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The whole town is smothered in the early morning mist. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]

---By Duan Xuelian

It is safe to say that the livelihood of Phoenix, the ancient town that is harbored in the deep mountains of southwestern China's Hunan province, depends largely on Tuojiang river. Meandering through the small town for thousands of years, Tuojiang river is known as the "mother river" of Phoenix.

Local people's daily routines evolve around the river and according to its different features in one day, Phoenix takes on varying looks, just like the diverse roles of a woman.

Peaceful Phoenix town is all yours if you come here early. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/Duan Xuelian]

In the morning

The morning is always the best time of the day. It is no exception in Phoenix. When the mountain tops are still submerged in the heavy morning mist, and there are hardly any pedestrians or vehicles on the roads, you can hear the rhythmic sounds of water rushing through the wooden dams and smell the scent of plants and soil in the fresh humid air.

Then, when the sun begins to peek from behind the mountains, people trickle out to the riverside. Housewives washing their clothes in the river, children swimming or playing in it, splash water which turns silver bright in the early morning sun. Wooden boats moor quietly on the riverside. Wanting to enjoy the fine scenery themselves, a few tourists venture into the old town area. Vendors are just beginning to unfold their wooden doors and display all sorts of travel keepsakes.

Neither the locals nor the visitors are willing to break the silent morning spell, as if fearing to wake up the drowsy town.

Shy, quiet, rosy Phoenix has all the spirit of a new bride in the morning.

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