The Southern Great Wall (Miao Border Wall) stretches across the ridgelines northwest of Fenghuang, built over several centuries by the Qing dynasty specifically to separate the Miao population of western Hunan from the Han-controlled lowlands. Unlike the northern Great Wall, which kept external enemies out, this structure was designed to confine an internal population. The surviving sections offer dramatic views over terraced rice fields dropping toward the valley below.
The wall is more modest in scale than its northern counterpart — stone-built rather than brick, lower and without the extensive gate towers — but occupies terrain that is equally spectacular. The best-preserved section is about 10 kilometres northwest of Fenghuang, accessible by taxi or local bus. Walking along the wall parapet in either direction from the main access point provides good views and a sense of the terrain's strategic logic. Entry costs around ¥50; the scenery of terraced valleys and forested ridgelines is worth the visit independently of the historical significance.