Xiushan 秀山土家族苗族自治县 — Border Town — Shen Congwen's Literary World
Xiushan sits on the border between Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces. The county is famous as the setting for Shen Congwen's classic novel "Border Town" (边城), one of the most beloved works of modern Chinese literature.
The county's beautiful riverside landscape and ethnic minority culture create a world far removed from urban Chongqing. The area retains a timeless quality that inspired Shen Congwen's poetic prose.
Xiushan preserves significant Miao and Tujia cultural traditions, including distinctive textile patterns, silver jewelry, and festival customs.
The real-life town that inspired Shen Congwen's novel. The riverside settlement sits at the confluence of the You and Rong rivers, with the provincial boundary running through the middle of the river. Traditional wooden buildings, stone bridges, and a peaceful atmosphere capture the essence of Shen Congwen's literary world. The old ferry crossing still operates.
Hours: 全天开放
Admission: Free
Xiushan is famous for its flower lantern (花灯) folk art tradition — a unique combination of singing, dancing, and theatrical performance. Cultural performances are held regularly, and visitors can learn about this distinctive intangible cultural heritage.
Hours: Performances vary
Admission: ¥20–50
A high-altitude plateau (1,000m+) offering panoramic mountain views, grazing land, and a cool climate escape. The plateau's meadows and forests contrast sharply with the tropical valleys below.
Hours: 全天开放
Admission: Free