If you go

Getting there: Begin your exploration in Zhangjiajie, where high-speed trains provide easy access to the ancient towns of western Hunan province. The journey takes about 20 minutes to reach Furong town, 40 minutes to Longshan county (home to Liye), and approximately one hour to Fenghuang.

Accommodation: You can choose to stay in charming guesthouses within the ancient towns or opt for hotels located just outside.

Cuisine: A staple dish is rice noodles, served with a variety of toppings, such as braised pork, beef, and mushrooms. For those who enjoy spicy food, be sure to try the popular local specialty: garlic chili fried cherry tomatoes. Other local delicacies include dishes made from free-range pigs and chickens, as well as pickled pork, often stir-fried with chili or bamboo shoots. Traditional snacks include rice pudding, mugwort rice cake, glutinous rice cake, and fried kudzu root cake.