HERITAGE CORNER
INGENIEUR
HERITAGE CORNER
INGENIEUR
Fenghuang - Tujia Stilted Building Construction
By Foo Mee Sim
Photo 1 : Morning view of Fenghuang ancient townscape along Tuojiang river
The ancient town of Fenghuang is situated in the southwest region of Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi in Hunan province , China . Tujia and Miao are two of the 55 ethnic minority tribes of PR China . Built in 1704 , this old town was given the title of the “ National AAAA Tourist Attraction ” for its charming scenery of ancient towers , bridges , streets , and other buildings as well as the rich culture of Miao , Tujia and 26 other minority ethnic groups .
Fenghuang boasts a long history and numerous cultural relics . It is home to two city gates and walls built in the Ming Dynasty ( 1368-1644 ), as well as five frontier passes of the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1911 ).
In addition , there are 88 ancient buildings , such as ancestral halls , temples , shops and guild halls , more than 120 ancient dwellings and the ruins of Government offices , as well as the residences of many famous figures . Fenghuang Ancient Town maintains the intact pattern of urban construction and historical appearance as in the Ming and Qing dynasties .
The buildings on the more than 30 ancient streets and alleys , are integrated with the surrounding natural environment , presenting a harmonious scene of mountains , water and people . Walking in the alleys , with green bricks and tiles , the mottled city walls are grayish-blue , as if stepping into the palace of the chieftain 100 years
76 VOL 97 JANUARY - MARCH 2024