This website in China can help you book a room there or elsewhere in Fenghuang: http://www.elong.net/hotels/

There is also a tourism bureau in Jishou that can assist in making arrangements, too.

The bus costs 15 yuan each way, and leaves from the bus station next to the KFC in downtown Jishou. A cab would be about 80 yuan each way.

Keep in mind I’ve only been here for 3 weeks, but here’s what I know.

There are buses and trains to Jishou, and there are several hotels near the bus and train stations. I am checking with my friends here to see which would be the best choices. None so far as I know are set up to do Internet booking, so phone or email would be your best bet there. There are buses to Fenghuang throughout the day, ending at 6 pm, leaving from the bus station. The cost I believe is about 12 yuan, or not quite US$2. You can also take a taxi and pay up to 100 yuan (these prices are negotiable, by the way, but everyone here charges Westerners more than they do the locals). Either way, the trip to Fenghuang takes about an hour.

Fenghuang itself has become a bit touristy, and there are plenty of hotel choices there. Again, I will check on which would be best. Top price there might be around 300 yuan, or roughly US$45, for a classy western-style hotel. If you’re interested in spending a leisurely day there, lodging in Fenghuang might be best, as you won’t need to worry about catching a bus back to Jishou.

Jishou itself is a city of about 200,000 with reasonable amenities, but is not yet a tourist destination. During rush hour traffic, the air can get thick with exhaust fumes, especially downtown where the train and bus stations are. During the rest of the day, the air is more breathable, though traffic is still busy. You will find plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities in the downtown area, and no one will try to sell you cheesy souvenirs. At worst, you’ll probably get stared at, as I know of only a handful of other westerners living here.

Hunan is hot this time of year, and it can rain pretty heavily at times. So, dress accordingly!

Restaurant leftovers are not taken home to be eaten later.

It’s a face thing. If you are treating guests to dinner then how much food is left on the table at the end is a sign of how generous you are. If you are eating with friends or family, you can be sure that stuff will get boxed up in styrofoam (or recently, plastic) boxes and taken home. It’s called “dabao” (打包), literally “wrap it up”. If you say that one word, the waiter will know what it means.

Restaurant leftovers are not taken home to be eaten later.

Maybe this is a regional thing. I distinctly remember my hosts taking leftovers with them years ago in Beijing.