Have you ever seen the famous TV series called “Legend of the Western Hunan” and “Putting Down Bandits inWulongMountain”? If yes, maybe many scenes in these teleplays impressed you deeply. Precisely, the Old Courtyard is just the filming base of both.Located in the urban area of Zhangjiajie, the Old Courtyard witnessed the legend of a prominent family among thousands of years. Thus, it is commonly identified as “the first cartilage in the western Hunan”, “the best-preserved Tujia ancient mansion within the western Hunan even within our country”, “the living fossil of Tujia buildings” and so on. Uncovering the quiet Old Courtyard’s memories, surprisingly, our former premier of the state council also once left countless footprints here in his precious student hood.Walking in the Old Courtyard, you can not only appreciate the rich heritage left by predecessors, but also taste delicious Tujia foods. Meanwhile, there are a series of great local programs waiting for you, which may shock your heart and soul.Since its opening in 2006, all sectors of the community speak highly of it. Thanks to its great contributions to our social education and family education, more and more families come together to learn all kinds of knowledge. It seems that the Old Courtyard gives us surprise here and there. Especially the residential culture of Tujia: The Old Courtyard is typically built in accordance with Tujia building style. The mode of ventilation and lighting are incomparable all over the world. Standing here, seeing our ancestors’ wisdom sparkling, what a magical sceneTranslated by Becky

Yongding District 2012-07-28 16:24 View：4118

Oolong village— a splendor for a brave heartI have been in Zhangjiajie for 3 years and gone to National Forest Park for at least seven times, every time I go, I will find something new, something fantastic! Thus, I have trodden on most of its scenic spots, and among them, the most impressive and exciting experience is in the Oolong Village, the most adventurous and special splendor.The second time I went there was in spring, when the mountain was especially enchanting with flowers wandering around. Along the way, our journey was brimming with surprises and joys!1, Blooming flowers dotted around the mountain, when we first entered the mountain, a carpet of azalea blossoms jumped into our eyes, which was quite amazing!    Azalea blossoms wandering around the mountain, fancy!2, This was really a biggest surprise to us, because God sent aN adorable and lonely friend to us halfway. We called him “Big Grey” according its skin color! He was strong and faithful ,and always followed us closely till we reached the top. Sometimes he led us when we got lost  The ” Big Grey“ in the middle is looking at the camero curiously3, Perilous terrain, after my several times experience, I come to conclusion that if you want to go to this place, you must possess several traits to make it!   A slim figure, otherwise you cannot pass a lane like this!   A strong and malleable waist, because, you can not walk all the way straight when you are on a way like this!   Last but not least, a strong heart filled with courage if you really want to challenge a gorgeous like that  By Brenda

Wulingyuan District 2012-07-28 16:21 View：3901

Brief  Introduction:Ancient Huangsi Bridge Town, originally built in 686, is China’s best preserved town of Tang Dynastyso far. It is said that the bridge has profound relation with Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in ancient China. Although having been through countless battles, it has still been magnificent.Traffic:You can, start from Fenghuang, take minibus to Ah Laying, which will cost you 6 RMB, then to Huangsi Bridge from Ah Laying by electromobile, which only costs you 2 RMB.History:Huangsi Bridgein ancient time was called Weiyang Town and it has a history as long as 1300 years. In 1794, the biggest uprising of Miao nationality in history ever broke out here. Historians also regard this uprising as the civil war inside the Qing Dynasty.Huangsi Bridge, as a part of Southern Great Wall, has been a forward battle field of Miao and Han nationality.Note:The ticket price is 40 RMB (students can get 20% discount). The price is negotiable. What’s more, you can have a tourist of Miao nationality explain for you for free.By Patricia

Xiangxi & Fenghuang & Huaihua 2012-07-28 15:36 View：2326

Near the Cableway station and 400m away from the back slope of Tianjiatai, lies the scenic spot, Couple Rock, where two peaks like a couple hug intimately with each other, whispering in a low voice.It is clear to see the profile of human of two mountains in a far distance, their faces, eyes, brows , mouths, noses, teeth and hair are so vivid.The folks called them as the incarnation of Cupid. It is said that if a couple worship the Couple Rock and pray before it,, they will live to an old age in conjugal bliss and inseparable forever, for puppy lovers, it will wish a happy marriage with loyalty and honesty.So, if you have your significant one, bring him or her here, may you a happy ending!By Brenda

Wulingyuan District 2012-07-28 15:04 View：3729

Jade Emperor Grotto is located in the south of Makong Mountain which lies about 7 miles away from western city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province. It was solely-sponsored by local squire, Lijing in Qing Dynasty. Lijing, also called Li wurui and Jiudongyue, was born in the sixth year of Qianlong (1742), died in the forty-sixth of Daoguang (1825), at an age of 83. Mr.Li had a substantially well-off family which was the richest locally. He was diligent and talented as a youth, but failed in civil service examination time and again after decades of strenuous efforts for his official career. Since there was no hope in official circles, he had no illusions towards it any more, and then started to rest his comforts with the construction of Yuhuang Grotto. Based on the natural karst cave of Makong Mountain, he spent large amount of money hiring craftsmen to build three layers of“heaven”, “earth” , “hell” including eight holes under the artistic layout of upper, middle and below. In addition, three miles away from the Fengquan Cave, he also created another cave. Thus, Jiudongyue also refer to the whole Jade Emperor GrottoThe eight caves consisting of the upper layer of Jade Emperor Grotto, Jade Emperor Cave, the middle layer, Jade Gold Cave, Haobi (a kind of writing brush) Cave, the Inkwell Cave, Tiger Dragon Cave, Lion Cave, Saint Confucius Cave and the lower level of Karma Cave, made up a whole Chaotic World. The No.1 Cave, Jade Emperor Cave engraved with a statue of Jade Emperor stood for the supreme of “the Heaven” who was in charge of the middle layer of “the Earth” and the lower of “Hell”, so the entire grotto was named after it.It had been under construction for eight years from 1799 to 1807, a great deal of historical figures statues and poetry inscribed board in the cave not only represented the exquisite and unique stone carving skills by the vivid description of personages and powerful and grand calligraphy, but also on its artistic theme conveyed the main sponsor, Lijing’s frustration for his talents, his cynicisms of the society and longings for a peaceful and prosperous world. What’s more, it flayed the decaying civil service examination system which would provide historical materials for the study of social and imperial system of Qing Dynasty as well as the state of intellectuals then.The whole grotto is over a length of 300m from east to west, possessing 19stone statues and more than 50 stone carving now, which is the only one grotto art group in good keep in Hunan province and has been listed into the key units of cultural relics protection of Hunan province in 1959.By Brenda

Yongding District 2012-07-28 14:56 View：3789

Red River Valley—an untamed wonder for exploringRed River Valley is located at the foot of Jie zibao forestry centre of the Taiping Township, 35 km away from Zhangjiajie city. It would take 1 hour to get there due to the poor road conditions. It is hidden among the mountains, a place with clean and cool stream that is seldom trodden by others.It is a purely path for recreation that may not exhaust you too muchand a best choice for exploring after busy days!By Brenda#gallery-1 {margin: auto;}#gallery-1 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 33%;}#gallery-1 img {border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;}#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}

Yongding District 2012-07-28 14:50 View：5166

Fenghuang Former Residence of Shen Congwen features the Xiangxi architectural style,As one of the national cultural heritages in Hunan province.Situated in No.10 on Zhongying Street in Fenghuang Ancient Town, The Former Residence of Shen Congwen is an outstanding culture relic in this town. This residence is the birth-place of Shen Congwen. The residence is a typical spacious ancient courtyard with special tectonic style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was constructed over 100 years ago by Shen Congwen’s father when serving in the Qing imperial government. The yard has passed down from generation to generation, experiencing historical vicissitude, and all the glory and honor have passed away with the time. Finally, it was listed as the key culture relic under provincial protection in 1991.Displaying the calligraphy work, manuscript and the portrait of Shen Congwen, the place has become one of the most popular cultural landscapes of Phoenix Town.Translated by Sophia

Xiangxi & Fenghuang & Huaihua 2012-07-28 14:02 View：2416

Ganxi Ditch, situated in Jiantan Village, Gaoqiao Town, ZJJ Cili County, Hunan Province, is 10km away from town government. It originates from Nanxi Village. Its stream flows through Jiantan Village and then through Taoyuan County in Changde, Hunan and finally merges into Yuan River.Ganxi Ditch is as long as 15km. Main eyesight in Jiantan Village is about 5-6km. It belongs to depopulated zone. Birds races to sing in this wonderland with high mountain, flourish forest, clear stream and fresh air. Along the stream, there is small path. Walking along the stream or through wood, it’s quite comfortable with no direct sunshine. Besides, there are several deep pools which are quite good place for swimming and taking a bath. It is really a wonderful place to escape from summer heat and get close to nature. It’s also a good choice to go camp and cook outdoor together with several friends.By Patricia

Cili County 2012-07-27 08:38 View：2787