Stilt house,also Hanging Bulding, a kind of folk residence built on the stilts of different heights, is usually built beside the river or in steep mountain areas in Fenghuang Ancient Town.
The stilt house is usually divided into two parts, the front part and the rear part. The front part is a storied building built on the ground and similar to the fence-style building, while the rear part is a bungalow. In front of the house is a corridor formed by wood balusters with a height of about 1 meter. Suspended windows were equipped in some houses for rest and enjoying cool. Sundries can be stored under the floor, and, by this, the space is utilized smartly. The space of the stilt house is arranged facilely in various shapes.
The shortage of construction land is relatively relieved, for the stilt house makes use of the hillside or river, which is originally not suitable for building houses. Furthermore, it has the advantages of aeration, moisture-proof, viper defense, and wild animal defense.
On boat rafting of Tuojiang River in Fanghuang Town, you can see the stilt houses which is a major feature of Phoenix's ancient architecture.