Day 3
The phoenix is a mystical firebird in Chinese mythology representing good omen and longevity. The legend is that there were 2 phoenix birds that landed in this town and decided to stay here. This city has been constructed during the Ming and Qing Dynasties since 1704 and is more than 300 years.
It was another long bus ride from Zhangjiajia to reach Phoenix Ancient City. By the time we reached, it was already dark and after lunch, the guide took us to see the night scene of Phoenix Ancient City.
handmade yogurt sold in these tiny glass jar RMB12 and these are hand-painted jars by the customers. Of course I bought one home and the yogurt is very refreshing. I normally like to collect the milk jar back from my trips...
another interesting cafe with wishes.
The night scene is really loud and noisy with many pubs, cafes, street vendors selling ethnic tribe handicrafts and restaurants.
One last look back before we went back to our hotel
After a good night sleep, we went back to see Phoenix City and now we can clearly see the charm and lovely views of this ancient city...
Thought this type of "open pants" are out-dated, but obviously still in use....only in China? hahaha.
Hunan cuisine....chillies and more chillies..
these are kiwi fruits with pink centers ...very tasty and sweet.
smoked/cured meat plentiful around this area...
Phoenix Ancient town is divided into the old town with its ancient houses nestling near the Nanhua mountainside and the newer part of the town. 
one of the ancient houses turned into a hotel..
Walking along the riverside.
not sure these are genuine raw honey or something else?
reminder of the night life along the river....
The Toujiang River, where you can see the residents doing their laundry and men fishing at the same time...
The art installation(on left) shows a man tearing off his shirt and running to jump into the river ....the story behind is that fisherman saw a child drowning and he jumped into the river and ended up losing his life.
in the background is the Wanming Pagoda... the perfect balance of harmony ... water, mountain and people.
clinging to the mountainside are these ancient houses supported by pillars and stilts
Some these houses have turned into budget hotels
always anywhere anytime for a groupie...
helping the economy of the rural people... old ladies selling these flowers rings
The ancient wall around the East Gate... with my pretty cousin.
old flagstones path smoothed over the centuries
Ancient East Gate
"Ancient East Gate is a scenic area located in the east side of Fenghuang Ancient Town. And it was originally called Shengheng Gate as one of the four town gate in Fenghuang Ancient Town. The East Gate Tower is close to Tuo River, built in the 54 year (1715) during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1616 AD-1911 AD).".......wiki
One of the doors of the Gate....
wandering around the more than 20 ancient lanes and alleys
another hotel inside and notice the silverware hanging at the entrance. The main population here is the Miao tribe and others ethnic minority tribes and these silverwares are one of their handicrafts.
Also this lady was singing and weaving the same time...
This shop sells top grade "jui sha" (cinnabar powder) jewellery (for feng shui benefits) and decorations.
statues of ancient guardians..
more ethnic handicrafts ...
One of the cheap souvenir is Ginger candy and it is indeed tasty..
stinky taufoo... popular here too.
Inside the Rainbow Bridge...plenty of art, calligraphy and souveniers.
After lunch at our own expenses (very tasty beef noodles soup) it was time to say goodbye Zhangjiejia. The guide took us back HighSpeed Train station and we finally arrived back in Guangzhou at night.
Our supper in Guanghzhou..... after all those spicy meals, it was time for clear fishball noodles with crispy fried fish skins..yum
