This photo taken on July 17, 2023 shows a night view of the ancient town of Fenghuang，Hunan Province, China. /CFP

This photo taken on July 17, 2023 shows a night view of the ancient town of Fenghuang，Hunan Province, China. /CFP

This photo taken on July 17, 2023 shows a night view of the ancient town of Fenghuang，Hunan Province, China. /CFP

This photo taken on July 17, 2023 shows a night view of the ancient town of Fenghuang，Hunan Province, China. /CFP

The ancient town of Fenghuang in central China's Hunan Province was aglow with vibrant lights as crowds of onlookers surged along both banks of the Tuojiang River.

Meaning "phoenix" in Chinese, Fenghuang old town was established in 1704. It has retained its originality and undeveloped simplicity for over 300 years, offering visitors a glimpse of village life before industrialization. The Tuojiang River has played a crucial role in local people's lives for decades. Stretching 96.9 kilometers across Fenghuang County, it provides rich resources for daily washing, fishing and work for boatmen.