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My name is Guo Yurong, I am 22 years old and from Changde, Hunan. My current research direction is English translation. I enjoy singing and dancing in my spare time. I am honored to participate in this class. I hope I can learn more knowledge about traditional Chinese culture and improve my translation skills.

Final Exam Paper

Fenghuang Ancient Town

Geographical Overview

Fenghuang Ancient Town is located in Fenghuang County, in the southwest of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. Situated at the heart of the border area connecting Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, it covers a total area of approximately 10 square kilometers, with a core urban area of 1.8 square kilometers. It is one of the most completely preserved and uniquely styled ethnic minority ancient towns in Southwest China. Its name, “Fenghuang”(Phoenix), originates from its geographical resemblance to a soaring phoenix. Historically, during the Ming Dynasty, a military camp named “Fenghuangying”(Phoenix Camp) was established here at Fenghuang Mountain. The Qing Dynasty later changed it to “Fenghuangting”(Phoenix Sub-prefecture), leading to the name Fenghuang Ancient Town that persists today. Fenghuang Ancient Town has been a major transportation hub and commercial center in Southwest China since ancient times. Its unique location combines the cultural charm of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing.. Walking through its streets, one encounters the vibrant atmosphere of multi-ethnic integration. The terrain is predominantly mountainous and hilly, with higher elevations in the northwest and lower in the southeast, creating a protective ring of mountains around the town. The average altitude is about 500 meters. A subtropical monsoon humid climate contributes to a mild, moist, and livable environment throughout the four seasons. As a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction and a Famous Chinese Historical and Cultural City, it holds the poetic title of “China’s Most Beautiful Small Town” while also exuding a rich sense of everyday life. Its layout follows the natural landscape of the Tuo River, where the folk customs of the Miao and Tujia ethnic groups blend deeply with the architectural charm of Han Chinese structures.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

The history of Fenghuang Ancient Town can be traced back to the pre-Qin era, evolving through the Han, Three Kingdoms, Ming, and Qing dynasties. From the Ming Dynasty military camp “Fenghuangying” to a Qing Dynasty commercial hub, to today’s cultural tourism landmark, centuries of development are embedded within every brick and tile. Founded in the 35th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1556 AD), the ancient town has undergone over 500 years of change while still retaining its complete traditional Ming and Qing layout and character. The famous “Nine Scenic Spots of Fenghuang Ancient Town” includes the ancient buildings of East Gate Tower, Tuo River Boating, Hongqiao, Chongde Hall, Fenghuang Ancient Town Museum , Yang Family Ancestral Hall, Shen Congwen’s Former Residence, Xiong Xiling’s Former Residence and Wanshou Palace, reflecting the vicissitudes of time.

The emergence of the renowned writer and historian Shen Congwen brought Fenghuang Ancient Town fame not only nationwide but also worldwide. The architectural design of “Shen Congwen’s Former Residence” is a typical example of a Xiangxi-style Ming and Qing quadrangle courtyard. Built in the 5th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1866), Shen Congwen spent his childhood and teenage years here. The landscape, customs, and daily life of Fenghuang profoundly influenced his writing, becoming a vital source for his literary world. As a cultural site, the residence maintains a simple, unadorned layout, preserving original wooden lattice windows, grey-tiled roofs, white walls, and courtyard patios. Exhibits inside include photographs of Shen Congwen’s life, original manuscripts, published editions of his works, and some personal items like his desk and inkstone. Detailed introductions are provided for his representative works such as “Border Town”, “Random Sketches on a Trip to Hunan” and “Long River” showcasing the poetic beauty and humanistic concern of the Xiangxi world depicted in his writings. The Fenghuang of the rainy season resembles the town described in Shen Congwen’s “Border Town”: “Waiting for a city’s misty rain, to ferry a lifetime’s destined love.” It leaves an impression of stunning scenery: crystal-clear rivers, melodious bird songs, the white pagoda standing at the foot of the mountain, elegant ancient stilted houses, and a few small boats floating peacefully on the calm river surface. His quote, “In my life, I have crossed many bridges, seen many clouds, and drunk many kinds of wine, but I have loved only one person who was at her best age.” has endeared many to Shen Congwen, and through his “Border Town” to Fenghuang Ancient Town itself.

Architectural Features and Cultural Landscapes

The architecture of Fenghuang Ancient Town represents a perfect harmony between landscape and human culture, blending the styles of the Miao, Tujia, and Han ethnic groups, with thoughtful design evident in every scene. The Tuo River is the soul of the ancient town. Originating from Fanjing Mountain in Guizhou, this river flows through the town, dividing it into north and south banks, sketching a breathtaking picture of “mountains embracing waters”. “Tuo” in the Miao language means snake, and “Tuo River” refers to its winding, snake-like course. The Tuo River is the mother river of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Morning mist lingering over its waters, one feels as if drifting through the poetic charm of Fenghuang, a paradise on earth. This is Shen Congwen’s hometown and it was along the Tuo River that he once sailed by boat to pursue his studies elsewhere. The “Border Town” in his writings is even more picturesque. The Tuo River is most tranquil in the early morning, with a faint mist hovering over the surface and morning light scattering golden sparkles on the water. Local residents slowly paddle small wooden boats; the soft sound of oars blending with distant Miao folk songs instantly washes away travel fatigue, embodying serenity. Tired from walking, one can find a teahouse by the river, order a cup of local Maojian tea, watch pedestrians crossing the river via stepping stones (Tiaoyan), feel the gentle breeze, and relax completely. The Tuo River in the evening possesses even more charm, as the setting sun dyes the water orange, creating a stunning night view.

The stilted houses (Diaojiaolou) are iconic structures. Rows upon rows line both banks of the Tuo River. Thousands of these wooden buildings cling to the mountainsides and overhang the water, built on stilts. The elevated ground floor provides storage and protection against dampness, while the upper floors feature exquisitely carved doors and windows with vivid patterns of flowers, birds, dragons, and phoenixes, showcasing both practicality and aesthetic appeal, a testament to the architectural wisdom of the ethnic minorities. Riverside stilted house guesthouses offer panoramic views of the Tuo River right from the window. Sitting on a wicker chair on the balcony in the afternoon, sipping tea, watching people pass by, and listening to vendors’ calls, time seems to slow down. Most of these stilted houses were built during the Ming and Qing periods and have been well-preserved through centuries, thanks to their unique wooden structures and careful maintenance by generations of residents.

The ancient stone bridges are another distinctive feature. Over 30 Ming and Qing stone arch bridges span the Tuo River, among which the Hongqiao is the most representative. This 112-meter-long covered bridge (Fengyuqiao) from the Ming Dynasty is paved with bluestone slabs. Its wooden corridors and pavilions on both sides are adorned with exquisite carvings, and the pillars feature vivid folk motifs. Benches under the corridors are often occupied by elderly locals chatting and enjoying the cool air, full of the atmosphere of everyday life.

Folk Culture and Regional Characteristics

As a multi-ethnic settlement, the ancient town boasts rich and diverse folk cultures. The Miao Drum Dance is a highly representative local art form. Dancers clad in splendid Miao’s dress move with vigorous, lively steps to powerful drumbeats, demonstrating strength and beauty while conveying the enthusiasm and vitality of the Miao people. The Tujia Hand-Waving Dance (Baishouwu) is also unique, with dancers forming a circle, coordinating hand and foot movements with large, simple, and earnest gestures that depict labor scenes and daily life. Furthermore, the town preserves traditional wedding customs like “Crying Marriage”(Kujia), where the bride, before departing, sings instead of cries to express her reluctance to leave her family, with touching, sorrowful melodies.

Fenghuang Ancient Town has a long history of traditional handicrafts, notably exquisite silverware making. Local silversmiths employ techniques like chasing, openwork, and filigree to create beautifully shaped silver ornaments such as crowns, necklaces, and bracelets. Patterns often feature dragons, phoenixes, flowers, birds, fish, and insects, symbolizing good fortune. Tie-dye (Zaran) craftsmanship is equally outstanding. Through unique tying and dyeing methods, naturally gradient patterns form on the fabric, with antique and elegant colors. The resulting clothing and headscarves possess distinct ethnic flair. Hand embroidery is also notable for its delicate needlework and bright colors, commonly used to decorate clothing and household items.

Moreover, the local cuisine is distinctive. Signature dishes are a must-try: “Blood Cake Duck” (Xueba Ya) features tender local duck stewed to perfection with glutinous rice blood cakes that are chewy and flavorful, paired with local chili peppers offering moderate spiciness and rich taste—truly memorable. “Fenghuang Cured Meat” (Fenghuang Larou) has firm texture, rich smoky aroma, and a savory taste when steamed and sliced, full of a flavor of home. “Sour Soup Fish” (Suan Tang Yu) uses fresh fish from the Tuo River, paired with a special Miao sour soup. The sour taste is mellow and the fish meat is fresh and tender. A sip of sour soup brings warmth to the heart, satisfying the taste buds Ang embodying the lifestyle of Xiangxi people.

Fenghuang Ancient Town is a mysterious historical and cultural city bearing a wealth of historical and cultural heritage and unique ethnic customs. Here, one can appreciate the distinctive charm of the Xiangxi region and experience its multi-ethnic integrated culture. Whether strolling along the riverbank or wandering through ancient lanes, one can feel a sense of tranquility and peace. It is like a heavy history book waiting to be read, and like a splendid scroll unfolding before the world. Let us step into Fenghuang Ancient Town to explore the beauty and mystery hidden deep within time.

References

[1] 高月仙. 凤凰古城：沱江畔的千年梦境[J]. 金桥, 2025(09): 82-85.

[2] 刘萌萌. 寻觅湘西：凤凰古城的人文记忆[J]. 社区文化, 2025(06): 132-145.

[3] 臧美莹. 凤凰古城[J]. 青年文学家, 2022(19): 92-93.

[4] 沈从文. 边城[M]. 北京: 人民文学出版社, 2018.

[5] 湖南省凤凰县地方志编纂委员会. 凤凰县志[M]. 长沙: 湖南人民出版社, 2010.

[6] 张成渝. 中国历史文化名城保护与旅游发展研究——以凤凰古城为例[J]. 城市规划, 2015(08): 78-85.

[7] 李娟. 湘西凤凰古城民俗文化活态传承研究[J]. 民族文学研究, 2017(03): 123-130.

Terms

Tuo River 沱江

East Gate Tower 东门城楼

Hongqiao 虹桥

Fenghuang Ancient Town Museum （凤凰）古城博物馆

Border Town 《边城》

Random Sketches on a Trip to Hunan 《湘行散记》

Long River 《长河》

Ancient Stone Bridge 古石桥

Stepping Stones 跳岩

Tujia Hand-Waving Dance 土家族摆手舞

Tie-Dye 扎染

Miao Drum Dance 苗族鼓舞

Crying Marriage 哭嫁

Openwork 镂空（银饰制作工艺）

Blood Cake Duck 血粑鸭

Fenghuang Cured Meat 凤凰腊肉

Questions

1. What are the two main ethnic minorities in Fenghuang Ancient Town?

2. What is the mother river of Fenghuang Ancient Town?

3. What does the “Nine Scenic Spots of Fenghuang” includes?

4. Why is Fenghuang Ancient Town named “Fenghuang”(Phoenix)?

5. Who is the most famous writer from Fenghuang Ancient Town, and which book of him depicts the town?

Answers

1. The Miao people and the Tujia people.

2. The Tuo River.

3. The universally recognized core version includes Shen Congwen’s Former Residence, Xiong Xiling’s Former Residence, Yang Family Ancestral Hall, East Gate Tower, Tuo River Boating, Wanshou Palace, Chongde Hall, Fenghuang Ancient Town Museum and Hongqiao.

4. Firstly, the town’s unique geographical location and terrain resemble a soaring phoenix. Secondly, due to historical evolution: during the Ming Dynasty, a military camp named “Fenghuangying” (Phoenix Camp) was established here, and the Qing Dynasty later renamed it “Fenghuangting” (Phoenix Sub-prefecture). The name has been preserved to this day, forming a dual origin of terrain and history.

5. The most famous writer is Shen Congwen. His book “Border Town” (Bian Cheng) takes Fenghuang Ancient Town as its prototype, depicting the town’s landscapes, customs, and daily life.

凤凰古城

地理位置概况

凤凰古城坐落于湖南省湘西土家族苗族自治州西南部的凤凰县境内，地处湘黔渝三地交界核心，总面积约10平方千米，核心城区1.8平方千米，是中国西南地区保存最完整、风貌最独特的少数民族古城之一。因为独特的地理位置，酷似一只展翅飞翔的凤凰，所以有了凤凰一词。还因为政治历史的沿革，明朝在凤凰山设凤凰营；清朝改凤凰营为凤凰厅，凤凰古城直至今日。凤凰古城自古便是西南交通要道与商贸重镇，独特区位让它兼具湘黔渝三地文化韵味，行走其间，多民族交融的鲜活气息扑面而来。这里以山地、丘陵为主，西北高、东南低的地势让群山如屏障般环抱古城，平均海拔约500米，亚热带季风湿润气候造就了四季温和湿润的宜居环境。作为国家AAAA级旅游景区、中国历史文化名城，它既有“中国最美小城”的诗意光环，更藏着浓郁的烟火质感。依托沱江山水自然布局，苗族、土家族民俗与汉族建筑韵味深度交融。

文脉相传的历史底蕴

凤凰古城的历史可追溯至先秦，历经汉、三国、明清等朝代变迁，从明代军事营堡“凤凰营”，到清代商贸重镇，再到如今的文旅标杆，数百年发展历程藏于一砖一瓦之间。始建于明代嘉靖三十五年（1556年）的古城，历经五百多年历史变迁，城内仍然保留完整的明清传统格局和风貌。著名的“凤凰九景”包括东门城楼、沱江泛舟、虹桥、崇德堂、古城博物馆、杨家祠堂、沈从文故居、熊希龄故居、万寿宫等古建筑，透着岁月的沧桑。

著名作家、历史学家沈从文的出现，使凤凰古城不仅闻名全国，而且蜚声世界。“沈从文故居”的建筑设计，属于典型的湘西明清四合院形式。故居始建于清同治五年(1866年)，沈从文在此度过童年与少年时光，凤凰古城的山水风情和民俗生活深刻影响了他的创作，成为其文学世界的重要源泉。作为一个人文景点，故居陈列布局简约质朴，保留着当年的木格花窗，青瓦白墙与天井院落。屋内展有沈从文生平照片，手稿原件，著作版本及部分私人用品，如书桌，砚台等。其中《边城》，《湘行散记》，《长河》等代表作均有详实介绍，展现了其笔下湘西世界的诗意与人文关怀。雨季的凤凰城，就像沈从文的《边城》：“等一城烟雨，渡一世情缘”所描绘的的凤凰古城，给人景色很美的印象，清澈见底的河流，清脆悦耳的鸟鸣，屹立于山脚的白塔，古朴典雅的吊脚楼和平静河面上的几叶扁舟。“我这一辈子走过许多地方的桥，看过许多次数的云，喝过许多种类的酒，却只爱过一个正当最好年龄的人。”有很多人因为这一句话，而喜欢上沈从文，又因为他的《边城》而喜欢上了凤凰古城。

建筑风貌与人文景观

凤凰古城的建筑是山水与人文的完美契合，融合苗、土家、汉三族风格，每一处景观都藏着巧思。沱江是古城的灵魂，这条发源于贵州梵净山的河流穿城而过，将古城分为南北两岸，勾勒出“山环水绕”的绝美画卷。沱”在苗语里是蛇的意思，沱江意指弯弯曲曲的像蛇一样游走的河流。沱江是凤凰古城的母亲河，晨雾萦绕沱江水，遨游在凤凰的诗情画意中，仿佛在世外桃源人间仙境。这里是沈从文的故乡，当年沈从文就是乘船沿沱江而下外出求学，沈从文笔下的这座“边城”更是如诗如画。清晨的沱江最是静谧，江面泛着淡淡雾气，晨光洒在水面上闪着细碎金光，当地居民撑着小木船缓缓划过，船桨划水的轻响与远处苗家山歌交织，瞬间卸下旅途疲惫，尽显岁月静好。走累了便寻一家临江小茶馆，点一杯本地毛尖，看行人踩着跳岩往来，任清风拂面，整个人都彻底放松下来。傍晚的沱江更具韵味，夕阳西下时江水被染成橘红色，形成绝美的夜景。

吊脚楼作为标志性建筑，沱江两岸鳞次栉比，上千栋木质建筑依山傍水、悬空而建，底层架空防潮储物，上层门窗雕刻精美，花鸟、龙凤纹样栩栩如生，兼具实用性与观赏性，尽显少数民族建筑智慧。临江吊脚楼民宿推窗便是沱江全景，木质栏杆带着天然纹理，午后坐在阳台藤椅上品茶，看行人往来、听摊贩吆喝，时光仿佛慢了下来。这些吊脚楼多为明清时期建造，历经数百年风雨仍完好保存，靠的是独特木质结构与居民世代精心维护。

古石桥是古城另一特色，30余座明清石拱桥横跨沱江，其中虹桥最具代表性。这座全长112米的明代风雨桥，桥面铺着青石板，两侧木构廊亭雕刻精美，廊柱民俗图案生动鲜活，廊下长椅常有老人闲聊纳凉，满是烟火气息。

民俗文化与地域特色

作为多民族聚居地，古城民俗文化丰富多彩，苗族鼓舞是当地极具代表性的艺术形式。舞者身着绚丽苗族服饰，在铿锵有力的鼓点中，通过明快奔放的动作展现力量与美感，传递着苗族人民的热情与活力。土家族的摆手舞也独具特色，舞者围成圆圈，手脚配合，摆动幅度大，动作朴实，展现出劳动场景与生活风貌。此外，古城还保留着传统的婚嫁习俗，如哭嫁，新娘出嫁前以歌代哭，倾诉对亲人的不舍，曲调哀婉动人。

凤凰古城的传统手工艺历史悠久，银饰制作工艺精湛。当地银匠运用錾刻、镂空、花丝等技法，打造出造型精美的银饰，如银冠、银项圈、银手镯等，纹饰多以龙凤、花鸟、鱼虫为主题，寓意吉祥。扎染工艺同样出色，通过独特的扎结、染色手法，在布料上形成自然晕染的图案，色彩古朴典雅，制作出的服饰、头巾别具民族风情。手工刺绣也颇具特色，针法细腻，绣品色彩鲜艳，常被用于装饰服饰和生活用品。

除此之外，饮食文化同样独具特色，招牌血粑鸭必尝无疑，本地土鸭软烂入味，鸭血糯米血粑糯弹鲜香，搭配本地辣椒，辣度适中极具风味，让人回味无穷；凤凰腊肉肉质紧实，熏香浓郁，蒸热切片咸香适口，满是家乡味道；酸汤鱼选用沱江鲜鱼，搭配苗族特制酸汤，酸味醇厚、鱼肉鲜嫩，一口酸汤暖意直达心底，每一种美食都满足味蕾，更藏着湘西人的生活气息。

凤凰古城是一座充满神秘色彩的历史文化名城，它承载着丰富的历史文化遗产和独特的民族风情。在这里，你可以领略到湘西地区的独特魅力，感受到多民族的融合文化。无论是在江边漫步，还是在古老的街巷中穿梭，都能感受到一种宁静与祥和。它就像一本厚重的历史书，等待着人们去翻阅；又像一幅绚丽的画卷，展现在世人面前。让我们走进凤凰古城，去探寻那时光深处的美丽与神秘。

参考文献