Chadong in Western Hunan! A Travel Guide to the Ancient Town of Three Provinces in "Border Town"

Chadong in Western Hunan! The prototype ancient town of "Border Town," the 2-yuan bamboo raft ferry is so healing

Who understands! Sitting on the bamboo raft ferry in Chadong Ancient Town, the wind is filled with the gentleness described by Shen Congwen! One step crosses Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou provinces, stilt houses reflecting in the clear water of the river. Save this guide, everyone~

📍Address: Chadong Town, Huayuan County, Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Province
🚗 How to get there?

- Self-driving: Navigate to "Chadong Ancient Town Visitor Center," parking costs 10 yuan/day, the green mountains and clear waters along the way are super healing~
- Public transport: First arrive at Jishou Station, transfer to the Jishou → Huayuan shuttle bus (35 yuan/person), then take a taxi to the ancient town (15 yuan), even lazy travelers can get there!

✨3 Must-Do Things to Relive the Romance of "Border Town"

1. Ride the 2-yuan bamboo raft ferry: The bamboo raft crosses the Qingshui River, just like Grandpa Cuicui! The river breeze is super cool, watch the stilt houses on both banks slowly recede, the atmosphere is instantly full~
2. Check in at the "One Step Across Three Provinces Monument": Stand in front of the monument, left foot in Hunan, right foot in Chongqing, your phone’s location can even switch to Guizhou, taking photos here for social media is super unique~
3. Visit Cuicui Island: There is a statue of Cuicui on the island. Sitting on the stone bench by the river at dusk, listening to the sound of the water, it feels like meeting the young couple from the novel~

🍜 Must-Try Local Flavors, Eat to Full for About 20 Yuan Per Person

- Sour Soup Jiao Jiao Fish: Freshly caught fish cooked in sour soup, sour and spicy to whet the appetite, the fish meat is tender and melts in your mouth, available at riverside restaurants in the ancient town, about 40+ yuan per person~
- Tujia Smoked Bacon Stir-fried with Ferns: The bacon is smoked and so fragrant it drips oil, paired with crispy and tender ferns, mixed with rice you can eat two big bowls, 25 yuan per serving~
- Fried Oil Buns: Freshly fried at street stalls, crispy outside and soft inside, 3 for 5 yuan, hot and delicious, perfect for a snack when tired from walking~

📸 Best Photo Spots

- Riverside Stilt Houses: The light is softest at 4 PM, take photos from the bamboo raft ferry, the stilt houses reflected in the water create a full ancient vibe~
- Border Town Ferry Dock: Wear a plain-colored dress and stand on the stone steps, have a friend take a photo of your back, the river breeze lifts your clothes, instantly becoming the heroine of "Border Town"~
- Ancient Town Stone-paved Street: Red lanterns and wooden doors and windows at old houses, any photo looks like a screenshot from an old movie, remember to use live mode~

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations

- Riverside Homestay: Choose one renovated from a stilt house! The one I stayed at had a window facing the Qingshui River, woke up to birdsong in the morning, about 120 yuan per night per person~
- Ancient Town Inn: Close to the stone-paved street, convenient for eating and shopping, the owner offers homemade sour plum juice, about 80 yuan per night per person, great value~

⚠️ Notes

- Wear non-slip shoes! The stone-paved roads get slippery when it rains, don’t wear high heels~
- Bring a light jacket: The temperature difference by the river is big in the morning and evening, the river breeze at dusk can be a bit chilly~
- Respect customs: When encountering Miao or Tujia festivals, don’t interrupt casually, ask for permission before taking photos~

Chadong has no commercial noise, only time that slows down to the bone. Sitting on the bamboo raft ferry, I thought this must be the "most beautiful border town" described by Shen Congwen~