Tourism rising in Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan

Fenghuang Ancient Town in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Hunan province saw a jump in tourists during summer vacation.

Lights were on along the banks of the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang, and visitors took a wooden boat to appreciate them. The town is known for its beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic customs.

Along the river are rows of well-arranged hanging buildings, which became famous after they were depicted by the influential modern Chinese writer Shen Congwen (1903-88).

The town is mainly inhabited by Miao and Tujia people, who account for more than 73 percent of thte total population.

Fenghuang received more than 12.4 million tourist trips in the first half of this year, with tourism revenue reaching almost 12 billion yuan ($1.64 billion) — up by more than 20 percent, according to local government figures.