Local people's daily routines evolve around the river and according to its different features in one day, Phoenix takes on varying looks, just like the diverse roles of a woman.
The whole town is smothered in the early morning mist. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
---By Duan Xuelian
It is safe to say that the livelihood of Phoenix, the ancient town that is harbored in the deep mountains of southwestern China's Hunan province, depends largely on Tuojiang river. Meandering through the small town for thousands of years, Tuojiang river is known as the "mother river" of Phoenix.
Local people's daily routines evolve around the river and according to its different features in one day, Phoenix takes on varying looks, just like the diverse roles of a woman.
Peaceful Phoenix town is all yours if you come here early. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
In the morning
The morning is always the best time of the day. It is no exception in Phoenix. When the mountain tops are still submerged in the heavy morning mist, and there are hardly any pedestrians or vehicles on the roads, you can hear the rhythmic sounds of water rushing through the wooden dams and smell the scent of plants and soil in the fresh humid air.
Then, when the sun begins to peek from behind the mountains, people trickle out to the riverside. Housewives washing their clothes in the river, children swimming or playing in it, splash water which turns silver bright in the early morning sun. Wooden boats moor quietly on the riverside. Wanting to enjoy the fine scenery themselves, a few tourists venture into the old town area. Vendors are just beginning to unfold their wooden doors and display all sorts of travel keepsakes.
Neither the locals nor the visitors are willing to break the silent morning spell, as if fearing to wake up the drowsy town.
Shy, quiet, rosy Phoenix has all the spirit of a new bride in the morning.
A local woman washes clothes in Tuojiang river. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
At noon
When the rustling noise made by tourists and peddling vendors gradually sinks in the peacefulness of morning time, Phoenix turns into a tender mother. She is patient with her clamorous children.
Tourists would gradually crowd the historic town in early afternoon. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
Swarm of tourists shuttle in and out of its narrow valleys, and can't help but constantly press down the shutters of their cameras while marveling at Phoenix's beauty. They row the wooden boats along the Tuojiang river, bargaining with the vendors, eating in the riverside diners and lingering on the bridges spanning across the water. They are everywhere in the small township and reluctant to leave.
Phoenix shows her glamour when the night falls. The sparkling neon lights lining the stilted houses serve as her makeup. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
At night
Phoenix shows her glamour when the night falls. The sparkling neon lights lining the stilted houses serve as her makeup. Blasts of uproarious pop music spring from the bars pounding the hearts of passers by.
People who don't revel in the blatant atmosphere have already exited the scenic area, leaving mostly young people there. Some bars invite music bands to play live. They won't close until as late as two or three the next morning.
Travelers from different parts of China share one relaxing night in the historic town before departing and will probably never meet each other again in their lifetime.
With Tuojiang river as the backdrop, two tourists dressed in Miao costumes pose for a photograph. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
A local elder woman sells handicrafts in Phoenix. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
Phoenix shows her glamour when the night falls. The sparkling neon lights lining the stilted houses serve as her makeup. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]
