!!!Fenghuang, a fairy-tale town in China

Photos by [Sergey Semenov|http://www.airpano.com/semenov],
member of the [AirPano Team|Geography/About/Consortium/AirPano,_Team] that is a member of the [global-geography Consortium|Geography/About/Consortium]. \\

30 October 2019

with kind permission of [AirPano|http://www.AirPano.com]

Fenghuang, China

China is one of the most ancient countries with its unique culture. It
is the place where architecture and history are intertwined with
legends, and the best example is the ancient town of Fenghuang standing
on the Tuojiang River. Its name is written with the hieroglyphs
designating "phoenix". No one knows the origin of this name, but
eventually, it became symbolic: the settlement had the periods of both
decay and rebirth.

[{Image src='01_Fenghuang.jpg' caption='Fenghuang, China\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

The precise date of the foundation is unknown. It is believed that
people lived here as early as in the 7th century, but it was just a
border post. In 1554, tired of constant attacks of the Miao people from
the south, the Ming dynasty built a wall. 150 years later, the Qing, a
young dynasty at that time, officially founded Fenghuang.

[{Image src='02_Fenghuang.jpg' caption='Fenghuang, China\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

It was an important strategic point on a 190-kilometres-long defensive
line. Even though the Southern Great Wall is less known than the Great
Wall of China, it is still the major heritage of the country.

[{Image src='03_Fenghuang.jpg' caption='Fenghuang, China\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

Fenghuang was added to UNESCO's World Heritage Provisional List, not
only for its beauty but for saving the unique atmosphere, as well. When
you happen to come here, you will immerse in the 18th century and will
be able to get acquainted with daily routines and traditions of that
time. Unique wooden houses stand on pillars and rise above the water;
right at the doorsteps, women wash vegetables and their clothes in the
river. Despite the great number of bridges (some of them are the
architectural masterpieces), people still cross the river by hopping
from stones to stones that stand out of the water.

[{Image src='04_Fenghuang.jpg' caption='Fenghuang, China\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

Fenghuang has become such a significant living historical monument that
local authorities now protect it from the modernisation and the impact
of the modern world. But it wasn't always like this, though. With the
fall of dynasties and during the cultural revolution, many unique
objects were reconstructed or destroyed. For example, at the site of the
major part of the Southern Great Wall residential properties were built.
Wanming Pagoda was destroyed in the 1960s and recreated 20 years later.
The famous Rainbow Bridge was significantly rebuilt if comparing to the
original version. Besides, Fenghuang suffers from constant floodings.

[{Image src='05_Fenghuang.jpg' caption='Fenghuang, China\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

However, even the restored buildings look nice: you will be able to see
it with your own eyes through AirPano panoramas. You will never guess
that these houses have returned to life like a phoenix. And all this
does not matter so much: by admitting the mistakes of the past, the
modern Chinese authorities have invested significant efforts to show the
traditional way of life and the magnificence of the Qing architecture,
the last imperial dynasty of China.

[{Image src='06_Fenghuang.jpg' caption='Fenghuang, China\\© [AirPano|https://www.AirPano.com]' alt='' width='900' popup='false'}]

\\ \\
[11 panoramas of Fenghuang, a fairy-tale town in China|Geography/Asia/China/Pictures/Fenghuang]

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