Visit Fenghuang, China

Known also as Phoenix City, thanks to an ancient legend that says one once lived here, Fenghuang maintains much of its pre-industrial architecture, including stilted houses perched on either side of the river Tuo Jiang.

The old town is a fascinating place for a leisurely stroll and one could easily spend an entire day here, taking in the atmosphere of what the China of a hundred years or so ago must have been like.

There is also a strong minority population here, easily identified by their bright clothing and distinctive jewellery.