Slow Life Guide to Misty Border Town

Hunan Border Town · Chadong Ancient Town｜A Slow Life Guide Hidden at the Junction of Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou

Avoid the crowded internet-famous ancient towns; this border town spanning three provinces hides the poetry and everyday life described by Shen Congwen. This concise guide helps you easily unlock the unique experience of "stepping into three provinces at once."

1. Transportation: Choose the Right Way to Avoid Hassle

- Self-driving (highly recommended): Navigate directly to "Border Town Chadong Ancient Town." You can drive right to the ancient town’s entrance with no entrance fee; especially suitable for families or groups, avoiding the trouble of transfers.
- High-speed train + shuttle:
1. Take the high-speed train to Jishou East Station, then buy a ticket at the bus station to Huayuan County for 42 RMB/person;
2. After arriving at Huayuan County bus station, transfer to a bus costing 6 RMB/person directly to the ancient town;
3. For the lazy: contact the homestay owner in advance to arrange a pick-up from the train station for 50 RMB/person, about 1 hour total, more worry-free.

2. 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary: Slowing Down Is the Real Deal

Day 1: First Encounter with the Border Town, Immersive Food and Exploration

1. Afternoon: Cross-Province Experience of the "Lala Ferry"
After settling your luggage, be sure to take the 2 RMB/person Lala Ferry — a vivid testament to ancient wisdom, crossing the river by pulling a single rope. The opposite bank is Hong'an Ancient Town in Chongqing; stroll the old street and return in time to catch the return ferry.
2. Evening: Taste the "Flavors of Three Provinces"
After returning to the Hunan side, try the Jiao Jiao Fish Hotpot, known as "one pot cooking three provinces": it blends Guizhou’s sour, Chongqing’s numbing spice, and Hunan’s heat. The fish is tender, and the soup base with rice is fragrant; you can also try the beef rice noodles with skin, tasting the flavors of all three provinces in one bite.
3. Night: Slowly Enjoy Ancient Town Time
After dinner, stroll along the ancient town’s stone paths, watching lanterns light up the night; find a riverside bar, order a drink, sit and watch the river view, completely relax, and feel the unique tranquility of the border town.

Day 2: Trace the Culture, Check in at the "Three-Province Junction"

1. Morning: Wake up naturally and visit attractions
After a good sleep, have a local breakfast, then follow the bluestone paths to key spots: the "One Foot in Three Provinces" landmark (where you can simultaneously locate Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou—remember to take photos), the Liu-Deng Army Southwest Command Post, Shen Congwen’s Former Residence, Cuicui Residence, White Pagoda, and the ancient dock, experiencing the cultural heritage of the ancient town.
2. Afternoon: Bring Home Some "Border Town Flavor"
Before leaving, don’t forget to buy some Yuanzhu Rice Tofu as a snack. The recommended double-spicy homemade chili sauce, especially the one with the unique wood ginger aroma, is distinctive and appetizing. Many people miss this flavor after returning home.

3. Accommodation: Stay in the Right Place, Sleep by the River

Prioritize riverside stilted house homestays, averaging about 200 RMB per night, with river views right from the window; sitting on the balcony daydreaming and watching boats come and go lets you fully experience the ancient town’s tranquility, creating a better atmosphere than staying in street-facing rooms.

4. Tips

There is no heavy commercial atmosphere here. Although transportation is not very convenient, it perfectly preserves the original slow life. If you want to escape the city noise and find a place to "empty your mind," this border town at the junction of three provinces is definitely worth staying a night.