Western Hunan, or Xiangxi , is more than just the majestic peaks of Zhangjiajie and the timeworn villages of the Miao people in Fenghuang. Here are some unique and immersive travel experiences that can add a splash of adventure and culture to your trip.
Zhangjiajie: Adventure Meets Nature
🥾 Hike the Mountains Instead of Taking the Cable Car
Yes, Zhangjiajie’s stunning scenery is famous and so are the crowds. But here’s a tip: ditch the cable cars and sightseeing trains, and hike your way up instead. You’ll escape the crowd and soak in the jaw-dropping views in peace — plus, you’ll save on ticket fees.
That said, hiking in Zhangjiajie is no walk in the park. Make sure you know your limits. Only designated shuttle bus stops allow access to transportation mid-hike. You likely won’t be stuck hiking in the dark, but bringing a flashlight is still a smart move — just in case.
♨️ Soak in a Hot Spring After the Hike
After trekking those epic trails, a hot spring session is just what your muscles need. The most well-known is Jiangya Hot Spring Resort (江垭温泉度假村, Jiāngyà Wēnquán Dùjiàcūn), about 2 hours from Zhangjiajie — entrance starts at ¥118 per person. The hot springs are great, though the rooms are a bit dated.
Closer to town, Wanfuhot Spring Resort (万福温泉度假村, Wànfú Wēnquán Dùjiàcūn) on the east side of Cili (慈利) offers numerous pools, including a glass-bottom pool suspended in midair — entry starts at ¥120.
🪂 Bungee Jump from the World’s Highest Glass Bridge
The bungee platform on the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (张家界大峡谷玻璃桥, Zhāngjiājiè Dàxiágǔ Bōlì Qiáo) is a bucket-list thrill. After inspecting the site, AJ Hackett — known as the “Father of Bungee Jumping” — claimed it would surpass his record-holding Macau Tower jump (233 meters). Now open to the public, this sky-high leap costs a steep ¥2998.
🚣♂️ Drift Through the Maoyan River Canyons
From May to October, hop on a drift boat ride down the Maoyan River (茅岩河, Máoyán Hé) from Sangzhi to Zhangjiajie City. The 20km route flows through scenic cliffs and valleys and takes about 1.5 hours. Choose between motorized or self-paddle options (¥199/person).
Image 3: Drifting through canyons on Maoyan River
Though some stretches are rapid, the slope of the riverbed is gentle and the falls aren’t steep — it’s safe and exciting. Along the way, you’ll pass over 20 scenic spots like Wentang Ferry, Suoyingtan, and Yuanyangzhou. The mix of adrenaline and scenery makes for an unforgettable ride.
Read Next: Want more Xiangxi content? Our Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang Guide covers the classic route, and Hidden Ancient Towns in Xiangxi has off-the-beaten-path villages.
Fenghuang: Culture, Markets, and Nightlife
🛍️ Experience a Traditional Ethnic Market (Gan Bianbian Chang)
Locals in Fenghuang host “Bianbian Markets” (边边场, biānbiān chǎng) every five days. During these lively outdoor markets, the streets are packed with vendors — don’t even think about driving through.
The larger markets are held in Shanjiang (山江) and Alaying (阿拉营), where you’ll find people from the Miao, Tujia, and Dong ethnic groups. While much of the goods are now modern, you’ll still spot local grannies in traditional clothes with woven baskets on their backs — a vivid splash of ethnic color.
🏔️ For the Most Authentic Miao Culture, Go Deeper
If you're seeking a real ethnic market experience, visit La 'ershan (腊尔山, Là’ěr Shān) or Heku (禾库, Hékù). La'ershan’s market (held on the 2nd and 7th days of the lunar calendar) attracts Miao people from neighboring provinces like Guizhou and Chongqing — truly a cross-province gathering. En route, you'll pass the awe-inspiring Wuchao River Bridge (乌巢河大桥, Wūcháo Hé Dàqiáo), a 120-meter stone arch built without steel.
Heku is home to the most untouched market, held on the 1st and 6th days of the lunar calendar. You’ll find everything from handmade Miao-style clothes and scarves to silver accessories — usually at far better prices than in Fenghuang Old Town. But beware of imitations: many silver pieces are mixed with copper. If you’re already wearing silver, you can get it cleaned at a market stall for just ¥5.
Don’t miss the street food! Try you baba (油粑粑, fried sticky rice cakes), jiuniang yuanzi (酒酿圆子, sweet rice wine with glutinous rice balls), and local-style rice noodles — all cheap and delicious.
⏰ Best time to visit: 10:00–13:00. Come earlier — after lunch, vendors start packing up.
If you have time, explore the nearby villages and farmlands , where traditional brick houses give a genuine peek into everyday Miao life.
👘 Try on Traditional Miao Clothing
By the Tuo River (沱江, Tuójiāng), locals will offer to rent Miao-style clothing for photos. While the bright red and blue outfits are inspired by Guizhou’s Miao culture, the Miao people in Xiangxi typically wear indigo or black baggy pants and wrap dark blue headscarves. Still, wearing the costume helps you blend in and makes for a fun photo op.
Pro tip: Try bargaining — it’s common to slash the price in half.
🍸 Nightlife: Bars by the Tuo River
After 6 or 7 PM, the bar street near Hong Bridge (虹桥, Hóngqiáo) comes alive. It’s a stark contrast to the quiet old town. Prefer chill vibes? Choose a lounge bar with live acoustic singers. Ready to party? Find a place with a dance floor and DJ. Most bars don’t require a minimum spend, and prices are moderate. Feel free to check the menu and vibe before going in.
🔥 Evening Shows and Bonfire Parties
Every evening in Fenghuang, you’ll find lively Miao-style bonfire parties — song-and-dance shows that include tourist favorites like the “corpse-driving ritual” and “Miao witchcraft.” Tickets cost around ¥40–50 and can be booked on official sites, through hostels, or travel agencies. Shows usually start at 8 PM.
Popular performances include:
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" Phoenix Dance in Miao Land" (凤舞苗疆)
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" Dreaming of Tuo River" (梦幻沱江)
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" Misty Phoenix" (烟雨凤凰)
If you're a fan of Border Town (Biancheng , 边城), don’t miss the open-air theater adaptation. Set in a forest venue, it combines Miao rituals, Nuo opera, and Xilankapu embroidery (西兰卡普) from the Tujia people with modern stage design. It’s a spectacular fusion of tradition and artistry.