town, Hui Lung Ge
Hui Lung Ge is another address within the Old Town where guest accommodation is available, in the same historic quarter as Bei Bian Jie.
This suits travellers who want the Old Town atmosphere and are choosing between addresses within it. As with Bei Bian Jie, you are inside the historic lanes, so the practical point is the same: you are based for walking, not for driving to the door.
3. City centre and the roads to the bus stations
Larger hotels catering to tour groups can be found in the city centre and along the roads leading to both bus stations.
This suits travellers arriving or leaving by bus, those on group tours, and anyone who prefers a larger hotel to an inn. The trade-off is that you are outside the Old Town lanes, so you will need to travel in to see the historic quarter.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: inns in the Old Town, including along Bei Bian Jie and in Hui Lung Ge, are the typical lower-cost option.
- Mid-range: the same Old Town inns cover this ground; the choice is about which lane or riverside address you prefer rather than a different class of property.
- Splurge: larger hotels catering to tour groups, found in the city centre and on the roads leading to both bus stations.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the Old Town, along Bei Bian Jie between the Northern Wall and the river. This is where inns are found and it puts you inside the historic quarter you have come to see, with the lanes and the river on your doorstep. For a first visit, being able to walk out into the Old Town outweighs the convenience of the larger hotels out by the bus stations.
Frequently asked questions
Where are inns found in Fenghuang?
Inns can be found in the Old Town along Bei Bian Jie, running between the Northern Wall and the river, and in Hui Lung Ge.
Where are the larger hotels?
Larger hotels catering to tour groups can be found in the city centre and on the roads leading to both bus stations.
Should I stay in the Old Town or near the bus stations?
Choose the Old Town if you want to be among the lanes and the river on foot. Choose the city centre or the bus station roads if you prefer a larger hotel or are arriving and departing by bus.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen with the booking tools on this page.