Jishou Qianzhou Ancient City Guide

Here is a summer-specific travel guide for Qianzhou Ancient City in Jishou, Western Hunan, combining transportation, attractions, food, and unique experiences to help you deeply feel this "underrated lively ancient city"! --- **📅 Recommended Itinerary: 2 Days 1 Night Highlights Tour** **Day 1: Immerse in the Ancient City's Lively Atmosphere** - **Morning** - **Transportation**: After arriving at Jishou East Station, take a taxi for 20 minutes (about 15 RMB) or take the tourist bus line 18 directly to Qianzhou Ancient City (25-minute ride, ticket price 2 RMB). - **Key Attractions**: - **Hujia Pond**: A lotus pond surrounded by Ming and Qing dynasty ancient residences, with blooming lotus flowers in summer. Wearing Hanfu or Miao ethnic costumes for photos is stunning (rental 50-60 RMB/set including makeup and hair). - **Sanmenkai**: The iconic ancient city gate with three arches, a rare structure combining defense and water access functions. Climb the city wall to overlook the panoramic view of Wanrong River. - **Afternoon** - **Famous Residences**: Luo Rongguang’s former residence (a famous general of the Xiang Army) and Jian Bozan’s residence (historian), with displays of old items and reenactments inside. - **Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience**: Visit silver jewelry, Miao painting, and batik workshops, and DIY a Miao embroidered handkerchief (cost 30-80 RMB). - **Evening** - **Wanrong River Painted Boat Night Tour** (19:30-21:00): Cruise on Wanrong River and enjoy the reflections of lights on both banks (ticket 58 RMB, summer discount price 39 RMB). - **Food Highlights**: - **Qianzhou Chicken Shop**: Signature dry pot chicken (arrive before 9 PM). - **Night Market Snacks**: Rice tofu, corn cake, pickled radish, filling for about 20 RMB per person. **Day 2: Canyon Wonders Combined Tour** - **Morning Visit to Aizhai Bridge** (40 minutes by car from the ancient city): - **Transportation**: Taxi from the ancient city to Aizhai Bridge about 40 RMB, or take bus lines Special 1/Special 3 (first bus at 8:30). - **Must-Do**: - **Aizhai Bridge Viewing Platform**: Overlook the "world’s highest suspension bridge" spanning a 355-meter deep canyon. - **Glass Walkway**: Walk suspended in the air; daredevils can try bungee jumping (extra charge). - **Afternoon Return**: - **Buy Local Specialties**: Hexi fragrant vinegar, Qianzhou smoked duck (available in shops inside the ancient city). --- **🍜 Must-Try Food List** | **Category** | **Recommended Dishes** | **Shop/Location** | **Per Person** | |----------------|-----------------------|------------------------|----------| | **Main Meals** | Qianzhou Dry Pot Chicken | Qianzhou Chicken Shop (inside ancient city) | 50 RMB | | | Western Hunan Cured Meat, Blood Duck | Old Village Chief Local Cuisine | 40 RMB | | **Snacks** | Wulong Mountain Teppanyaki | Ancient City Snack Street | 25 RMB | | | Washed Sand Mooncakes, Fried Glutinous Rice Cakes | Stalls around Hujia Pond | 10 RMB | | **Drinks** | Glutinous Rice Wine | Ancient City Brewery | 15 RMB | --- **🏠 Accommodation and Practical Tips** 1. **Recommended Accommodation**: - **Riverside Beautiful Stay**: By Wanrong River, river view from the window, summer price 200-300 RMB/night (book 3 days in advance). - **Licheng Courtyard**: Boutique guesthouse blending Tujia style, includes breakfast. 2. **Money-Saving Tips**: - The ancient city has **free admission**, only secondary consumption items charge fees (painted boat, intangible heritage shows, etc.). - Purchase the "Wanrong River Painted Boat + Intangible Heritage Show" combo ticket to enjoy a free cultural creative ice cream exchange. 3. **Summer Tips**: - Western Hunan has frequent summer showers; bring a lightweight raincoat and sun-protective jacket (large indoor-outdoor temperature difference). - Best visiting times: 8:00-10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to avoid midday heat. --- **📸 Photography and Experience Highlights** - **Photo Spots**: - Lotus pond at Hujia Pond, Sanmenkai city tower night view, Wanrong River Tiaoyan Wharf. - **Exclusive Activities**: - **Qianzhou Intangible Heritage Show** (daily at 14:30/20:00): Miao drum dance, walking on steel knives, bride’s lament song performances (ticket 88 RMB, summer price 38 RMB). --- **Estimated Total Cost**: Accommodation 250 RMB + Food 120 RMB + Transportation 50 RMB + Experience Fees 150 RMB ≈ 570 RMB/2 days > This summer, in the paddle sounds and lantern lights of Qianzhou Ancient City, live a dream of everyday life’s warmth.