Fenghuang Ancient Town stages events from 1 to 7 October

Fenghuang Ancient Town hosted its National Day programme from 1 to 7 October 2026 in Fenghuang, China, with river performances, street activities and evening cultural events. The programme brought performances to the Tuojiang River, North Gate Wharf and the Nanhua Mountain scenic area during the holiday period.

The town is also known for its riverside stilted buildings and historic streets. A continuing visitor activity announced alongside the programme runs until 31 December 2026.

Fenghuang Ancient Town programme ran from 1 to 7 October

The programme included a gala on 1 October at the water stage between the Tuojiang River stepping stones and Snow Bridge. Its listed content included an immersive boat performance, interviews, singing and dancing, and stories about workers.

At North Gate Wharf, a boat-launch ceremony was scheduled from 1 to 7 October, with Miao music and dance linked to evening cruises. The same period also brought Miao-themed street performances, lantern dances and excerpts from traditional Nuo theatre. The local announcement describes the activities and venues in its October programme guide.

An evening programme at Nanhua Mountain was listed for 1 to 7 October in the area around Shenfeng Hall. It combined a light show with Miao cultural performances, including ritual elements, a sedan-chair scene and group dancing. These events were open visitor activities, rather than invitation-only gatherings.

River setting links October events to the historic town

The programme used the Tuojiang River as both a performance setting and a route through the old town. That connection matters because the town’s stilted buildings stand along the river, while North Gate Wharf is one of the places where visitors join river activities.

Fenghuang Ancient Town was built in 1704, according to the Hunan provincial government. Its buildings include Ming and Qing architectural elements, and its communities include Miao, Han and Tujia traditions. The provincial tourism authority describes a 240-metre group of stilted buildings at Huilong Pavilion, built during the Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China. Further background is provided by the Hunan tourism profile.

The relationship between the programme and the setting was especially direct on the river stage, where performances used the same waterway lined by traditional houses. A separate report from Xinhua’s holiday coverage also identified Fenghuang as a destination for Miao welcoming rituals, lantern shows and folk performances during the National Day holiday.

Fenghuang City Tour continues through 31 December

The local programme guide also listed Fenghuang City Tour from 1 October to 31 December 2026. Participants choose one day or night boat activity and two town sights, then upload photographs through the activity programme to receive a commemorative medal.

The listed sights include East Gate Tower, Yang Family Ancestral Hall, Shen Congwen’s Former Residence, Huang Yongyu Art Museum, Lei Yutian Art Museum and Xiong Xiling’s Former Residence. This longer-running activity gives the October programme a continuing element, although the performances listed for 1 to 7 October have ended.

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The National Day programme ran from 1 to 7 October 2026. The river gala took place on 1 October, while North Gate Wharf and Nanhua Mountain hosted activities during the wider period.
• The October performances were temporary cultural events. The continuing Fenghuang City Tour activity runs until 31 December 2026, with a boat activity and two listed town sights.
• The town is in Fenghuang County in Hunan Province, China, on the Tuojiang River. Fenghuang is connected with Huaihua and Jishou in Hunan and Tongren in Guizhou.
• Visitors encounter riverside stilted buildings, historic lanes, stone bridges and buildings associated with the Ming and Qing periods. The riverfront setting includes steps, wharves and uneven historic streets.
• The official language is Mandarin Chinese and the national currency is the renminbi.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

Searching for Fenghuang Ancient Town on social platforms

These links open searches for Fenghuang Ancient Town on each platform.

Frequently asked questions about Fenghuang Ancient Town

When did the National Day programme take place at Fenghuang Ancient Town?

The programme ran from 1 to 7 October 2026. It included a 1 October gala and activities at North Gate Wharf and Nanhua Mountain.

What is Fenghuang Ancient Town?

It is a historic town in Fenghuang County, Hunan Province, built in 1704 and known for riverside stilted buildings and Ming and Qing architectural elements.

Where is Fenghuang Ancient Town and how do you get there?

It is in Fenghuang County in Hunan Province, China, near the Tuojiang River. The town is connected with Huaihua and Jishou in Hunan and Tongren in Guizhou.