A local woman washes clothes in Tuojiang river. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]

At noon

When the rustling noise made by tourists and peddling vendors gradually sinks in the peacefulness of morning time, Phoenix turns into a tender mother. She is patient with her clamorous children.

Tourists would gradually crowd the historic town in early afternoon. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]

Swarm of tourists shuttle in and out of its narrow valleys, and can't help but constantly press down the shutters of their cameras while marveling at Phoenix's beauty. They row the wooden boats along the Tuojiang river, bargaining with the vendors, eating in the riverside diners and lingering on the bridges spanning across the water. They are everywhere in the small township and reluctant to leave.