Fenghuang Ancient Town is located in the southwest of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. It is a nationally recognized historic town and was praised by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley as "the most beautiful small town in China." Founded in 1704 during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Fenghuang has over 300 years of history. Today, it is a National AAAAA Scenic Area, celebrated for its rich Miao and Tujia ethnic culture, well-preserved Ming- and Qing-era architecture, and the poetic atmosphere made famous by Shen Congwen's literary classic Border Town. Built along the Tuo River, the town features traditional stilted houses, ancient docks, stone-paved streets, and lush green mountains reflected in the water - creating a living landscape painting that feels timeless and serene.