This was the view from a gorgeous terrace in Fenghuang, China, a city in Hunan province. The ancient town is distinctive, with its buildings, alleys, bridges, and towers clinging to the atmospheric riverside.

But visitors should also know that Fenghuang is visited heavily by tourists, particularly Chinese ones. The photo I capture here represents a gorgeous, but momentary oasis, in what was otherwise a crowded and busy time in this popular stop on the Chinese tourist trail.