On May 25, Chelsy Bautista, a well-known social media influencer from the Dominican Republic, visited Fenghuang Ancient Town in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. She strolled through streets and alleys, sampled local snacks, and admired the night scenes, experiencing firsthand the unique charm of Xiangxi's natural landscapes and Miao culture.

With over 4.5 million followers across various social media platforms, Chelsy is a singer-songwriter, actress, and youth ambassador for UN-related initiatives, and has long been dedicated to international youth exchange and cultural promotion. On this day, she strolled leisurely through the ancient city's cobblestone streets, pausing along the way to sample local delicacies, immersing herself in the authentic, vibrant atmosphere of Fenghuang Ancient Town. The online influencer visited a travel photography studio and a batik craft shop in the ancient town, where she admired the exquisitely patterned traditional Miao ethnic clothing and the rustic batik products (an intangible cultural heritage tradition), gaining insight into the heritage and craftsmanship of Fenghuang's local folk arts and crafts.

Chelsy then made her way to the Shenfeng Cultural Scenic Area on Nanhua Mountain, where the lush green forests were refreshing to the eyes and the fresh air was invigorating. Along the way, she came across a humorous folk slogan inscribed by Chinese artist Huang Yongyu, whose witty and vivid local phrases made her stop to take photos. As she climbed the steps, Chelsy snapped pictures at various scenic spots and wandered in a sea of blooming hydrangea flowers. Looking into the distance from these heights, she enjoyed panoramic views of distinctive landmarks such as the Border Town Stone Street, the Tuojiang River Stepping Stones, and the Rainbow Bridge spanning the river, leaving her utterly enchanted.

"This is my first trip to China and first trip to Fenghuang. I am very delighted with the amazing people, beautiful scenery, pretty nature, and all that it has offered. Actually I am really a huge fan of the Miao culture. And this is the place that you should definitely visit if you are looking for magical scenery and magical ancient town in China," said Chelsy.

As night fell, the banks of the Tuojiang River were aglow with lights, and the ancient town sparkled with vibrant colors. Dressed in exquisite Miao attire and adorned with traditional silver jewelry, Chelsy strolled through the streets and alleys along the river, snapping photos and soaking in the unique charm of the ancient town at night. Later, she boarded a cruise boat to sail down the Tuojiang River, immersing herself in the night views. The river and the lights on both banks fully showcased the romance and vitality of the night scenery in western Hunan.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunantoday